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Electric
2026 Cadillac Optiq, Vistiq and Lyriq-V preview: price, specs, release date in Australia
Terry Martin
March 07, 2025
Cadillac will expand its range beyond Lyriq in 2026 with three new SUVs – the smaller Optiq, larger three-row Vistiq and the high-performance Lyriq-V. Here’s what you need to know about each EV and how the US luxury brand is rapidly expanding in Australia.
American prestige marque Cadillac is building momentum after recently relaunching in Australia with the battery-electric 2025 Cadillac Lyriq SUV, and announcing grand plans to release three more EVs in 2026.
These are headlined by two all-new models bookending the medium-large Lyriq, starting with the 2026 Cadillac Optiq mid-size SUV that will provide a new entry point for General Motors’ luxury brand with a more affordable price tag and youthful, sporty character.
At the other end of the scale, the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq large SUV will sit above Lyriq as a roomier three-row luxury family car, brimming with advanced technology and serving as a halo for the brand.
The third addition will be a high-performance version of the Lyriq, the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V, which is the quickest-ever model to emerge from the storied 120-year-old American brand.
In all cases, the new battery-electric Cadillac SUVs will be charged with luring buyers away from more established rivals such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar and Volvo. In the case of Optiq, it’s hoped the entry-level Caddy will also draw customers up from mainstream brands such as Tesla, Hyundai and Kia.
As with Lyriq, they will be sold exclusively online and through GM-owned ‘Experience Centres’ – currently in Sydney but expanding to Brisbane from mid-2025 and Melbourne at a later date – as well as via temporary pop-up showrooms in major cities.
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When does the Cadillac Optiq, Vistiq and Lyriq-V go on sale in Australia?
The Cadillac Optiq, Vistiq and Lyriq-V will arrive in Australia during 2026. Exact launch timing is still to be confirmed, but all three are anticipated in the first half of the year. General Motors Australia and New Zealand general manager Jess Bala told RACV that the trio of new battery-electric SUVs “won’t all launch at the same time, but they’ll be pretty close”.
It took 15 months for Cadillac’s first model, the Lyriq, to reach Australian customers from the time it was confirmed for our market, so the new additions could follow a similar route. Although GM is keeping an open mind on where future models will be built, the Optiq, Vistiq and Lyriq-V are set to be shipped in right-hand drive from factories in North America.
How much will the Cadillac Optiq, Vistiq and Lyriq-V cost in Australia?
With the launch of the 2026 Cadillac Optiq, Vistiq and Lyriq-V at least a year away – and order books not opening until later this year, at the earliest – General Motors has not yet confirmed pricing details. However, Cadillac has made it clear that the brand will continue to offer only a small number of highly specified model variants in Australia.
Local management used the current 2025 Cadillac Lyriq as a case in point, which is available in two trim levels – Luxury, starting from $117,000 plus on-road costs ($128,124.10 driveaway in Victoria), and Sport, opening at $119,000 plus on-roads ($130,208.10 driveaway).
The smaller Cadillac Optiq will slot in underneath the Lyriq, with pricing likely to start above $100,000. It will compete against top-tier versions of the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX3 and Polestar 4, among others, while the new electric Porsche Macan stands as a higher target.
The flagship three-row Cadillac Vistiq will target the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, the incoming Range Rover Electric and the new Volvo EX90, with pricing expected to open beyond $150,000.
Given its higher credentials compared to the regular Lyriq, the Cadillac Lyriq-V looks set to be priced in similar territory to the Vistiq, positioned well upstream of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Tesla Model Y Performance as more of a challenger for the Porsche Macan 4S EV, Audi SQ8 e-tron and BMW iX xDrive50.
The large three-row Cadillac Vistiq SUV blends elegant design with an imposing stance.
What is the range and performance of the Cadillac Optiq, Vistiq and Lyriq-V?
