Cadillac's Optiq electric compact crossover gets an early look in China

The first photos and details of Cadillac's upcoming electric compact crossover have been released on the website of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China.

Called the Cadillac Optiq, it is one of three electric Cadillacs scheduled to debut this year and go on sale in 2024.

Others include the full-size Escalade IQ, scheduled to debut on August 9, and a three-row mid-size SUV that could be called the Ascendiq, Symboliq, or Vistiq based on recent trademark activity.

Details of the Optiq from Chinese government documents, republished on Autohome (via Drive), point out that the Optiq weighs about 4,894 pounds and is nearly 190 inches long. This is the same length as the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, which will likely have much in common with the Optiq.

One aspect shared between the two vehicles is a version of General Motors' Ultium EV platform and battery set designed for compact crossovers.

Details about the battery and range have not been disclosed, but a powertrain with a single electric motor on the rear axle is mentioned. At least for the Chinese market, outputs of 201 hp and 241 hp will be available.

Camouflaged prototypes of the Optiq spotted in the wild suggest that the vehicle resembles a scaled-down Lyriq, although the tailgate is slightly upright. Leaked photos show a more rounded front section and a smaller version of Cadillac's LED embedded grille used on EVs.

The Optiq is crucial to Cadillac's global expansion plans, and its smaller size is better suited to markets outside North America. In addition to Europe, Australia is also considered a target for Cadillac, and several EV model names, including Optiq, have been trademarked specifically for that market.