2026 Cadillac Optiq-V Review: 519 HP Compact Luxury EV

Cadillac has expanded its electric lineup for 2026 with the all-new Optiq V-Series. In this episode of EV Rider, we take a detailed look at Cadillac’s smallest electric SUV to see how performance, range, technology, and luxury blend into this high-output V-Series edition. • EV Rider Podcasts: https://evrider.tv/podcasts • EV Rider website: https://evrider.tv • EV Rider on Facebook:   / evriderfl   • EV Rider on Instagram:   / evriderfl   • EV Rider on X: https://x.com/bortzinjax YouTube Chapter Timecodes 0:00 - Introduction: 2026 Cadillac Optiq V-Series 0:22 - Performance Specs & Velocity Max 0-60 0:38 - Brembo Brakes & V-Series Styling 0:50 - Pricing & Carbon Fiber Option Package 1:03 - Interior Screen & Power Start/Off Controls 1:30 - Physical Controls, Jog Dial & Infotainment Tech 2:10 - Rear Seat Comfort & Passenger Amenities 2:25 - 21-Inch Wheels & Tire Options 2:36 - EV Rider Podcast Announcement 2:46 - Home AC Charging & DC Fast-Charging Speeds 3:02 - Native NACS Port & Tesla Supercharging 3:12 - Rear Cargo Area & Liftgate Operation 3:25 - Road Test: Driving Dynamics & Acceleration 3:57 - Super Cruise Test & Automatic Lane Changes 4:43 - Seat Comfort & Long-Distance Suitability 4:58 - Regenerative Braking Steering Paddle 5:14 - Ride Quality, Suspension & Noise Insulation 5:33 - Instrument Cluster & Google Maps Integration 6:08 - Driving Impressions vs. Other Cadillac EVs 6:44 - Turn Radius & Maneuverability 6:51 - Constructive Criticism: Range & Charging Speed 7:02 - Conclusion & Web Review Link We put the Optiq V through its paces on the roads and interstates of Jacksonville. With dual motors cranking out 519 horsepower and driving a 0-60 mph launch in just 3.5 seconds via Velocity Max, this EV brings serious muscle to the luxury compact crossover segment. Key Features Covered: Performance & Specs: 519 hp, 0–60 in 3.5s, front Brembo brakes, standard all-wheel drive, and 21-inch alloy wheels. Interior & Tech: Signature sweeping curved display, Android Automotive with Google Play integration, Chrome, YouTube, SiriusXM, and physical climate/haptic controls. Hands-Free Driving: Testing 3 years of included Super Cruise with automatic hands-free lane changes. Charging & Range: Native NACS port (Tesla Supercharger compatible with no adapter needed), standard 19.2 kW onboard charger adding up to 59 miles/hr at home, and up to 70 miles of range in 10 minutes at DC fast chargers. Practicality & Pricing: Rear passenger space, cargo capacity, starting price points under $51k for base models, and detailed test vehicle MSRP.