Cadillac Prepares a More Attainable Luxury EV for Australia

Cadillac’s Australian comeback is about to pick up speed. After the Lyriq’s launch earlier this year, the brand is now preparing to introduce its second electric SUV, the mid-size Optiq. Newly published federal approval documents confirm the Optiq has cleared a major regulatory hurdle, locking it in for a local launch sometime in 2026.

While the Lyriq arrived as a high-end flagship, the Optiq aims to bring GM’s luxury electric experience to a wider audience. It sits beneath its larger sibling in size and price, yet still promises to deliver Cadillac’s sharp styling, plush interior and a strong push into the premium EV market.

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Powertrains, Performance and Global Variants

Australia’s approval papers list just one configuration for now: a 224 kilowatt dual motor all wheel drive setup. That aligns with the Optiq units already shipped to Europe and the MY25 version previously sold in North America.

However, international updates for model year 2026 paint a more interesting picture of what could arrive later. The MY26 Optiq overseas has introduced:

• A new rear wheel drive model with 232 kilowatts
• A significantly more powerful dual motor system producing 328 kilowatts and 675 newton metres
• An even hotter Optiq V version that lifts outputs to 387 kilowatts and 880 newton metres, complete with adaptive dampers

Despite these performance jumps, range remains fairly stable. The MY25 AWD delivers 486 kilometres on the EPA cycle, while the MY26 versions sit at 482 kilometres for rear wheel drive and 451 kilometres for the upgraded AWD.

Australia may initially receive the less powerful dual motor setup before Cadillac transitions to the MY26 drivetrain. As with the Lyriq, the brand could choose to launch with a single highly specified trim level across both Sport and Luxury nameplates.

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Where the Optiq Fits in Australia’s Luxury EV Market

With a length of 4823 millimetres, the Optiq sits slightly below the Lyriq but is still longer and taller than the Tesla Model Y. Its wheelbase also stretches 64 millimetres further than the Tesla, giving Cadillac room to prioritise cabin comfort.

Local pricing remains a mystery, although overseas benchmarks offer clues. In North America, roughly twelve thousand Australian dollars separate the entry points of the Optiq and Lyriq lineups. If Cadillac follows a similar strategy locally, the Optiq could slip neatly between mainstream electric SUVs and the top end of the luxury market.

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This matters because Cadillac recently surprised buyers by sharply reducing the Lyriq’s price. Until February 28, 2026, MY25 Lyriq models are being advertised at $91,300 before on road costs, making them eligible for fringe benefits tax exemptions. Drive away pricing varies by state, ranging from just over $94,000 to under $99,000.

The Optiq will need to sit comfortably below this figure to remain competitive. Audi’s Q6 e tron opens at $99,900 before charges, while the Lexus RZ starts at over $121,000. If Cadillac positions the Optiq correctly, it could become one of Australia’s strongest value plays in the premium EV space.

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Key Specs for Australia

(Dimensions and figures based on government documents and global models)

Final Thoughts

Cadillac’s expansion into Australia demonstrates the potential it sees. The Optiq gives the brand a mid-size luxury SUV with broader appeal and a far more accessible price window than the Lyriq. Buyers who want a more premium alternative to the Tesla Model Y in 2026 may suddenly find themselves looking at Cadillac, a name that has not been seen on Australian roads for two decades.

If Cadillac follows its Lyriq playbook with aggressive pricing and high equipment levels, the Optiq could become one of the most influential new EVs of the year. More details, including final pricing and specifications, are expected closer to launch.