Cadillac has previewed the 2026 Optiq-V, signaling the entry of its electric compact SUV into a more performance-oriented segment. The Optiq will be the fifth model in the V-series line after the CT4-V, the CT5-V, the Escalade-V, and, of course, the just-announced Lyriq-V. The Optiq-V is set to be revealed later this summer, though the specific date and time have not been disclosed yet. Cadillac’s new electric small SUV, the Optiq, is going to get sportier. The high-end car company has released two sneak peek photos of the 2026 Optiq-V, which will go on sale later this summer. The pictures don’t show us much about the new model. In the first image, the V-series Cadillac logo on the front of the Optiq is difficult to spot because it’s obscured by shadows. A much larger version of the same logo appears on the rear of the vehicle. The small spoiler at the bottom of the back window was also made of carbon fiber. It’s not clear what the performance and specs are yet; they should be released later this summer. Cadillac promises to improve the performance scores of any vehicle with the letter “V” in its name, but the regular Optiq is also very good. Its two motors work together to make a strong 300 horsepower. On the flip side, Cadillac doesn’t appear surprised that the Optiq-V is setting new lap records. The company says that the faster Optiq is better for driving than the small SUV because development engineers put more emphasis on dynamic suspension and accurate steering. Cadillac’s advertisements focused on the Lyriq-V, which the company described as being designed for everyday comfort rather than track performance. While Cadillac has said that the Optiq-V will be officially unveiled this summer, they have not yet said the exact date and time. The full list of Optiq-V features and prices need to be confirmed, but based on how much the Lyriq-V costs, the fancier Optiq will start at more than $70,000.
