- The popular Cadillac Optiq gets some impressive upgrades for the 2026 model year.
- It now comes in dual-motor AWD form with a base RWD trim. It’s also much more powerful overall, maxing out at 440 horsepower while still offering more than 300 miles of range.
- Arguably, the best part is a native Tesla-style NACS plug.
The last Cadillac Optiq I drove was extremely charming. It’s a stylish, well-packaged, well-priced luxury crossover that does a lot of things many competitors in its price range cannot.
It was not, however, especially thrilling to drive. Don’t get me wrong; 300 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque in dual-motor all-wheel-drive form is nothing to sneeze at. But the 2025 Optiq lacks the urgency of other EVs and probably won’t convince any Blackwing die-hards to go electric.
That may change for the 2026 model year. Cadillac announced on Monday that the Optiq is getting a lot more power and a new rear-wheel-drive base model. Best of all, it follows the all-new Optiq-V in getting a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug for native Supercharger access.
“New for 2026 is an available rear wheel drive-based all-wheel drive system that offers a dramatic increase in performance and capabilities,” Cadillac said in a statement. Specifically, that means a jump to 440 hp and 498 lb-ft of torque for the AWD version, while the entry RWD variant beats the old car’s power at 315 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Not bad at all.
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Source: Patrick George
Even more impressive is how the Optiq maintains its range. RWD models have an EPA driving range of 317 miles on a full charge, while the AWD version has an EPA driving range of 303 miles on a full charge. The 2025 Optiq, which was AWD-only, managed 302 miles on a full charge. The 85-kilowatt battery remains unchanged.
GM isn’t specifying what the Optiq’s max charging speed could be, but we anticipate it will remain unchanged at 150 kilowatts—even when using a Tesla Supercharger, which no longer requires an adapter. (You will need an adapter to use a CCS plug or standard Level 2 J1772 plug, however.)
“By integrating a NACS port directly into the vehicle, GM will provide customers with direct access to NACS’ 21,500+ reliable and convenient fast charging options across North America,” Cadillac officials said.
GM has had a lot of success with its EVs as of late, and Cadillac in particular has seen something of a comeback in its electric era. Whether that momentum can be maintained without EV tax credits remains to be seen. But compelling products are how you win, and if the Optiq is more fun to drive with even better range than before, it’s likely to be a winner.
I just hope it keeps the delightfully weird blue interior.
Contact the author: patrick.george@insideevs.com
