Test Drive Diary: 2025 Cadillac Optiq EV — Pros and Cons After a Week

One of my favorite EV I’ve tested in the last year was the
Cadillac Lyriq
, which wowed me with its premium features, stunning design, and advanced super cruise control system. While I said it’s one I
could
Purchasing with my personal funds, the $62,000 suggested retail price for the model I tested would still pose a challenge. This is precisely why the Cadillac Optiq was created.

With an MSRP of $57,090, the 2025 Cadillac Optiq Sport 2 that I drove for a week is slightly easier to swallow — although still pricey when you look at what the average EV sells for. Still, it blends luxury and entertainment into a crossover SUV that appears to be nothing more than a baby brother to the bigger, more expensive Lyriq.

I continue to appreciate its EPA-estimated range of 302 miles along with the impressive top power output of 300 horsepower provided by its twin-motor all-wheel-drive system. Below are my findings from conducting tests on it.

2025 Cadillac Optiq Sport 2: Features and Specs

2025 Cadillac Optiq Sport 2: Test Results Overview

I really had fun driving the 2025 Cadillac Optiq Sport 2 since my test drive covered 309.4 miles at an impressive average efficiency of 3.2 mi/kWh. This was notably better than the disappointing 2.7 mi/kWh I experienced with the Cadillac Lyriq previously; however, it makes sense as the Optiq is more compact. It also outperformed the 2025 Volvo EX40 I tested recently, which only managed a 2.92 mi/kWh efficiency.

Based on my experience, it performs most efficiently when used for shorter distances. To illustrate, I managed to achieve 3.9 miles per kilowatt-hour by driving just 5.7 miles to the nearby supermarket. Conversely, during a longer trip primarily on highways covering 42.3 miles, the efficiency dropped to 3.1 miles per kilowatt-hour. Considering its dimensions and price point, these outcomes are quite satisfactory.

Additionally, I’m pleased to find that it has speedy Level 1 charging through a 120V outlet because it added back 30 miles of range charging at home in 8.01 hours. That comes out to a rate of 3.74 mi/hr on Level 1, which is better than average in my experience. In contrast, I was getting a rate of 2.95 mi/hr with Level 1 charging on the Lyriq.

2025 Cadillac Optiq Sport 2: My Favorite Aspects

Luxury meets sporty design

Cadillac adopts the styling elements of the Lyriq and incorporates them into the Optiq EV as well. Externally, it boasts a streamlined silhouette characterized by sharp edges that create a striking appearance when viewed from the side.

On the inside, I really dig the blue accented panels all throughout the dashboard, along with the Inteluxe seats that have these perforations throughout the trim. It’s not quite as elegant looking as the Lyriq, but its styling makes me feel more youthful than old.

Dazzling light startup sequence

Nothing compares to the drama of approaching the Cadillac Optiq with the key fob ready, as I’m greeted by the same spectacular light show I initially experienced with the Lyriq.

After the hazard lights briefly turn on after pressing the unlock button, the Cadillac logo on the bumper begins to light up — which then cascades all along the LED light trim on the front. It ends with the headlights turning on, but it’s definitely a way to make an impression as you’re nearing the vehicle.

Highly efficient considering its dimensions

I cannot emphasize enough how impressive it is that this vehicle surpasses the 3 miles per kilowatt-hour efficiency level I typically aim for when using electric vehicles throughout an entire week. Considering it’s a luxury car, the Optiq’s 3.2 miles per kilowatt-hour efficiency exceeds my expectations prior to taking it for a test drive.

However, it still would’ve needed to achieve 3.55 mi/kWh in order to reach its EPA-estimated range of 302 miles. Then again, winter time driving is more taxing on any vehicle. Despite this, the Cadillac Optiq manages to beat other luxury crossovers I’ve tested like the Acura ZDX Type-S.

Intelligent super cruise control system

I can’t praise Super Cruise Control enough as one of my top favorite driver assistance features in any electric vehicle I’ve tested due to its responsiveness to varying road conditions.

The Optiq doesn’t just handle the required braking and speeding; it also changes lanes autonomously to pass vehicles moving slower than my set cruise control speed. After overtaking, it returns to the right lane without assistance. While this isn’t full automation, it comes pretty close for a commercially available car.

Large head-up display

As a high-end brand, you anticipate top-notch features to enhance your drive. The heads-up display cast onto the windscreen above the driver’s seat minimizes distractions since it displays both your velocity and navigation instructions. Most impressively, it boasts clarity and size, making it effortlessly visible even under daylight conditions.

Outstanding soundproofing

Another feature common among luxury cars is their soundproofing. The 2025 Cadillac Optiq Sport 2 is no different because it does an amazing job of sound proofing the interior space while on the highway.

Even though it isn’t quite as hushed as the
BMW i4 M50 Sportsback
or
Lexus TX550H+
, it still makes for a quiet drive even when it’s windy outside. When I was driving it out of New York City, I was amazed by how quickly the ambient noise was non-existent when I rolled up the windows.

Upright phone wireless charging

Just like the Lyriq, the Optiq has an upright wireless charging pad for my phone. It’s different from the flat wireless charging pads that most EVs offer, but I also like how it seems to do a better job of dissipating the heat generated by my phone while it’s charging.

Panoramic view of the sky

This also wouldn’t be a luxury vehicle if it didn’t offer breathtaking views for everyone inside. The panorama fixed glass roof does exactly this, which nearly spans the entire roof. I’m fine that it’s a fixed glass and doesn’t open because at least it has a power shade that blocks out the sun.

19-speaker audio system with Dolby Atmos

Because of its exceptional soundproofing, I am able to play my music at high volumes without disturbance when using the Cadillac Optiq thanks to its 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system featuring Dolby Atmos technology.

It gives me the sensation of being at a live concert, particularly due to the deep, immersive quality of the Surround Sound. Among all the audio systems I’ve experienced, this one ranks just below my absolute top pick.
Rivian R1T
and
Mini Cooper Countryman EV
.

2025 Cadillac Optiq Sport 2: Aspects That Disappoint Me

Big driver’s side blind spot

When I initially attempted to change lanes while leaving New York City, I was taken aback by the large blind spot I encountered when looking over my left shoulder.

That’s because the door frame directly to my left is so wide that it’s impossible to see that blind spot, which doesn’t help either when the headrest of my seat is so wide. You’ll want to rely on the blind spot sensor on the driver’s side mirror to make sure it’s clear.

Limited Super Cruise Control support

As much as I love Super Cruise Control, it only seems to work on major highways. Much like other EVs I’ve tested that support Super Cruise Control, like the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Acura ZDX Type-S, it doesn’t work on local or county roads.

Although I have the option of using regular cruise control, it doesn’t maintain the Optiq’s position in the center of the lane consistently. As such, I must continue to manually keep it aligned instead of depending on the system for assistance.

2025 Cadillac Optiq Sport 2: ultimate verdict

Considering that the 2025 Cadillac Optiq Sport 2 costs just a few thousand dollars less than its larger counterpart, the 2025 Lyriq Sport ($59,095), you may believe that the difference isn’t significant enough to justify choosing the Optiq.

Well, it depends on what you need because the Optiq is much more efficient and due to its slightly smaller size, isn’t as overwhelming to drive. Plus, it still gets treated to nearly the same set of premium features. On the flip side, though, the Lyriq is a bigger vehicle with more space on the inside — and I think it’s more luxurious too.