2024 Cadillac Optiq electric SUV unveiled, may come to Australia

The 2024 Cadillac Optiq mid-size electric SUV may be the second model in the General Motors-owned luxury brand’s return to Australia from the end of next year, if it is manufactured in right-hand drive.

Unveiled in the US and China, the five-seat Optiq is Cadillac’s new smallest electric SUV – though at 4822mm long, it is still seven centimetres longer than a Tesla Model Y, Australia’s top-selling electric vehicle, and about 20cm longer than a Toyota RAV4.

It is smaller than the 5.0m-long Lyriq electric SUV, which is planned to re-launch the Cadillac brand in Australia late next year with electric vehicles only, after an absence of more than 50 years.

Australian arrival plans for the Optiq – or any other Cadillac models beyond the Lyriq – have not been confirmed.

But as reported by Drive in July 2023, the Cadillac Optiq name has been trademarked in Australia – as well as the Escalade IQ name of Cadillac’s largest electric vehicle.

Few details of the Cadillac Optiq have been published, and Cadillac in the US says “additional details, as well as available features and pricing, will be unveiled next year.”

However information submitted by Cadillac to motor-vehicle certification authorities in China – where it is expected to go on sale first – earlier this year have laid bare many key specifications.

It is said to measure 4822mm long, 1912mm wide and 1642mm tall, on a 2954mm wheelbase – while weighing 2130kg to 2220kg in single-motor form, and offering five seats.

Compared to a Tesla Model Y, the Lyriq is 72mm longer, 66mm wider and 18mm taller, on a 64mm-longer wheelbase. It is slightly smaller than a Lexus RX, BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE, as well an Audi E-Tron.

In China, reports claim government documents show three model grades: two single-motor rear-wheel-drive variants, developing 150kW and 180kW, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant with 213kW.

For the Chinese market the Optiq is expected to be built in China. It is unclear if it will also be manufactured in the US for sale in North American markets – due to commence next year – given the hefty tariffs on Chinese-made cars sold in the US.

According to overseas media reports, certain Optiq models use batteries supplied by Chinese company CATL, which produces battery packs for other car makers such as Tesla.

Driving range claims are yet to be announced.

The Optiq’s styling is reminiscent of its larger Lyriq sibling, with similar LED lights and 20-inch wheels on top-of-the-range models. Images of its interior are yet to be published.

The 2024 Cadillac Optiq is due to go on sale in the US and China next year, with more details to be announced closer to launch.

Australian arrival plans are yet to be confirmed, however if it gets the green light for local showrooms, it is not expected until 2025 as the larger Cadillac Lyriq is due here in late 2024.