The 2026 Cadillac Optiq medium SUV is fitted standard with a dual-motor/all-wheel drive powertrain that develops 224kW of power and 480Nm of torque. It’s no lightweight, tipping the scales at 2355kg, but the e-motor output is generous and the driving range from the 85kWh lithium-ion battery is a handy 300 miles (483km), based on US testing at full charge.
GM has not released acceleration figures but, on the charging front, the carmaker claims DC rapid chargers need only about 10 minutes to add up to 127km of range in the Optiq.
The larger 2026 Cadillac Vistiq family SUV also features a dual-motor layout, similarly combining for all-wheel drive but delivering stronger performance with 459kW and 880Nm on tap. Even with a 2870kg kerb weight, the Vistiq can accelerate from 0-60mph (97km/h) in a claimed 3.7sec with Velocity Max launch control engaged.
Vistiq’s powertrain draws energy from a large 102kW lithium-ion battery that enables a range of up to 305 miles (491km), based on US figures. As with Optiq, GM also claims that up to 127km of range can be added in 10min.
The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V is the brand’s first electric car to carry the hallowed V-Series badge, and despite weighing more than 2.7 tonnes it’s billed as the quickest Caddy in history. Accelerating from 0-60mph (97km/h) in a claimed 3.3sec, the Lyriq-V uses the same 459kW/880Nm dual-motor/AWD powertrain as the Vistiq but uses its weight advantage to maximum effect.
Compared to the twin-motor Lyriq already on sale, the Lyriq-V has an extra 71kW and 270Nm, giving it a 1.4sec advantage from 0-60mph. It, too, uses a 102kWh battery that offers a driving range of up to 285 miles (459km) and can add 121km in 10min using a DC fast-charger. It can also go from a low state of charge to 80 per cent in a claimed 41min.
The Cadillac Optiq is every bit as opulent inside as the larger Lyriq.
The Optiq is smaller than the Lyriq in most areas, but does stand a bit taller.
The Optiq has a sloping roofline at the rear for a sportier look.
Cargo volume in the Optiq is 744 litres with all five seats in position.
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What are the specs and features of the Cadillac Optiq, Vistiq and Lyriq-V?
The 2026 Cadillac Optiq might be lowering the entry point to the brand, but GM has no plans to water down the specification. Instead, it considers performance, craftsmanship and advanced technology to be key selling points, as demonstrated by the Vistiq already on sale.
Headline technology includes a large, curved 33-inch diagonal LED display (with 9K resolution), Google Built In as the driving force behind the infotainment suite and highly advanced safety systems such as enhanced automatic parking, blind zone steering assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert, driver attention monitoring and much more. Occupants will also appreciate the standard-fit 19-speaker AKG premium audio system with noise cancellation and custom-tuned speakers and amplifier.
Reflecting the youthful vibe, Optiq’s interior designers have made this the most progressive Cadillac cabin seen to date, pointing to patterned accent fabric woven from yarn made from 100% recycled materials. The ‘paperwood’ veneer is also said to combine equal parts of tulip wood and recycled newspaper. It combines well with the sleek and sporting exterior design with its angular roofline and striking 20-inch alloy wheels (21-inch rims are optional).
In contrast, the flagship Cadillac Vistiq strikes a more conservative tone with its pinstripe grille and traditional wagon body style that maximises space in its three-row cabin yet still manages to blend elegant design with an imposing stance. Wheel sizes up to 23-inch are available.
Seating six or seven occupants, the interior is said to reflect robust features found in Brutalist architecture while maximising comfort with five-zone climate control, high quality materials (carbon-fibre and wood trim) and excellent refinement brought with road noise cancellation, chassis damping control and available Air Ride Adaptive suspension.
Practical features such as smartphone storage and USB chargers extend to the third row and the seating can be reconfigured to expand the cargo area. The technology suite extends to night vision, bidirectional charging capability and a thumping AKG audio system with 23 speakers, each finished with a unique jewel-like grille with geometric pattern.
