We’ve long known that the Cadillac Optiq-V would launch for the 2026 model year with a 519-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) as a big step up from the 300-horsepower AWD system – the only powertrain choice for the 2025 model year in the U.S. The 2026 Cadillac Optiq will change that by adding a new 315-horsepower rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration along with a new and enhanced AWD system.
According to a spokesperson for the automaker, the changes are an effort to “extend the offerings of the brand’s gateway electric vehicle.” In broadening the bandwidth of the Optiq, the luxury marque is also rolling out an optional rear-wheel-based AWD system “that offers a dramatic increase in performance and capabilities.”
For reference, the new RWD system makes 15 more horsepower and a similar amount of torque (332 pound-feet) compared to the 2025 Optiq’s AWD system. Meanwhile, the new performance AWD (pAWD) system sees an increase of 140 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque (for a total of 498 pound-feet).
Notably, the Cadillac-estimated range for the Optiq is still 300 miles, which applies to the new RWD model. All Optiq models, including the Optiq-V, use the same 85 kWh battery and feature a native NACS port, giving customers access to over 21,500 fast charging options across North America.
| 2026 Optiq RWD | 2026 Optiq pAWD | 2026 Optiq-V AWD | 2025 Optiq AWD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| System | 1 Electric Motor | 2 Electric Motors | 2 Electric Motors | 2 Electric Motors |
| Horsepower (hp / kW) | 315 / 232 | 440 / 324 | 519 / 387 | 300 / 224 |
| Torque (lb-ft / Nm) | 332 / 450 | 498 / 675 | 650 / 880 | 354 / 480 |
| Front Motor Type | None | Permanent Magnet | Permanent Magnet | Permanent Magnet |
| Rear Motor Type | Permanent Magnet | Permanent Magnet | Permanent Magnet | Linear Induction |
| Torque Vectoring | No | No | Yes | No |
It’s worth noting that the introduction of the RWD and pAWD systems replace the single AWD system used on the 2025 Optiq, where it made 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.
Other improvements to the 2026 Cadillac Optiq improvements include upgraded hardware for the Vision Enhanced Parking feature as well as enhancements to Super Cruise, including integration of the correct lane navigation function in Google Maps.
The drivetrain changes, extra power, and technology enhancements will all make the Optiq an even stronger competitor in the nascent but growing luxury C-crossover segment. Shareholders should be delighted by this as Cadillac says it has had plenty of commercial success with the crossover during its first year on the market.
