Upcoming 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V... Thoughts?

[Makomachine]

I want a Lincoln Nautilus BEV. Or a luxury-trim version of the Mach E called the Cougar. With 400-miles of range.

Makes zero sense that Ford hasn't capitalized on this already. A Lincoln with some more luxury touches on the Mach E platform would be amazing.

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[MrLoganRoss]

This car looks really impressive. However, after having to deal with the Google system in an equinox EV rental for the past week, I can’t get myself to buy a car that doesn’t have CarPlay. In addition, there is the element that is as cool as this car is, the Mach-E a beautiful car with an almost classic or timeless look.

That said, I’m in growing increasingly impressed with GM’s approach and dedication to EVs. The Mach-E and the F150 are amazing vehicles, however, at the moment it feels like Ford is stalled out.

 

[MrLoganRoss]

I am curious if anybody knows how the Google system works. Currently when I get out of the car and take my phone, all of my preferences, my music, my history, etc., goes with me. It is an excellent approach to privacy. However, in the Google system forced upon us in GM vehicles, does that mean because I am logged into the car with a Google account and all my apps, that whoever is in the car has access to everything?

 

[jetermeyer]

THe starting price is quite a bit more expensive than the GT. I haven't looked at options but I assume it is more expensive than that to walk off the lot.

 

[Mach1E]

My current Mach-E GT is a '23.5 (no performance upgrade), so the Optiq-V is actually a little faster than my current car. That being said, there is more to performance than just the 0-60 time. The handling dynamics look worlds better than the Mach-E based on those videos, so that definitely interests me.

The R2 will supposedly do 0-60 in "under 3 sec" but probably won't handle as well as the Mach-E GT, let alone the Optiq-V. I have high hopes that Lucid does something like a Sapphire trim for the Earth, but at a more realistic price point. But they have to survive that long before the Earth (or whatever it will be called) is even in the discussion.

Videos can be deceiving.

Based on the handling data from the other Cadillac and Chevy EVs, I highly doubt it’ll handle better than your Mach E GT. Weight is the enemy and this thing weighs 500+ lbs more than we do.

It will likely have a more comfortable ride.

For me, the looks knock it off my list.

Not sure why manufacturers are still leaning into “weird” when designing EVs. Is it really that hard to design a good looking car? AI seems to be able do spit out thousands of good looking designs in seconds.

 

[Jimrpa]

I want a Lincoln Nautilus BEV. Or a luxury-trim version of the Mach E called the Cougar. With 400-miles of range.

I’ve never understood why Lincoln didn’t make an electric navigator since navigator/expedition are nothing more than an F150 with a cap. ?‍

 

[AZBill]

I am curious if anybody knows how the Google system works. Currently when I get out of the car and take my phone, all of my preferences, my music, my history, etc., goes with me. It is an excellent approach to privacy. However, in the Google system forced upon us in GM vehicles, does that mean because I am logged into the car with a Google account and all my apps, that whoever is in the car has access to everything?

For maps, I use my log in for Google and for other apps like Plugshare and TuneIn I also have to log in and the vehicle saves that info. There is a way to set up your phone as a trusted device in order to allow the login in the vehicle automatically, and there is also a way to enable a pin to log in, when you first drive. In that way it is no different than your computer or phone.

FYI, someone commented about a bad experience with a rental car, but that is not really connected, and that is why it was a bad experience. I drove a Mach E rental once and it would not find chargers in the nav system, because it was not connected to the internet.

 

[gtb75]

Videos can be deceiving.

Based on the handling data from the other Cadillac and Chevy EVs, I highly doubt it’ll handle better than your Mach E GT. Weight is the enemy and this thing weighs 500+ lbs more than we do.

It will likely have a more comfortable ride.

For me, the looks knock it off my list.

Not sure why manufacturers are still leaning into “weird” when designing EVs. Is it really that hard to design a good looking car? AI seems to be able do spit out thousands of good looking designs in seconds.

