The new Cadillac Optiq-V has become one of the brand's fastest cars in history

Cadillac has unveiled the Optiq-V, one of its fastest production cars ever, including petrol and electric models. Two electric motors produce 515bhp and accelerate the crossover from 0 to 60mph (96km/h) in just 3.5 seconds.

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The regular Optiq isn't bad either, with 300 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque from the twin-motor all-wheel-drive setup. But the Optiq-V takes things to the next level: 515bhp, 881Nm of torque and 0-96km/h acceleration in 3.5 seconds in Velocity Max mode. That's just two tenths slower than the Cadillac Lyriq-V.

The extra power affects the range. The Optiq-V will travel approximately 443 kilometres on an 85 kW⋅h battery. The regular Optiq travels 486 kilometres on the EPA test cycle.

The V-version is packed with features not found in the base model. There's a customisable V-mode (like Hyundai's N Mode or BMW's M1/M2 settings), Competitive Mode track mode, Launch Control and Brembo brakes with red or blue calipers. GM's advanced Super Cruise driver assistance system comes standard.

The Optiq-V will be the first General Motors electric car with a Tesla NACS (North American Charging Standard) connector. That means access to Supercharger's extensive network of charging stations, but there's a nuance. The Optiq-V's charging connector is located on the front left fender, while Tesla Superchargers are designed for connectors on the back left or front right. Most V3 stations have short cables, originally designed for Tesla only. So you'll have to park in two spaces until Tesla upgrades all chargers to the new V4 units - they're designed for all electric cars and have longer cables.

Otherwise, the changes are cosmetic. The front bumper, lower lip and 21-inch wheels are finished in black - looking more aggressive. Cadillac also offers a carbon fibre package for the front splitter, rear diffuser and spoiler. The model will be offered in two original colours, Magnus Metal Frost (grey) and Deep Ocean Tintcoat (blue).

The Optiq-V will be sold in the US, Canada, Mexico, the Middle East and Israel, with production starting in autumn 2025. In the US, pricing starts at $68,795 - $14,405 more expensive than the base Optiq AWD and about $11,000 cheaper than the Lyriq-V, which is asking from $80,090.

Source: Cadillac