Cadillac Reworks the Optiq EV for 2026 with New Power and AI

Daily Car

·

05/11/2025

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Cadillac's small electric crossover, the Optiq, gets a major update for 2026, only one year after its debut. The company replaces the car's basic drivetrain, a step rarely taken between model years. The 2025 Optiq came only with all wheel drive that sent most torque to the front axle. For 2026 the standard model uses rear wheel drive, while the optional all-wheel-drive system now favors the rear axle. Engineers usually reserve this sort of hardware change for a full redesign.

The main reason for the quick switch was Cadillac's plan to add a high performance V-series trim. General Motors engineers state that the original platform, which shares parts with the Chevrolet Equinox EV, could not reach the output expected of a V-badge car. The 2025 model's 300 hp did not meet the target. To build the Optiq-V, the team transplanted the stronger electric motors from the larger Lyriq-V into the smaller chassis and created a more agile performance EV.

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Artificial intelligence and virtual simulation accelerated the program. Instead of building multiple rounds of physical prototypes, GM engineers ran advanced computer models. The digital tests proved accurate enough that the program skipped the usual 65 percent- and 80 percent complete prototype phases. The team jumped straight from simulations to a final validation vehicle trimming months from the schedule.

The 2026 Optiq lineup now delivers more power. The base rear drive model generates 315 hp and 332 lb ft of torque surpassing the outgoing all-wheel-drive version. The revised all-wheel-drive variant produces 440 hp and 498 lb ft of torque. The flagship Optiq-V raises output to an estimated 519 hp and 650 lb ft of torque. This rapid development shows how automakers use tools like AI to satisfy market demand faster plus to improve vehicles in less time than traditional methods allow.

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