Cadillac’s electric lineup continues to take shape and this time they’re introducing the entry-level Optiq. Designed to slot beneath the Lyriq, the Optiq is a compact crossover that promises to combine “spirited driving dynamics” with global appeal. The company isn’t saying much about the model at this point, but we’ll learn more next year. That being said, the crossover has a small fully enclosed grille that is flanked by vertical headlights. They’re joined by gloss black cladding and lower air intakes.
The two-tone design continues further back
as we can see blacked-out A-pillars that flow into a black roof. They’re joined
by matching mirrors and a blacked-out rear pillar, which has a ribbed graphic. Designers
also gave the crossover flush-mounted door handles and 21-inch wheels that are
wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tires. We can also see a charging port on
the front fender, which features a protruding Cadillac crest.
The rear end is relatively plain by
comparison, but it has split taillights that echo those found on the Escalade
IQ. They’re joined by an angular rear window and a heavily stylized liftgate. While
Cadillac is playing coy, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information
Technology has already revealed an assortment of details about the upcoming
electric crossover. In particular, the Optiq is slated to measure 4,821 mm long and has a wheelbase that spans 2,954 mm. That
means the model is roughly the same size as the XT5, but has a 97 mm longer wheelbase.
Besides being big for a “compact SUV,” the
Chinese Optiq is slated to have an electric motor with outputs of 201 hp and 241 hp. There will also be a dual-motor
all-wheel drive variant, which should have a combined output of 283 hp. Pricing and range remain the biggest mystery, but there’s a lot of
room beneath the US$ 57,195 Lyriq.
