Double trouble! Cadillac to double its lineup in Australia as Optiq and Vistiq EVs confirmed to take on BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi

March 7, 2025March 7, 2025 Andrew Chesterton 6808 Views cadillac, Optiq, Vistiq

Cadillac has confirmed two more factory right-hand-drive electric vehicles for Australia, with the Optiq (pictured above) and Vistiq to join the Lyriq and Lyriq-V in our market in 2026.

The move doubles Cadillac’s vehicle count in Australia, with the brand suggesting the two models will act as range “bookends”, with the Vistiq sitting atop the tree as a flagship seven-seat SUV, while the Optiq will act as a “new entry point to then Cadillac electric range”.

The Vistiq will sit atop the tree as a flagship seven-seat SUV, while the Optiq will act as a “new entry point to the Cadillac electric range”.

“These new and exciting models will double Cadillac’s line-up in Australia and New Zealand, appealing to an even broader range of customers and usage requirements,” said Jess Bala, Managing Director, General Motors Australia and New Zealand.

The story opens with the Optiq, which measures 4820mm in length, 2126mm in width and 1644mm in height, placing it below the Lyriq in terms of size, but also price.

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The five-seat SUV nabs a dual-motor EV powertrain that produces 224kW and 480Nm. It is fitted with an 85kW lithium-ion battery that should deliver a range of in excess of 480km, according to the EPA in the USA.

The brand in Australia is yet to confirm pricing for the model, but has assured us it will be less than the $117,000 staring price of the Lyriq Luxury.

How much less is a mystery, but for context, the Optiq starts at US$52,895, while the Lyriq kicks off at US$58,595 – a difference of about $9500 in Australian dollars.

The Optiq is all about the driver, according to its US chief engineer, John Cockburn, who says its EV architecture “allowed us to fit enough muscle into a smaller package to provide thrilling performance”.

The Cadillac Visitq — The Cadillac Vistiq.

The Visitq is at the other end of the spectrum, both in terms of size and price, with the three-row electric SUV measuring 5222mm in length, 2203mm in width and 1804mm in height.

It starts at a sizeable $US78,595 – some US$20,000 or $31,719 – above the Lyriq.

Fitted with a 102kWh battery delivering a claimed driving range of around 480km (EPA estimate), the Vistiq is also rated to tow 2.2 tonnes – helped by a potent dual-motor powertrain that produces a total 450kW and 881Nm.

Cadillac says you can also expect the Vistiq to clip 60mph (about 96km/h) in just 3.7 seconds.

The Vistiq's cabin — The Vistiq’s cabin.

“From the start, it was our team’s goal to deliver a three-row SUV that provides exhilarating performance and intuitive technology, wrapped in the brand’s iconic design language,” said Jeff MacDonald, the Vistiq’s US chief engineer.

Both models will join the Cadillac lineup in 2026, with Australian pricing, specific launch timing and standard inclusions yet to be confirmed.

Andrew Chesterton

Andrew began his career as a journalist at Sydney’s The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph, before he was lured into the fast-paced world of supercars at TopGear Australia. He has also held senior roles at The Daily Mail, which involved spending time at HQ in London, and on the other side of the automotive divide with FCA Australia. As one of Australia's best-read freelance writers, Andrew now contributes to Robb Report, Wish in The Australian, Domain in The Australian Financial Review, CarsGuide, Wheels, The West Australian, GQ, Men's Health and more. His love for writing has carried him around the world and back again, writing for clients in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the USA. He secretly enjoys it so much he’d probably do it for free, but he hopes his editors never find out that bit...