2026 Lyriq-VImage Credit: Cadillac
Cadillac, one of the world’s oldest automotive brands, is expanding its lineup of electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia and New Zealand, with right-hand-drive versions of the Optiq and Vistiq set to launch next year.
Cadillac, which is owned by American automotive giant General Motors (GM), already offers the Lyriq SUV in Australia and New Zealand, and recently announced that sales for the first-ever all-electric V-Series vehicle, the Lyriq-V, will start in early 2026.
It is now set to expand its Antipodean offerings with right-hand-drive models of the Optiq electric crossover and Vistiq three-row electric SUV both set to arrive Down Under in 2026.
Pricing details have yet to be released, but the Vistiq will be priced as a luxury SUV for large families, while the Optiq will be priced beneath the Lyriq as the new entry point to the Cadillac electric range. The Lyriq sells for over $100,000.
“These new and exciting models will double Cadillac’s line-up in Australia and New Zealand, appealing to an even broader range of customers and usage requirements, and allowing even more people to experience this incredible brand for themselves,” said Jess Bala, managing director of General Motors Australia and New Zealand.
“But product is only a part of the Cadillac brand promise, with each of the four models underpinned by our commitment to our customers, which begins in our flagship Customer Experience Centres and continues throughout the entire ownership experience.”
The Cadillac Optiq is the smallest electric Cadillac vehicle to date, measuring in at 4820mm in length, 2126mm in width, and 1644mm in height. The compact crossover features a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain as standard, putting out 224kW of power and 480Nm of torque.
While Cadillac did not provide specific details in its official press release, American details for the Optiq include an 85kW lithium-ion battery delivering a range of around 480km (EPA).
On the other hand, the Cadillac Vistiq measures 5222mm in length, 2203mm in width, and 1804mm in height, and comes with a dual motor all-wheel drive system as standard. Additional features include standard chassis damping control and available Air Ride Adaptive suspension, combined with GM’s purpose-built electric drivetrain.
As with the Optiq, Cadillac did not provide many specifics in its latest press release, but the American Vistiq features a 102kW battery with a driving range of around 480km (EPA) and puts out a total of 450kW and 881Nm.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.
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