The American automaker is looking to hit a luxury pricing sweet spot in Canada with its all-new entry-level electric Crossover SUV, Optiq
The 2025 Optiq from Cadillac is priced to be rebate-eligible in Canada. Photo: Cadillac
General Motor’s Cadillac division has announced pricing of its new all-electric model unveiled in May: the entry-level 2025 Cadillac Optiq has a starting MSRP of in Canada $63,298, making it eligible for federal and provincial rebate programs.
Smaller and more affordable than its EV stable-mates — the Lyriq, Escalade IQ, Celestiq and next year’s large, three-row Vistiq — the Optiq features a sleek design, roomy cabin (including the backseat) and ample cargo space. Six inches shorter than the Lyriq, it offers a driving experience suited to both city streets and highways.
Built on GM’s Ultium battery architecture, the Optiq sports an 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack that provides up to 482 km of range on a full charge. Thanks to its compatibility with DC fast charging (when available), GM claims that 10 minutes of charge time will net up to 112 km of range.
However, the standard charge rate is 150 kW, which is somewhat lower than its competitors like the 2026 Rivian R2 (220 kW maximum rate) and the Polestar 3 (250 kW).
The Optiq’s dual motor all-wheel drive propulsion system develops 300 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque.
“With its sporty and athletic design,” said Mike Speranzini, managing director of Cadillac Canada, in a recent press release, the Optiq “will serve as an important gateway to attract luxury EV intenders to Cadillac as we look to offer a fully electric portfolio by the end of the decade.”
Available later this fall, the small SUV offers a lot of technology, including a 33-inch (diagonal) driver information screen, as well as driving aids like adaptive cruise control, steering assist and self-parking.
Also standard on the Optiq is GM’s Super Cruise Capability (via subscription) which allows for hands-free driving on some major highways and routes in Canada.
The Cadillac Optiq will retail in North America, Europe and the Middle East. It is already available in China (where it is manufactured for the domestic market).
In a move that will avoid Canada’s new 100 per cent tariff on made-in-China EVs, production of the Optiq for the North American market is underway at the GM Ramos Arizpe plant in Coahuila, Mexico.
Optiq will come in four distinctive trims — Luxury 1 and 2 and Sport 1 and 2.