2024 Cadillac Optiq revealed: Model Y, iX3 rival expected in Australia

Cadillac has revealed its first official images of its new entry-level electric vehicle – the Optiq that is expected in Australia in 2025.

The pictures of the mid-sized electric SUV come less than a week after General Motors confirmed it was re-launching its US luxury brand in Australia from late 2024.

The Optiq will sit directly beneath the Lyriq large electric crossover that will spearhead Cadillac's local and global expansion.

It becomes Caddy's fourth EV, with the electric line-up also including the Celestiq custom sedan and Escalade IQ full-size SUV.

Cadillac released the shortest of statements alongside two images, saying only that the Optiq's "spirited driving dynamics are designed to appeal to global luxury customers". The company said more details would be released in 2024.

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The official pictures confirm leaked images out of China mid year.

Visually, the Optiq looks shorter and narrower than the Lyriq (pictured below) - as leaked dimensions suggest it will be. They suggested a 4.8-metre length for the Optiq compared with almost five metres for the Lyriq.

The Optiq's front end isn't shy, though the 'grille' is relatively small compared to the Lyriq's.

Overall, the Optiq can't quite match the strikingly sleek design of the larger Caddy EV.

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Caddy's EVs all use GM's highly flexible Ultium battery platform. The Optiq is expected to share other components with the Equinox and Blazer EVs from stablemate brand Chevrolet.

As with the Lyriq, the Optiq is expected to be offered in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with single and dual motors respectively.

US pricing indicates local pricing for the Lyriq could start from at least $120,000 before on-road costs. The smaller Optiq will be Australian buyers' best hope for a Cadillac model costing less than six figures.

Natural rivals for the Optiq include the BMW iX3, Genesis GV70 Electrified, Jaguar I-Pace, next year's Porsche Macan Electric, and the Tesla Model Y Performance.