It sounds like the adaptive suspension is new to the Optiq-V and, based on the videos, it seems to be tuned better. The high back seats were a deal breaker on the GTPE for me (basically can't reach behind you) but I didn't notice much of a difference when driving a GT and GTPE back to back in terms of suspension, so I expect the Optiq-V will be a nice step up in terms of overall drivability. I do agree that it's chunky in terms of weight compared to the Mach-E - not that the Mach-E is light.

In terms of looks I don't find it unattractive - just different than the Mach-E. The lack of a frunk is a miss for me though... I typically back in to spaces (with all of my cars) so I use my frunk often when I'm shopping. Seems like a small thing, but I've really come to like it. Dislikes of my Mach-E are the ride can be brittle on bad roads and the infotainment, while functional, is pretty slow. The Optiq seems to have snappy infotainment and I like the ventilated seats as well as the great sound system.

My Mach-E is my daily driver and I'm not looking to replace it for at least a year or two. I just think the Optiq-V is the most interesting alternative I've seen to the Mach-E GT up to this point. The Ioniq 5 N is attractive from a performance perspective, but the range (or lack thereof) and "tuner" looks are issues for me. The new Macan Turbo is also interesting, but expensive and small in the back seat. As I said I have a deposit on the R2, but the upcoming Lucid Earth (or whatever it'll be called) is the one I'm really waiting for... If it drives anything like the Air it'll be awesome!

 

[MattG93]

The Drive modes with adjustable suspension are a nice thing to have (had that on my 2017 Charger SRT), but it's about $20k more than a GT, and still slower. Plus no CarPlay (I have zero CarPlay issues with my '25 MME GT so far - *knocks on wood*). Ventilated seats would be great, but not worth $20k.

 

[kamorela]

I own a 2023.5 Mach-E GT and noticed that Cadillac just announced the Optiq-V today - details here: https://www.cadillac.com/electric/optiq/v-series

My Mach-E is my first EV and I've been super happy with it, but the idea of something a bit more comfy (better suspension, ventilated seats, nicer interior) but still with good performance interests me. I wish the Optiq had a frunk like the Mach-E, although that is less of a differentiator with the 2025 Mach-E's having such a small frunk because of the heat pump. I am on the reservation list for the Rivian R2 and am excited to see what the Lucid Earth will be all about, but the Optiq-V seems like a great Mach-E GT alternative. I was looking at the Lyriq-V as a possible next step as well, but like the size of the Optiq better. Unfortunately I need to drive and park in Chicago occasionally, so smaller is easier to deal with downtown.

Any other Mach-E GT owners looking at the next step in their EV journey? If so, what do you think about the Optiq-V?

EDIT - just noticed there is some good quality YouTube content already out there for the Optiq-V. Links as follows:

I recently test drove a 2025 Optiq Sport 2. While a nice car - after all: Cadillac - I like my Mach-e better. Here's my personal observations, and please note these relate mostly to design or comfort based on my personal preferences:

