Cadillac has clearly done its homework. Rather than simply shipping its American lineup across the Atlantic, the brand developed tires, dampers and chassis tuning specifically for European roads when building the new Optiq. We got behind the wheel in Germany to find out whether that effort pays off, and whether Nordic drivers should be paying attention to a brand many still associate purely with the US market.
Cadillac Optiq: our tops & flops
Cadillac knows that European customers have different needs than American ones. That’s why the new Optiq arrives on the market with tires, dampers and a chassis setup developed specifically for Europe. A mid-size SUV measuring 4.82 meters, which we tested first-hand in Germany.
We drove the two electric motors delivering a combined output of 224 kW, around 304 horsepower, with all-wheel drive. The 75 kWh battery provides a claimed range of 425 kilometers on the WLTP cycle, while DC fast charging tops out at 110 kW, a figure that some rivals clearly beat. In the Nordic countries, for now, the model is only available in Sweden.
On the road, performance is adequate for a vehicle weighing around 2.4 tonnes. One standout feature is the single regenerative braking paddle, which works much like a bicycle brake and can bring the car to a complete stop on its own. Braking is also strong, thanks to a Brembo system with 508mm discs on the front axle.
The steering is well balanced and the ride is comfortable, though the car does understeer noticeably in tight corners, understandable given its weight. The interior impresses with high quality materials, including an interesting use of sustainable components like a blend of tulipwood and recycled paper. The seats are comfortable but could use more side support.
On the technology front, a large 33 inch display combines infotainment and instrumentation, controllable by voice, touch, or a rotary dial, the latter proving to be the most practical option. The AKG sound system with Dolby Atmos is excellent. The driver assistance systems behave discreetly and effectively, with some limitations in rear visibility offset by a comprehensive camera system.
So, despite the understeer, the Optiq handles very well and delivers excellent performance. Inside, it’s well built, and German rivals could learn a thing or two about quality here. The version we tested isn’t the one for high mileage drivers, though. For that, it’s better to go with the single motor version, which is much more efficient and promises a range of 510 km. The one real downside on an SUV like this? 110 kW of DC charging is a bit on the low side…
Prices in Scandinavia
How it drives
Weighing in at around 2.4 tonnes, the Optiq delivers performance that feels appropriate for its size and positioning rather than outright sporty. One of the more distinctive touches is the single regenerative braking paddle, which functions similarly to a bicycle brake and is capable of bringing the car to a complete stop on its own once drivers get used to it. Physical braking is handled by a Brembo setup with 508mm discs up front, and stopping power impresses throughout.
Steering feel is well judged and the suspension does a solid job smoothing out rough surfaces. Push it into tighter corners and understeer becomes noticeable, though that is largely forgivable given the vehicle’s weight. There is still a reasonable margin left in the chassis, whether driving relaxed or with more intent.
Interior quality that could embarrass German rivals
Inside, the Optiq makes a strong impression with high quality materials and solid overall build quality, aside from a minor creak from the center console under load. One particularly interesting detail is the use of sustainable materials, including a mix of tulipwood and recycled newspaper visible in the center console trim, where fragments of old print text can still be spotted.
The seats prioritize long distance comfort over lateral support, which may disappoint drivers looking for something sportier. Rear seat passengers benefit from generous legroom, though the panoramic roof does eat into headroom for taller occupants. Storage throughout the cabin is generous.
Tech and driver assistance
A sharp 33 inch display combines the infotainment system and instrument cluster, and can be controlled by voice, touch, or a rotary dial. During testing, the rotary dial proved to be the most comfortable option, since the touchscreen sits a little too far from the driver for easy reach. Physical climate controls are a welcome addition. The steering wheel looks slightly awkward at first glance but feels good in hand, with intuitive button placement, and smartphone connectivity through Android Auto can be displayed full screen in the instrument cluster. The AKG sound system with Dolby Atmos stands out as a genuine highlight, delivering excellent audio quality despite occasional reception issues.
Driver assistance systems are tuned to be unobtrusive, with seat vibration used to alert inattentive drivers. Adaptive cruise control performs reliably, making it a welcome companion on longer stretches of driving. Visibility is somewhat reduced due to the angled A and D pillars and a flat rear window, though the comprehensive camera system, including a camera based rearview mirror, compensates well after a short adjustment period.
