Cadillac’s baby electric SUV just got seriously grown-up.
Cadillac isn’t holding back when it comes to electrifying its iconic V-Series performance badge and the latest model to earn that honour is the all-new 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V.
This isn’t just a styling package or a fancy badge slapped on a regular EV. The Optiq-V brings real performance upgrades, sportier handling, track-inspired tech, and a more aggressive attitude just the kind of thing that’s going to turn heads on Sheikh Zayed Road and make weekend drives through Jebel Jais way more exciting.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the 2026 Optiq-V a proper performance EV and why UAE drivers should be paying attention.
Big Power in a Smaller Package
The standard Optiq was already impressive, but the Optiq-V turns up the heat big time. Thanks to dual electric motors, this compact luxury SUV now delivers an electrifying 519 horsepower and 880 Nm of torque.
That means:
- 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds in its most aggressive setting, Velocity Max Mode.
- That’s nearly 2 seconds quicker than the regular Optiq.
This performance bump comes from the same motors used in the larger Lyriq-V, but fitted to a more compact body with a slightly smaller 85-kWh battery. Even with all that extra power, the estimated range stays practical around 443 kilometres on a full charge, only a slight dip from the standard Optiq’s 486 km.
More Than Just Fast It’s Smart on Every Road
It’s not just straight-line speed that makes the Optiq-V special. Cadillac has tuned this SUV for serious driving fun:
- Torque vectoring across both axles means sharp handling and confident cornering.
- V-Mode customises the steering, throttle, suspension, and even cabin sound for an aggressive driving experience or you can switch to Stealth Mode when you want things quiet.
- Launch Control and Competitive Mode give you race-inspired tools to manage traction and stability ideal for the track or just carving through mountain roads.
It also comes standard with:
- Adaptive suspension
- ZF continuous damping control
- Performance tyres designed for real-world canyon carving
- Brembo brakes (with optional blue or red calipers for a little extra flair)
Refined, But Aggressive Styling
The Optiq-V doesn’t just go fast it looks fast.
- The SUV sits lower and has a more sculpted, aerodynamic stance.
- The front end gets a total redesign, featuring a bold diamond mesh grille, reworked air channels, and even an etched V-Series logo next to the headlights.
- Unique exterior colours and a gloss black roof give it that dark, serious vibe.
Inside, you can opt for:
- Black or white upholstery, each with stylish blue seatbelts and accents
- An optional carbon fibre package, which includes a sleek rear spoiler and lower valance extension
It’s performance wrapped in modern luxury and unmistakably Cadillac.
Next-Level Tech for the UAE’s Connected Drivers
Cadillac didn’t forget the tech-lovers, either. The 2026 Optiq-V comes packed with advanced features, perfect for life in the UAE:
- Super Cruise: GM’s hands-free driving system, ideal for long highway stretches between cities.
- 33-inch LED digital display with Google Built-In
- 19-speaker AKG sound system with Dolby Atmos a must-have for audiophiles
And for the first time ever in a Cadillac, the Optiq-V comes standard with a NACS (North American Charging Standard) port, meaning it’s fully compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network giving you access to one of the fastest-growing EV charging ecosystems in the UAE.
Will It Come to the UAE? Absolutely.
The 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V is confirmed for release in the Middle East, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf markets. And while pricing in US dollars puts it in the premium bracket, expect a price range upwards of AED 250,000 depending on final local specs and taxes.
Cadillac expects the Optiq-V to attract the same type of buyer as the Tesla Model Y Performance urban professionals, tech-forward families, and anyone wanting that mix of luxury, sustainability, and genuine driving excitement.
And with high “conquest rates” from other brands (81% for the Lyriq and 77% for the standard Optiq), it’s clear Cadillac is attracting a new, younger, and more design-conscious buyer. If you’ve been considering a switch from Tesla, Porsche, or BMW this might just be the time.
