The letter V is a sacred letter for Cadillac

If one thing unites certain automakers, it is that some claim ownership of a single English alphabet letter to name their high-performance division and their line of cars. BMW has the M division, Lexus has F, Volkswagen claims the R badge, and Hyundai has N.

Cadillac claims the letter V for the V-Series, and since its inception in 2003, its portfolio consisted of special Caddys that weren’t just boulevard cruisers; they made some properly fast cars. For instance, when the second-generation CTS-V came out in late 2008, it smoked its more expensive German rivals, the BMW M3 and M5, on the Nurburgring. 

Today, its legacy lives on in special cars like the CT5-V Blackwing sedan, which has become a modern, supercharged symbol of American muscle, producing 668 horsepower from its C7 Corvette Z06-derived V8. However, the realities of real life, restrictive emissions regulations, and the advent of electrification have automakers tweaking their high-performance offerings. Mercedes-AMG is stuffing plug-in hybrid powertrains in its C63 and E53 sedans, and BMW’s latest M5 is being lauded as a heavy animal due to its electrified power.

The ‘V’ in EV

New for 2026 is Cadillac OPTIQ-V, and as it suggests, it signifies that Cadillac is solidly in its EV era. Performance SUVs are a dime a dozen these days, but Cadillac’s latest electric beast makes a statement based on sheer numbers alone.

Underneath the OPTIQ-V’s skin is a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup good for an estimated 519 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque in “Velocity Max” mode, which unleashes every last volt trapped in its wires. Cadillac says that with its launch control system on, the OPTIQ-V rallies to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. On numbers alone, that makes the OPTIQ-V quicker than the previous Tesla Model Y Performance and even the Maserati Grecale Folgore.

To tame all that power, the OPTIQ-V comes with a picnic basket full of handling goodies, including standard Brembo front brakes, tighter steering, tuned suspension featuring ZF’s continuous damper control, and optional Continental SportContact 6 summer tires. Additionally, the car’s software also features a custom V-Mode (activated by an actual “V button” on the steering wheel), which lets drivers adjust performance features such as the steering feel, sound, acceleration, and a suite of traction management features to their liking.

Alex Doss, the lead Cadillac development engineer on the OPTIQ-V, said that from a handling perspective, the EV was a “spiritual successor” to the CT4-V sedan, and that it was developed as a fun, driver-focused “canyon carver” noting that they spent a lot of time testing it on roads like the Devil’s Triangle, Back of the Dragon, Tail of the Dragon, Hughes Road and Angeles Crest.

General Motors’ trusted Ultium platform is the electrical backbone of the OPTIQ-V, but unlike other vehicles powered by it, the OPTIQ-V comes with a built-in NACS (North American Charging Standard) port right from the factory. This enables direct adapter-free access to thousands of Tesla Supercharger stations, and on a full charge, the OPTIQ-V and its 85kW battery are rated at an estimated 275 miles. 

The OPTIQ-V sports some proper performance kit

The 2026 OPTIQ-V’s skin features enhanced exterior components that are as boy-racer as they are functional. The most noticeable features include the V’s redesigned front fascia, a signature V-pattern diamond-mesh grille for better airflow, a gloss black front splitter, and V-series badging throughout the vehicle. The OPTIQ-V also features exclusive 21-inch wheels finished in satin graphite or dark sport, a standard black painted roof, and a panoramic fixed glass roof. A carbon fiber package is also available, which adds a carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser, and rear mid-spoiler on the tailgate.

Royal blue detailing is a key feature throughout the exterior of the OPTIQ-V, shining on the royal blue brake calipers and royal blue-accented rear quarter windows. Exclusive to the OPTIQ-V are two limited-edition exterior paint jobs, including a matte-finished metallic grey color with warm highlights called Magnus Metal Frost and a special blue called Deep Ocean Tintcoat.

Inside, the interior of the OPTIQ-V blends Cadillac’s motorsports-inspired V-Series identity with a heavy technological-luxury aesthetic, featuring laser-etched badging, recycled sport fabrics, and real woven carbon fiber trim. Like the exterior, the color blue is a major design theme, as the OPTIQ-V’s two distinct interior palettes, a darker Noir or Sky Cool Gray, both feature Santorini Blue accents. Cadillac says this shade of blue “evokes the energy, action, and excitement associated with innovation and high performance.” Seatbacks and seatbelts finished in Santorini Blue are also offered as an option. 

Cadillac didn’t forget to pack the tech in the OPTIQ-V. It features a massive 33-inch LED display, a 19-speaker AKG Studio Audio system with Dolby Atmos, and Google Built-in infotainment, which includes apps such as Google Maps and Google Assistant. Additionally, the car features a three-year OnStar subscription with Super Cruise hands-free highway driving and a suite of safety and driver aids powered by advanced radar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors, such as adaptive cruise control, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Enhanced automatic parking, and Forward Collision alert.

Final thoughts

The OPTIQ-V really shows that Cadillac is very serious about its portfolio of EVs being the future of luxury. Alongside the Lyriq-V, it acts as the next chapter in a book dominated by the stories and lore of gas-powered icons.

Cadillac says that the MSRP of the OPTIQ-V starts at around $68,795 (including destination), and that it will be sold in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and select international markets when production begins in Fall 2025. 

At that price, the OPTIQ-V has some high-performance competitors, including the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, which at $66,200, offers up to 641 hp, a 0-60 time of 3.25 seconds, and unique features like a simulated gearbox. Nonetheless, Cadillac sees this as a car built for a new type of Cadillac customer, but as we see it, Cadillac has been taking away customers from Tesla. Hopefully, this vehicle can help in their conquest efforts.