​​The High-Performance Optiq-V Surprises Edmunds in its Range Test​ 

For EVs, range estimates are often like published mpg figures.  It can be hard to reach those numbers in the real world.  But when Edmunds tested the range of the Cadillac Optiq-V, they encountered something they did not expect. Michael Hohl Cadillac tells you what they found.  

For the right person, the Cadillac Optiq-V has it all. Much of that is reflected in the name. Being a Cadillac, it has an opulent, fashionable interior replete with advanced connectivity and other technologies. As an Optiq, it is the size of a compact crossover, which is the most popular vehicle category in the country. Like other models in the category, it seats five, has room for cargo, and is a size that makes it easy to park and move through city traffic.   

Because that name ends with a “Q”, you know that it is an EV, providing clean, efficient propulsion. But then we factor in the V-suffix, which is Cadillac’s telltale sign of high performance. In the Optiq-V, that equates to 519 horsepower and a whopping 650 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph time of 3.7 seconds.  

In order to bring the Optiq up to V-spec, Cadillac engineers reworked the suspension in all the right places, tweaking spring rates, mounts, bushings and anti-roll bars, while also equipping it with Sachs adaptive dampers with Tour and Sport settings. For additional grip, opt for the available summer performance tires. Ignore the adage of no replacement for displacement – the Optiq-V is a driver’s car through and through.

In addition to highlighting its fun driving talents, Edmunds put it through their range test, where editors follow a route consisting of 60% city driving and 40% highway, staying within 5 mpg of all posted speed limits. The car is set to its most efficient setting, but there are no hyper-mileage tricks performed: it’s driven like most owners will on a day-to-day basis. While the normal 315-horsepower rear-wheel-drive Optiq has an official range of 317 miles, the performance flagship model Edmunds tested has an official range of 250 miles. But when Edmunds range-tested the model, it traveled 281 miles, 31 miles, or 12.4% farther than its official estimate. This is not what Edmunds normally sees from its real-world range tests.   

The EPA rates the Optiq-V at 41 kWh per 100 miles, but during testing, Edmunds found it used only 37.4 kWh for the same distance. This means the tested Optiq-V was about 9.6% more efficient than the EPA estimate suggested. 

If you are looking for a comfortable, compact crossover packed with driving enjoyment that is still surprisingly efficient, the Optiq-V is for you. Or, if you think you can get by on “just” 315 horsepower, or a “mere” 440 horsepower with all-wheel drive, the rest of the Optiq model line is an option as well. You will able to see and test drive them all at Michael Hohl Cadillac in Carson City, NV.