Who’s your Caddy? 2024 Cadillac Optiq electric SUV will gunning for Tesla Model Y as brand’s most affordable EV shapes up

Cadillac has unwrapped its 2024 Optiq at the Guanzhou Auto Show in China, a vehicle it
has created to provide a new entry point for the luxury American car-brand.

Primed to be introduced here in Australia’s as part of the brand’s relaunch, the Cadillac
Optiq has been created to challenge the likes of the dominant Tesla Model Y, as well as more
premium rivals like the BMW iX3 and the incoming Polestar 4.

Claimed to deliver “spirited driving dynamics” the Chinese-made Cadillac Optiq features
sharp styling, the brand’s arrowhead front lamps and floating roof-effect design.

READ MORE: BYD Dolphin Dynamic review: Australia’s cheapest electric car provides an EV alternative to the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Hyundai i30 and Kia Cerato

READ MORE: BYD ute detailed: Chinese brand calls out HiLux and Ranger as its game-changing PHEV dual-cab approaches

READ MORE: Look out LandCruiser, Patrol, Range Rover, Benz, BMW: Huge, powerful, pricey BYD Yangwang U8 SUV confirmed for Australia

At the rear the rakish styling continues, while the two-tone colour scheme is used
throughout, even on the door mirrors.

Pop-out door handles hint that the designers have created a low-drag shape to maximise
the range, while the split rear lamps mimic the car-maker’s flagship Escalade iQ.

Early reports suggest the Optiq will measure in at 4821mm long, and have a generous
2954mm wheelbase that maximises space within. Those figures see the baby Caddy only 46mm longer than the Tesla equivalent, with a 64mm longer wheelbase.

From launch, the cheapest versions will come with a single motor that will produce 150kW
or 180kW while the fastest versions will get a 211kW dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain.

There’s no word on what platform the Optiq is based on, but unlike the Lyriq and Escalde it
uses Chinese SAIC-CATL batteries rather than the GM-developed Ultium battery packs.

Full details will be released later but it’s thought rather than engaging in a price war with Tesla, the Cadillac Optiq might be priced from around $100,000, aiming squarely at higher-
spec versions of the Model Y.

Like the Lyriq, if right-hand drive Optiqs are approved for launch in Australia and New
Zealand they will be sold direct-to-customer via the brand’s new ‘experience centres’ which
initially will be based in Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland.