It’s an exciting time to be a Cadillac devotee, especially if the iconic brand’s electric vehicle (EV) lineup has been commanding your attention over the past few years. Hot on the heels of the compact Cadillac OPTIQ’s entrance into the EV market for the 2025 model year, the manufacturer has followed it up with a welcomed addition to its electric SUV selection—the 2026 Cadillac OPTIQ-V. This new model joins the LYRIQ-V as the second EV in Cadillac’s illustrious V-Series lineup, a family with a heavy focus on high performance. If you’re the type of driver looking to command the road with thrilling acceleration, you’re going to want to experience this model for yourself. While Cadillac SUVs have not exactly been synonymous with breathtaking performance, the OPTIQ-V is looking to smash those dated stereotypes. Let me dive deeper into what makes this new Cadillac entry one to look out for.
It’s All About Performance
While the 2026 OPTIQ-V offers the efficiency of an EV coupled with the refined luxury Cadillac is known for, the real star of the show is its performance. How is this newcomer making a name for itself? That can be seen by looking at its all-wheel drive, dual-motor setup powered by an 85 kWh battery pack, allowing it to race forward with a jaw-dropping 519 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. This impressive figure is taking direct aim at models like the Tesla Model Y Performance and Audi SQ6 e-tron, which both offer less power. You’ll also get an impressive estimated range of 275 miles on a full charge.
This invigorating experience behind the wheel is further elevated by an array of performance-enhancing features. You have a variety of tools at your disposal, including a Velocity Max setting, which gives the OPTIQ-V the ability to launch from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, a speed many rivals wish they could compete with. Launch Control helps with this feat, ramping up torque before speeding off, giving you immediate acceleration. Competitive Mode gives you an assortment of traction management features, ensuring you have total control when you’re hugging tight curves on a backroad. There’s no denying that performance and exhilaration are front and center with the OPTIQ-V, which, in my opinion, makes this a truly exciting addition to the Cadillac stable.
It Still Has the High-End Luxury You’ve Come to Expect From Cadillac
Don’t think for a second that this heart-pounding performance comes at the cost of the exquisite luxury only Cadillac can provide. Just one look at its attention-grabbing appearance, and you can rest assured that you’ll be enveloped in opulence the second you step into the cabin. The interior color options include stunning Santorini Blue accents, giving you a unique interior layout that can only be found in a Caddy. But it’s more than just sharp looks inside; you’ll be greeted by a massive 33-touchscreen wrapping across two-thirds of the dashboard, complete with all the tools you’ll need to sync up your smartphone for hands-free calls, access directions, and pull up your favorite playlist. Speaking of playlists, you will be able to enjoy crystal-clear tunes courtesy of the standard 19-speaker AKG Studio Audio System. You’ll be able to navigate the roads with precision, enjoying all the cutting-edge amenities found with this celebrated manufacturer.
Cadillac Adds Another Thrilling Option to the V-Series Lineup
The V-Series lineup already showcased a wide range of options, from the compact CT4-V sedan to full-size Escalade-V SUV. The debut of the 2026 OPTIQ-V adds another adrenaline-fueled model to Cadillac’s signature arsenal. I would say that the OPTIQ-V exists in a unique segment, targeting drivers with a need for speed who still prefer the practicality of an SUV. Not only do you get the spacious cabin of a luxury SUV and the efficiency of an electric vehicle, but you’ll still be able to satiate your hunger for acceleration with a level of performance few models in its segment can compete with. The 2026 OPTIQ-V is here to prove that electric SUVs can deliver a thrilling experience on the road.
