2024 Cadillac Optiq AWD Revealed as Lyriq's Companion in China

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【Summary】Cadillac has unveiled new photos of its upcoming electric SUV, the Optiq, in China. The photos showcase the Optiq's more powerful dual-motor AWD variant, which shares design similarities with its RWD counterpart, the Lyriq. The Optiq features a smaller size compared to the Lyriq and is equipped with a 211 kW dual-motor system. While its official world debut is expected in the second half of the year in China, there are indications that the Optiq may eventually be available in the US.

FutureCar Staff Aug 16, 2023 6:25 AM PT

2024 Cadillac Optiq AWD Revealed as Lyriq's Companion in China

Fresh photos of the upcoming Cadillac electric SUV, known as the Optiq, have been released in China. These photos, published by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, showcase the Optiq's more powerful dual-motor AWD variant. The single-motor RWD trim was previously previewed by MIIT. The Optiq AWD shares a similar design with its RWD sibling, with the only visible difference being the badging. However, this new set of images reveals some details of the electric SUV's Sport trim level, including a new front grille panel with a diamond-cut triangular pattern and its own lighting signature, as well as a new two-tone wheel design.

Compared to the Lyriq, the Optiq is slightly smaller in size. It has a slightly shorter wheelbase at 114.7 inches, compared to the Lyriq's 121.8 inches. The Optiq is also 6.9 inches shorter in length at 189.8 inches and slightly lower in height at 64.6 inches. Despite the size difference, the Optiq shares the same design language with the Lyriq.

The photos also provide the first technical details of the Optiq AWD. It features a 143-kilowatt (192-horsepower) electric motor on the front axle and a second 68-kW (91-hp) motor on the rear axle. This configuration results in a combined output of 211 kW (283 hp) and a combined torque rating of 343 pound-feet. These specifications are similar to the Buick Electra E5 Avenir, which also offers AWD and uses the same dual-motor system. Both the Buick Electra E5 and Cadillac Optiq are built on a variant of the GM BEV3 platform.

The Cadillac Optiq is expected to make its official world debut in the second half of the year in China, with the market launch likely to follow before the end of the year. The Optiq will be produced by the SAIC-GM joint venture. While its availability in the US has not been confirmed yet, there are indications that the Optiq may eventually be offered in the US as a companion to the Cadillac Lyriq. Cadillac filed paperwork to secure the Simboliq, Optiq, and Celestiq names with the US Patent and Trademark Office in July 2020, and a Cadillac prototype resembling the Optiq was recently spotted in the US.