Cadillac Optiq: Tesla Model Y rival detailed

The Cadillac Optiq made its full debut at the 2024 Beijing motor show, and we now know more about the drivetrains that will be available in the crossover.

In China, the Standard version of the Optiq is a front-wheel drive, single-motor variant boasting 180kW of power and 330Nm of torque.

Coupled to a 68.4kWh battery pack, the base Optiq is said to have a 536km driving range according to the generous CLTC standard.

The Long Range model boasts a dual-motor, all-wheel drive layout with total outputs of 211kW and 465Nm. It’s fitted with a larger 79.7kWh battery that’s good for 600km of range under CLTC testing.

Measuring 4822mm long, 1912mm wide and 1642mm tall on a 2954mm wheelbase, the Optiq is 72mm longer, 66mm narrower and 18mm taller than a Tesla Model Y.

It’s also 174mm shorter than the rear- and all-wheel drive Lyriq, and should also have a significantly smaller footprint than the three-row Vistiq.

There’s seating for up to five people. Boot space is said to be 441L with the rear seats up, and 1362L when they’re folded down.

Standard features in China include autonomous emergency braking, a one-pedal drive mode, twin rear spoilers, torque vectoring, variable rate dampers, and smartphone virtual key support.

There’s also dual-zone climate control, a panoramic glass roof with electric sunshade, interior ambient lighting with up to 126 available colours, perforated leather seats, and electric front seat adjustment.

Also standard is a 33-inch curved screen encompassing the instrumentation display and infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay support, USB-C ports for both front and rear seats, and an 1000W AKG sound system.

In China, the top-spec Optiq Long Range comes with GM’s Super Cruise driver assistance features, including lane-centring assist, assisted and automated lane changing, and driver attention monitoring.

Pricing for the Optiq starts at 239,700 yuan ($51,000) for the Standard variant, and 269,700 yuan ($57,400) for the Long Range model.

Production of the Optiq has reportedly begun at the SAIC-GM joint venture factory in Wuhan, and Chinese customers can start buying Optiq models any day now.

The Optiq has also been confirmed for Canada, the US, and Mexico. It’s unclear where models for those markets will be built, but reports indicate North American models will be built in Mexico. This would make cars sold Stateside eligible for the US federal tax credit of up to US$7500 ($11,500).

GM has yet to confirm if the Optiq will be sold in Australia, although it has already registered the Optiq, Escalade iQ, and Vistiq names Down Under.

So far the only Cadillac model confirmed as part of the brand’s local relaunch is the larger Lyriq crossover, which is built in Spring Hill, Tennessee, and will arrive on our shores late this year.