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V-Series Expanding to Cadillac’s Newest, Smallest EV in 2026
Two waves are sweeping through Cadillac’s product portfolio: Electrification, beginning with the 2023 Lyriq, and the V nameplate. Originally the territory of its sedans, and equivalent to BMW’s M or Acura’s Type S, the V designation’s sporting nature is proliferating across Cadillac’s lineup. Now the V-Series’ expansion has come for Cadillac’s smallest, newest vehicle, the battery-electric Optiq.
The 2026 Optiq-V joins the CT4-V, CT5-V, Escalade-V, and Lyriq-V, bringing the V-Series count to five. (The remaining model, the Vistiq, which replaces the XT6, is the only Cadillac without a V-Series variant … for now.) Says Cadillac: “Building on Optiq’s agile drive, Cadillac engineers delivered a unique package prioritizing precision, a dynamic suspension and tight steering for an exhilarating driving experience!”
That is the only information that General Motors has provided at the moment, besides the two pictures, one above and the other below.
The electric replacement for the XT4, the Optiq uses the same platform as the Equinox EV, Chevy’s $35,000 electric crossover. When our Brandan Gillogly drove the Optiq about a month ago, he praised its range, handling, and extensive list of standard, luxurious features, including a Dolby Atmos sound system.
The V-Series Optiq will likely riff on the recipe of the Lyriq-V: Nip-and-tucked fascias, dark-finish wheels with V badges, upgraded brakes, a shorter drive ratio on the electric motors, a couple of new drive modes, a unique paint color, and special embroidery on the seat backs.
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If the Optiq-V gets a price hike proportional to that of the Lyriq-V, compared to its base model, it’ll be $67,000 or so. We’re curious whether Cadillac will be comfortable with an overlap in price between the Optiq and Lyriq ranges. Overlap seems inevitable, since the Optiq we tested last month cost $57,715, and it wasn’t a V-Series. The most expensive Lyriq is only a few thousand more than that. Then again, maybe Cadillac only cares about keeping distance between each V-Series model. If so, then the Optiq-V can get quite a bit more expensive before encroaching upon the $80K Lyriq-V.
If they are going to do a Crossover V I’d rather it be something small with that TT V6 from the CT4-V Blackwing or some sort of LS/LT V8. Yeah I know it’s never going to happen.
Just not an attractive car, like they pulled the worst styling cues from Hyundai and Kia.
I, too, am not impressed with the styling. And this color combo strikes me unattractive. – especially for “roll-out photos.
Why can’t they make the commuter car 200 mile range built in charger minimal electronics and under $30
People will use it to drive it work and back and shopping with built in charger plug in anywhere
I agree, it’s like the people designing them are completely out of touch with the real world! And where are the cheap electric small trucks?? They might sell.