Cadillac’s latest performance model is a battery electric (BEV). The 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V adds the V-Series go-fast treatment to an electric vehicle for the first time. It delivers more than 500 horsepower and slashes the 0-60 mph time to 3.5 seconds, all in an effort to get enthusiasts plugged in and charge up sales.
At Cadillac, the letter V means fast. The first V-badge car was the CTS way back in 2004, and it went directly after the BMW M3. Not every V model has been quite such a beast, though others like the Escalade-V are absolute monsters.
Optiq-V Nearly Doubles Horsepower
With 519 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque when you engage Velocity Max mode, the 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V is one of those monsters. It’s for sure a significant upgrade over the 300 horsepower of the standard Optiq.
The XT4-sized Optiq-V will come with the same 85kWh battery as the standard version. More power and the same pack mean less range. Although at 275 versus 302 miles, the difference isn’t exactly substantial between the two AWD EVs.
A new V-Mode on the Cadillac Optiq-V gives the driver new levels of customisation for the brand. It lets you save settings like a Competitive Mode meant to “increase vehicle agility” and choose your version of the V’s artificial sound experience.
There are performance changes beyond the extra power, like new Brembo performance front brakes with red or blue calipers. And 21-inch wheels with sportier summer tires are available. Cadillac’s adaptive suspension is also set up specifically for the V.
V-Series Trim Includes New Interior & Grille
V-Series models get special trim, and the 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V is no different. It will have a special front fascia with a gloss black front splitter, with the signature V-pattern mesh in the lower grille. The Optiq-V will also get V-Series badges on the rear doors and the hatch.
A carbon fiber package is available, and it will add a new splitter, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler.
Two interior options pair either black or gray with blue accents. The seatbelts are also blue, a color Cadillac says “evokes the energy, action, and excitement” of high performance. Carbon fiber woven trim around the cabin should help out with that as well.
2026 Cadillac Optiq-V: Super Cruise & Super Charging
Other V features include Super Cruise, GM’s hands-off driver assistance system. A 19-speaker AKG audio system is standard, with a 33-inch center display. This will also be the first GM vehicle with the NACS charge plug. It’s the new name for the plug used by Tesla Supercharger stations, and the vehicle will work at Supercharger stations.
Pricing for the 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V starts from $68,795, including destination. It’s a surprisingly small bump from the $54,390 basic 2025 Optic.
Production starts this fall, so expect the Optiq-V at dealers before the end of the year.
Also, expect more Cadillac EVs, including the Escalade IQ, to get the V treatment sooner rather than later.
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