Cadillac’s latest EV update is basically a cheat code for Tesla stations
Published on Jun 25, 2025 at 8:00 AM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody
Last updated on Jun 25, 2025 at 10:06 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Callum Tokody
Cadillac’s latest EV now offers Tesla Supercharger access and a powerful new AWD powertrain, aimed at improving real-world usability and range confidence.
The 2026 Optiq arrives with a series of hardware and software upgrades designed to better align Cadillac’s EV lineup with evolving market expectations.
The NACS port makes public fast charging easier, while the powertrain options bring more performance without compromising range.
Together, these changes give the Optiq a broader competitive edge in the premium electric SUV segment.
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New Tech and Power Define Cadillac’s Latest EV Update
One of the standout changes is the inclusion of the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port.
It allows the Optiq to access the Tesla Supercharger network without an adapter, marking a shift in how GM integrates its EVs into the existing charging landscape.
This decision gives drivers more flexibility and removes a common frustration in real-world EV ownership.
Equally notable is the new AWD powertrain configuration.
While the base model now features a 315 hp rear-wheel drive setup with 332 lb-ft of torque, it’s the redesigned AWD system that delivers the largest gains.
The upgraded dual-motor AWD powertrain produces 440 hp and 498 lb-ft of torque, up from just 300 hp and 354 lb-ft in the outgoing version.
It’s a performance step that moves the Optiq closer to rivals like the Audi Q4 e-tron and Genesis GV70 Electrified.
Estimated range remains consistent at 300 miles.
Fast-charging capability enables a 79-mile top-up in roughly ten minutes.
Although Cadillac has not shared performance times, the boost in output suggests faster acceleration and improved drivability.
Software Updates Round Out the 2026 Optiq’s Overhaul
The 2026 Optiq also gains several software refinements.
Super Cruise, Cadillac’s semi-autonomous driving system, now includes route-based lane changes using Google Maps data.
A new hands-on driving function helps manage lane centering and following distances on non-Super Cruise roads, offering more seamless transitions during trips.
Other updates include “Vision Enhanced Parking,” which uses a mix of radar and cameras to assist with low-speed maneuvering.
Adaptive cruise control has also been improved to better respond to changing speed zones, reducing sudden slowdowns and allowing the car to maintain a more natural pace on long drives.
These features don’t break new ground, but they suggest a stronger emphasis on refinement.
Paired with the AWD powertrain upgrade and Tesla Supercharger access, they show Cadillac’s latest EV aligning more closely with actual buyer expectations.
The 2026 Cadillac Optiq is expected to arrive in showrooms later this year. Pricing details have not yet been confirmed.
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Callum Tokody is a content writer at Supercar Blondie, where he covers the latest in the automotive world with a focus on design and performance. Callum has a background in automotive journalism and has contributed to a range of publications in Australia and the UK. Outside of work, he’s a design enthusiast with a soft spot for anything with a V8 and a good story.
