Cadillac Optiq, the brand's most affordable EV, will start at $54000
Is Cadillac's $54K Optiq True Luxury or Compromise?
Cadillac's new 2025 Optiq, priced at $54,000, offers an affordable entry into the luxury EV market compared to its pricier siblings, the Lyriq and Celestiq. The Optiq features dual-motor all-wheel drive, Super Cruise technology, and a suite of Google apps, though it lacks smartphone mirroring options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With an 85kWh battery providing a 300-mile range and fast charging capabilities, the Optiq is designed for sportier driving and will be available in Luxury and Sport trims.
Why has Cadillac decided not to include smartphone mirroring features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the Optiq?
Cadillac, along with other General Motors (GM) brands, has decided not to include smartphone mirroring features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the Optiq and other future electric vehicles (EVs) due to several reasons. One of the primary reasons is the desire to have a more integrated system that offers a seamless user experience. GM believes that a tightly integrated software experience will win customers over, as imaging and mirroring cannot provide the same level of experience that a fully integrated system can.
Additionally, there are stability issues with CarPlay and Android Auto, which can lead to bad connections, poor rendering, slow responses, and dropped connections. These issues may result in drivers picking up their phones again, defeating the purpose of these phone-mirroring programs. By developing their own software platform, GM aims to eliminate these issues and provide a more reliable and consistent experience for their customers.
Furthermore, GM's new Ultifi software platform, which is built on the Android Automotive OS, allows for more control over the vehicle's software and data. This control is valuable for vehicle development and for capturing and repackaging data for analysis and marketing purposes. By using their own software platform, GM can avoid sharing data and control with third-party tech companies like Apple and Google.
Lastly, GM wants to offer a more complete and native navigation system that works well with their advanced driver assistance features, such as Super Cruise and Ultra Cruise. By developing their own software, GM can better integrate these features and provide a more cohesive user experience.
In summary, Cadillac's decision to exclude Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from the Optiq is based on the desire to provide a more integrated, stable, and controllable software experience for their customers, as well as better integration with their advanced driver assistance features.
How does the Cadillac Optiq's battery performance compare to other electric vehicles in terms of charging speed and range?
The 2025 Cadillac Optiq features an 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack, which provides an estimated range of 300 miles (482 kilometers). In terms of charging speed, the Optiq is capable of adding about 79 miles (127 kilometers) of range in 10 minutes when connected to a DC fast charger (150 kW and up).
When comparing the Optiq's battery performance to other electric vehicles, it's important to consider factors such as battery size, charging infrastructure, and real-world driving conditions. While the Optiq's range is not the longest among EVs, it is respectable and competitive within its segment. The charging speed, being able to add 79 miles of range in 10 minutes, is also fairly quick, but not the fastest in the market5.
The Optiq's battery performance is based on General Motors' Ultium electric platform, which is designed to be scalable and adaptable for a wide range of vehicles. This platform allows for efficient packaging of battery cells, enabling more energy storage in a given space, and it supports a variety of vehicle sizes and configurations.
Overall, the Cadillac Optiq's battery performance is in line with other electric vehicles in its class, offering a balance of range and charging speed that should satisfy most drivers' needs. However, it's essential to keep in mind that real-world performance may vary depending on factors like driving habits, weather conditions, and charging infrastructure availability.