General engines introduced the brand’s third electric car Cadillac – a compact, five-passenger crossover Optiq. The novelty is characterized by a dynamic design, a wide range and a reasonable price. It is one of the most budget cars of this luxury brand.

Company Cadillac traditionally associated with luxury and expensive cars. But recently the brand has been taking an active step towards electrifying its model range and increasing the availability of its products for a wider range of buyers. A clear example of this trend was the announced compact SUV Cadillac Optiq.

The Optiq starts at $54,000, making it one of the most affordable models in the Cadillac lineup. This is much cheaper than other models, such as the Lyriq at $64,000 or the custom Celestiq at $340,000. At the same time, the car does not look like a budget model, but on the contrary, it retains Cadillac’s signature style. At a press conference last month, Optiq chief engineer John Cockburn said the electric car would be faster and more maneuverable than the Lyriq.

In general, Cadillac positions the Optiq as an entry-level model, which is confirmed by its price. Still, it’s a fully equipped luxury car. Standard offers all-wheel drive with two electric motors, the Super Cruise autonomous driving system, Google’s Android-based firmware, and many other options.

The Optic, like other Cadillac electric vehicles, is built on GM’s new Ultium modular platform. It is equipped with an 85 kWh capacity battery that supports fast charging, and its 129 km power reserve is charged in 10 minutes. According to GM estimates, the maximum range is 483 km. Although Optiq is a crossover, it promises a very dynamic drive thanks to its suspension settings and two electric motors with a total power of 300 horsepower. Additionally, various control modes are provided for different conditions. So, Optiq seems to be able to meet the expectations of both moderate driving enthusiasts and those who like to go fast.

In addition to standard electric vehicle features such as one-pedal control, the Optiq will also feature a regenerative braking system that allows drivers to slow or stop the vehicle using steering wheel switches. There will be four riding modes, including Touring, Sport, Snow/Ice and personalized My Mode.

The Optiq’s interior is made using quality materials, including genuine leather. One feature is the large 33-inch curved screen that combines the instrument panel and multimedia system. Unfortunately, Cadillac has decided to drop support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, relying solely on Google’s own software and services like Google Maps, Google Play, and Google’s voice assistant. But time will tell whether buyers are willing to put up with the lack of Apple CarPlay.

The new product will be available in the US, as well as Europe and many other international markets, in two configurations: Luxury and Sport. The company predicts that Optiq, which Cadillac is actively trying to attract as part of the transition to electric cars, will attract young buyers with its more affordable price and compact dimensions. The model will go on sale in the fall, and will be joined later by two more electric cars (Escalade IQ and Vistiq).