Chinese-Bound Cadillac OPTIQ Leaks Online, May Come to North America

Cadillac has planned to reveal three new EV models this year and one of them is an entry-level crossover slotting below the existing LYRIQ.

Called OPTIQ, it will enter production and go on sale in China by the end of 2023. We already know what it will look like thanks to pictures and specs that leaked online this week. Spotted by Carscoop, they come from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The OPTIQ is 4.82 metres long (with a wheelbase of 2.95 metres), 1.91 metres wide and 1.64 metres tall, giving it dimensions similar to those of the conventionally powered XT5. Unsurprisingly, designers have borrowed many cues from the LYRIQ, except that the front fascia is different with a much smaller grille panel. A panoramic roof and 20-inch wheels are available.

In China, Cadillac’s baby EV will offer single-motor and dual-motor variants rated at 201 horsepower and 241 horsepower, respectively. A lot of data is still missing, such as battery capacity and range, but the packs will be sourced from SAIC-CATL.

Will the OPTIQ come to North America? Maybe with more power and a different battery (GM’s Ultium). We’ll likely get an answer to that question in the coming months. Interestingly, a camouflaged prototype sporting a very similar shape was caught testing on U.S. roads recently. Cadillac executives have also confirmed that one of the three upcoming EVs will be built at more than one plant.

Remember, an electric Cadillac Escalade will be revealed pretty soon—August 9 to be exact. Called Escalade IQ, it’s reasonable to envision this full-size SUV featuring a three-motor system shared with the GMC Hummer EV, which can produce up to 1,000 horsepower. Don’t expect the same type of off-road capability, however, as the Escalade is a posh SUV designed to rule paved roads.