Cadillac is only just starting deliveries of its first new-generation model in Australia, but it has already locked in two more models in what will still be an all-electric SUV-only lineup Down Under.
The Lyriq will be book-ended by the smaller five-seat Optiq and the larger, seven-seat Vistiq which, along with the high-performance Lyriq-V, will launch in Australia during 2026.
As with the Lyriq, these additional electric SUVs will be built in North America in right-hand drive. They’re all based on the same dedicated electric vehicle (EV) architecture, referred to as BEV3, which also underpins Acura, Buick, Chevrolet and Honda models.
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John Roth with the Vistiq (l) and Optiq (r)
Cadillac hasn’t said exactly when during 2026 the new electric SUVs will arrive, and will confirm pricing and specifications closer to their launch.
The Lyriq currently starts at $117,000 before on-road costs.
“We made a commitment that Cadillac’s incredible all-electric product portfolio would be a truly global offering,” said Cadillac global vice president John Roth.
“I’m thrilled to confirm the addition of the Optiq and Vistiq, both of which have planned and engineered to be built in right-hand drive from their inception, and which will build on Cadillac’s electric momentum in the ANZ region.”
2026 Lyriq-V
Cadillac vehicles will be included with all GM Specialty Vehicles models under the Australian Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) emissions regulations, helping to offset burly V8-powered models like the Chevrolet Corvette and Silverado 1500.
However, GM says they were in the plans for our market long before the NVES was announced.
“It is a benefit of selling the EVs for sure, but it’s not the sole reason for being… Cadillac has been in the plan for our market for some time,” said GM Australia and New Zealand managing director Jess Bala. Mr Roth had previously confirmed planning for Cadillac’s global relaunch started in 2015.
Optiq
Revealed in late 2023, the Optiq measures 4820mm long, 2126mm wide and 1644mm tall.
That makes it 176mm shorter, 81mm narrower and 21mm taller than the Lyriq, but it’s still longer and wider than a mid-sized Audi Q6 e-tron. It also weighs 2355kg.
It features a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain producing 224kW of power and 480Nm of torque; a single-motor front-wheel drive configuration is thus far exclusive to China.
Power is supplied by an 85kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NCM) lithium-ion battery.
In the US, the official claim under the stricter EPA test cycle is 486km, and it can be charged at up to 11.5kW on AC power or optionally at 19.2kW.
A DC fast-charge rate figure isn’t available, but Cadillac says 127km of range can be added in 10 minutes using a fast-charger.
It features coilover strut front suspension, while like the Lyriq there’s a five-link rear and Passive Plus Dampers.
Inside, even in the base model there’s a 33-inch curved LED display like the Lyriq with Google built-in, while music can be played through a 19-speaker AKG sound system with Dolby Atmos.
Other standard equipment includes a wireless phone charger, a fixed panoramic glass roof with a power sunshade, and power-adjustable and heated front seats with driver memory.
Stepping up through the Optiq range brings features like a head-up display, ventilated and massaging front seats, and heated outboard rear seats.
Vistiq
The Vistiq, also revealed late in 2023, is larger than the Lyriq and features an extra row of seating.
However, it’s smaller than Cadillac’s flagship electric SUVs the Escalade iQ and iQL, which have yet to be locked in for an Australian launch.
This three-row electric crossover measures 5222mm long, 2203mm wide and 1804mm tall on a 3094mm wheelbase.
That makes it 212mm longer than a Kia EV9, but on a 6mm shorter wheelbase. The base kerb weight is 2869kg.
While GM ANZ hasn’t confirmed local specifications for this model either, it has made note of the availability of adaptive air suspension which appears to suggest this could be offered here.
This feature, not available in the Optiq or Lyriq, is exclusive to Premium Luxury and Platinum models in the US market.
The standard suspension features multi-link front and five-link rear setups, with semi-active Chassis Damping Control dampers.
Only a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain is available, producing 458.6kW and 880Nm and doing the 0-60mph (0-96km/h) dash in 3.7 seconds in Velocity Max mode.
The Vistiq uses a 102kWh nickel manganese cobalt aluminium (NCMA) lithium-ion battery, providing a Cadillac-estimated 483km of electric range.
In the US, even the entry-level Vistiq comes with heated, ventilated, massaging and 18-way power-adjustable front seats; heated second-row outboard seats; a panoramic sunroof with power sunshade; a fixed-glass roof over the third row; a 33-inch curved display; dual wireless phone chargers; and a 23-speaker AKG Audio system with Dolby Atmos.
Stepping up to the Premium Luxury brings adaptive air suspension, active rear steering, an augmented reality head-up display and night vision.