- Although the ride salesman definitely thought the acceleration was fantastic, I felt my Mach-e acceleration was faster (more get-up-and-go) in Engage mode
- The joysticks for adjusting the dash vents worked nicely, but I thought the large-knurled chrome handles were gaudy and distracting
- Same goes for the console dial that only serves the entertainment features; too gaudy for me (but hey, it works, so YMMV)
- In the driver seat looking in the rearview mirror out the rear window, the viewable area out back is ridiculously small. However, the rearview mirror also serves as a rear camera display which is actually pretty nice. If I were to buy this car I would ONLY use the camera view
- Despite the rearview camera view being a nice option, the mirror itself was too close to my face, it's mounted much further aft than my Mach-e. I had to actually move my head backward and up a little to look in the mirror instead of just glancing over as in my Mach-e (note: I do wear glasses, so moving my head was needed to obtain focus, if you have good near vision this might not be an issue)
- As mentioned, no frunk (boo-hiss!)
- The door handles pop out and STAY OUT for about 10 seconds, you can't manually make them retract, or so I was told. I specifically asked about that and the salesman just sort of shrugged it off. I thought this was weird. I wouldn't be able to just get out and walk away, I'd need to watch and/or wait to ensure they retracted. I have to believe they do retract manually, like with the fob, but I didn't have the fob to play with at that time
- Salesman pitched the 'no hands' option to open the liftgate which sounded good to me! But while he was technically correct, the actual method for opening the liftgate is to press on the Cadillac badge on the liftgate which is conveniently place at elbow height...which is the only 'hands-free' method, unless you're nimble enough to use your feet? Also, I didn't check the fob to see if it had a liftgate function - I'll bet it does, but if so it sort of nullifies the hands free aspect
- Definitely a smoother, softer ride, as you should expect from Cadillac. I liked that!
- The center console bin lid is hinged on the right side so it only opens by swinging up toward the passenger side making it difficult for a passenger to grab something out of the bin. (Now might be a good time for me to complain about the Mach-e console bin: who the heck designed that thing? First you have to pull the arm rest up out of the way, then slide back the cover. Sheesh!)
- It has a stalk shifter that I thought I'd hate, but just the opposite: it was easy to use and a nice feature...made me readjust my thinking regarding the 2025 Mach-e stalk shifter

The Optiq came in 4 models: Sport 1, Sport 2, Luxury 1 and Luxury 2. The dealer I went to only had the Sport 2 model. I had wanted to see the Luxury 2 model but the nearest one was a hundred miles away. I suspect the things I found with the Sport 2 model would still exist in the Luxury 2 model as well.

Overall a nice car, as with any new car there'd be a period of getting used to it.

 

[DYohn]

Makes zero sense that Ford hasn't capitalized on this already. A Lincoln with some more luxury touches on the Mach E platform would be amazing.

I'd buy one, especially if it had a softer more luxurious ride quality.

 

[dbsb3233]

The Optiq/Lyriq/Vistiq all look interesting. I looked a little at them among others to "step up" to more luxury than the Mach-E and it's stiff suspension (love our MME but that's always been my #1 complaint). The Optiq doesn't have air suspension like some other higher en EVs, but being a Cadillac I assume it's tuned more toward luxury than sport.

We're also in position to splurge and spend more now than 4 years ago when buying the MME, so I'm even looking at the Lucid Gravity, Porche Macan 4, Genesis GV70, and some others. As soon as I mentioned the name "Porche", my partner immediately lit up (oops). It was game over at that point, so looks like we're getting a Macan 4 for his car. It's overpriced (probably should be a $70k car instead of $90k), but you're paying for the name and prestige. Oh well, whatever makes him happy.

I'll probably keep the MME a while longer and we'll see how the real world range works out on the Macan. Should be around 50-60 miles longer than my MME FE, which is significant. But ultimately I plan to upgrade it to a Gravity for more space and unprecedented range.

 

[Sawdusty]

I'm definitely considering the Optiq when my MME lease ends in December 2026. Not sure about the V mode, it's a little pricier than I'm comfortable paying for a car, but that V does look sweet. I'm an Android so the lack of CarPlay or Android Auto doesn't really bother me, it looks like the native system will get me everything I need. I'll start my test driving and deeper dive into possible MME replacements next summer so I'm ready to jump into my next vehicle when I turn this one back into Ford.

 

[MrLoganRoss]

I am impressed with what GM is doing with EVs, but similar to their ICE vehicles it would prefer it if they came up with a more interesting exterior design language. The whole art & science angular thing has been around since I owned my 2003 CTS.
The curves on my Mach-e are a huge reason why I bought it and don’t want to let it go.

 

[MiketheCarGeek]

I don’t get the Cadillac OPTIQ. I’ve been in one and would rather save some money and get a full-loaded Equinox EV.

As for the OPTIQ-V?
Maybe it rides better than a GT?
Maybe a Rally is not your thing?
To me the LYRIQ is more of a Cadillac and the OPTIQ is a rebadged Chevy. ?

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