The Cadillac Lyriq-V is clearly distinguished from the regular Lyriq with its lower and more aggressive front end, carbon-fibre accents, standard black-painted roof and unique 22-inch wheels. Sporting highlights inside include a V-Series steering wheel with V-Mode button and ‘regen-on-demand’ paddles, power-adjustable seat bolsters, optional Nappa leather trim with embroidered V-pattern detail, and customised settings in the infotainment system.
Technology upgrades in the Lyriq-V are all about performance, from driver-selectable traction management settings (Competitive Mode) to launch control and exclusive synthetic sounds. Brembo performance front brake callipers are also fitted.
The Cadillac Vistiq can accommodate up to seven people and their luggage.
The Vistiq has a luxurious, high-tech feel from behind the wheel.
This is the six-seater layout in the Vistiq, with lots of room and amenities for everyone.
The centre console of the Vistiq includes a panel for the five-zone climate control system.
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How does the Cadillac Optiq and Vistiq compare to Lyriq?
The smallest vehicle in the range, the 2026 Cadillac Optiq medium SUV is a fraction bigger than the top-selling Tesla Model Y, measuring 4820mm long, 2126mm wide and 1644mm high. The wheelbase length is 2954mm.
That translates to a spacious interior for this class, and while cargo volume is 744 litres with all five seats in position – extending to 1603L with the second row folded – it’s doesn’t hold quite as much overall as the Model Y.
The medium-large Cadillac Lyriq is slightly longer (4996mm) and wider (2207mm) than the Optiq, and rests on a longer 3094mm wheelbase, though it does have a 10mm lower overall height at 1634mm. That leaves it with a little less headroom than Optiq but extra space in other key areas – including cargo, where 793L is available behind the rear seats, or 1722L with them lowered.
The three-row 2026 Cadillac Vistiq certainly has size on its side in order to accommodate up to seven occupants, stretching 5222mm from nose to tail, 2203mm across the flanks and standing 1804mm tall. The wheelbase is 3094mm. It’s larger than a Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90, for example, sizing up closely to the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV.
Cadillac has engineered active rear steering in the Vistiq to improve manoeuvrability and make the large SUV feel smaller and more agile. For cargo space, there’s 431L behind the third row and 1218L when those rearmost seats are folded. As much as 2272L is available when only the front seats are in place.
The Cadillac Lyriq-V is the first electric car to join the exclusive V-Series club.
The Lyriq-V is the quickest Cadillac in history, hitting 60mph (97km/h) from rest in 3.3sec.
The Lyriq-V has a dark cabin with red highlights to reinforce its sporting nature.
The red button on the Lyriq-V's steering wheel provides access to Competitive Mode.
The full-size Cadillac Escalade IQ SUV is on the wish-list for launch in Australia.
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What other cars are coming to Australia from Cadillac?
General Motors is keen to expand further its fast-growing range in Australia and the Cadillac Escalade IQ is a prime candidate, despite not yet being built in right-hand drive. Beyond sourcing from an overseas factory, the electric full-size off-road SUV could potentially be converted to RHD as part of the local remanufacturing program already in place for Chevrolet and GMC.
“We are working very closely with the team in the US to see what is possible,” said GM Australia boss Jess Bala. “I would love to have that vehicle here, it’s one of my personal favourites, so we’re going to keep pushing on that one. But right now it’s not currently part of the plan.”
Despite EV growth tapering off in Australia and further afield, there are no moves to offer hybrid or pure combustion-engined models here. Global Cadillac vice-president John Roth also said the company was still committed to becoming an EV-only brand worldwide by 2030 – for now.
“There’s no long-term change in strategy as we see it right now, but … we always have to be ready to pivot,” he told Australian media, including RACV. “The market is in an interesting state of flux and the beauty of being at General Motors, with our size and scale, is our flexibility – our flexibility in purchasing, in manufacturing, in our designs and our engineering.
“So while we have nothing to announce, we’re always being prepared for, and looking for, what’s coming down the road and making sure we have the right products that customers are seeking.”
Roth added that there are no moves yet to offer V-Series versions of the Optiq and Vistiq. However, spy photographers have caught a sportier version of the Optiq testing overseas, so watch this space.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
