By: Krish Persaud
October 29, 2025
Cadillac’s EV lineup keeps expanding, and the 2025 Optiq feels like the most grounded step yet. It’s smaller and less extravagant than the Lyriq, but every bit a Cadillac: sharp design, a calm ride, and a quiet confidence that doesn’t need to shout.
In Argent Silver Metallic with a black roof and Phantom Blue interior, the Optiq looks composed but distinctive. The proportions are tight, the surfaces clean, and the lighting signature unmistakably Cadillac. The illuminated crest, 21-inch After Midnight wheels, and subtle creases in the bodywork give it just enough attitude to feel special without crossing into flash.
Underneath, it rides on GM’s Ultium platform with a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup producing 300 horsepower and 354 lb-ft. of torque. It’s brisk off the line but never abrupt. The way it moves is smooth, almost serene, with power that builds evenly rather than hitting all at once. The calibration is impressive. The front and rear motors feel perfectly in sync, and transitions between regen and friction braking are seamless. One-pedal driving is tuned well, and regen on demand gives an extra bit of control when descending or rolling into a bend.
Cadillac claims up to 486 kilometres of range, and that feels realistic. Efficiency sits at 20.4 kWh/100 km, putting it right in line with other midsize luxury EVs. Charging from 10 to 80 percent takes around six hours on a 240-volt Level 2 setup. Using Ontario’s average rate of $0.18 per kilowatt-hour, a full charge costs about $18, which feels reasonable for something this comfortable.
The Optiq’s character really comes through on the road. Steering is light at parking speeds and gains reassuring weight as you go faster. The chassis feels planted even over rough pavement, and body control is tidy for something north of two tonnes. It never feels harsh though. The suspension soaks up expansion joints with that old-school Cadillac smoothness, just tighter and more deliberate. Road and wind noise are kept impressively low, which makes highway drives quiet and unhurried.
It isn’t flawless. The brake pedal can feel a bit numb at low speeds, especially when creeping in traffic, and the low-speed throttle tuning could use a touch more finesse. The ride, while composed, borders on firm over sharp bumps. None of it breaks the experience, but it’s worth noting if you expect something floaty.
Super Cruise comes standard for three years and remains one of the most intuitive hands-free systems out there. It handled lane changes and gentle curves with ease and only disengaged when lane markings faded. Combined with adaptive cruise, rear cross-traffic braking, and the 360-degree camera system, it makes long drives feel effortless.
Inside, the Optiq feels genuinely premium. The Phantom Blue interior looks and feels rich, with soft leather, contrast stitching, and thoughtful detailing throughout. The front seats offer heating, ventilation, and massage, while the rears get heating as well. The 33-inch curved display running Google Built-In is bright and fluid, and the AKG Studio 19-speaker system sounds phenomenal once dialed in. Ambient lighting glows softly at night, giving the cabin an inviting warmth that feels more personal than futuristic.
Practical touches haven’t been overlooked either. The rear seats fold flat, the cargo floor sits low and wide, and the hands-free liftgate opens tall enough to clear your head. The rear window is on the small side, but the camera mirror and sensors make parking stress-free.
Pricing for the 2025 Cadillac Optiq Sport 2 AWD starts at $63,999 CAD, with our tester landing at $67,984 CAD before tax and fees. The extra-cost paint, black roof, and 21-inch wheels add just the right amount of flair.
The 2025 Cadillac Optiq isn’t about shock value. It’s about smooth, quiet performance and genuine comfort. It’s quick enough to keep you interested, refined enough to make you relax, and sophisticated enough to remind you why Cadillac still knows how to build a proper luxury vehicle. It’s not perfect, but it has something a lot of modern EVs don’t: character.
