Photo: Cadillac | Edited
Three years ago, Cadillac trademarked the Optiq moniker in Switzerland. Back then, we wondered why the iconic GM brand chose a non-European Union and very small country to do so. Now, we are finally getting a real shot at discovering the company's plan for international domination. Here's what's going on.
Cadillac confirmed that the Optiq is real and will join its ranks soon. Pricing and specific details will be published next year. The entry-level crossover SUV will likely enter production in late 2024 as a 2025 model-year high-riding all-electric vehicle.
The Optiq looks like a miniaturized Lyriq but boasts the same intimidating allure. The exterior design allows bystanders to place it in the automaker's lineup immediately. It doesn't allow room for confusion, especially after you notice the rear-end design. It's an instant reminder that the opulent and incredibly expensive Celestiq sedan exists.
The brand-new crossover SUV's aspect makes a lot of sense because Cadillac scored a major win with this novel design language. The newcomer oozes a luxurious appeal and might steal market share from other players in this crowded segment.
The all-electric Optiq is looking more and more like Cadillac's secret weapon that should help it expand rapidly into other markets. New car buyers prefer high-riding vehicles that provide a better seating position and more all-around visibility.
Besides that, the Optiq nameplate was first trademarked in Switzerland three years ago. That was slightly confusing at first because the ambitions of GM's brand were not known. But the brand will soon open a physical store in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city. European buyers won't have to discuss with a salesperson because online orders will also be possible.
We expect the luxury version of the Chevy Equinox and the Lyriq to be sold side by side, a move that would offer prospective customers two Ultium-powered choices.
At the same time, the Optiq was revealed in production guise in China this summer. The leak signals that Cadillac aims to establish a strong presence in Europe and Asia. Unfortunately for the American brand, it also revealed some of the initial specs.
The small crossover SUV should enter production in Wuhan next year, while a SAIC-CATL joint venture should provide the high-voltage energy storage unit. Initial details reveal that the Optiq will have a single-motor layout with two power output levels – 200 and 240 hp.
Size-wise, the Optiq should measure 189.8 inches in length and have a wheelbase of 116.3 inches. The latter happens to be similar to Chevy's Equinox. By European standards, this new Cadillac is anything but small. But maybe those living over the pond will appreciate having more space.
Finally, GM is bent on dropping Apple CarPlay and Android Auto because the brand plans on making a comprehensive software push that should make customers forget about their smartphones. We'll see if it leads customers to other brands or not.
The Optiq looks like a miniaturized Lyriq but boasts the same intimidating allure. The exterior design allows bystanders to place it in the automaker's lineup immediately. It doesn't allow room for confusion, especially after you notice the rear-end design. It's an instant reminder that the opulent and incredibly expensive Celestiq sedan exists.
The brand-new crossover SUV's aspect makes a lot of sense because Cadillac scored a major win with this novel design language. The newcomer oozes a luxurious appeal and might steal market share from other players in this crowded segment.
The all-electric Optiq is looking more and more like Cadillac's secret weapon that should help it expand rapidly into other markets. New car buyers prefer high-riding vehicles that provide a better seating position and more all-around visibility.
Besides that, the Optiq nameplate was first trademarked in Switzerland three years ago. That was slightly confusing at first because the ambitions of GM's brand were not known. But the brand will soon open a physical store in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city. European buyers won't have to discuss with a salesperson because online orders will also be possible.
We expect the luxury version of the Chevy Equinox and the Lyriq to be sold side by side, a move that would offer prospective customers two Ultium-powered choices.
At the same time, the Optiq was revealed in production guise in China this summer. The leak signals that Cadillac aims to establish a strong presence in Europe and Asia. Unfortunately for the American brand, it also revealed some of the initial specs.
The small crossover SUV should enter production in Wuhan next year, while a SAIC-CATL joint venture should provide the high-voltage energy storage unit. Initial details reveal that the Optiq will have a single-motor layout with two power output levels – 200 and 240 hp.
Size-wise, the Optiq should measure 189.8 inches in length and have a wheelbase of 116.3 inches. The latter happens to be similar to Chevy's Equinox. By European standards, this new Cadillac is anything but small. But maybe those living over the pond will appreciate having more space.
Finally, GM is bent on dropping Apple CarPlay and Android Auto because the brand plans on making a comprehensive software push that should make customers forget about their smartphones. We'll see if it leads customers to other brands or not.
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