Cadillac Lyriq sales continue to drop and they were off 31.2% in the second quarter.
The brand is seeing “strong” demand for the Optiq, Vistiq, and Escalade IQ.
Sales of gas-powered models climbed with the exception of the CT4 and XT4.
The Lyriq has been a bright spot for Cadillac, but it had a dismal second quarter as sales tumbled 31.2% to 5,017 units. This followed a disappointing first quarter and year-to-date sales are down 28.8% to 9,317.
That’s a disappointing showing, but nearly 25% of Cadillacs sold in the first half of the year were electric. That figure was the “highest among full-line luxury brands” and Cadillac was the “luxury EV market share leader” in the second quarter.
While the Lyriq got the short end of the stick, the company pointed to “strong initial demand” for the Optiq, Vistiq, and Escalade IQ. The Optiq racked up 3,224 sales, while the Vistiq found 1,744 takers. Cadillac also delivered 1,810 Escalade IQs, which start at $130,090 for 2025.
Despite modest sales, more EVs are coming including the Lyriq-V, Optiq-V, and Escalade IQL. The latter arrives this summer and begins at $132,795. That’s pretty expensive, but the luxury SUV has 460 miles (740 km) of range as well as a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 4.7 seconds.
Elsewhere in the lineup, the gas-powered Escalade was the biggest seller as consumers snapped up 11,692 units. That was an increase of 16.1% and the boost was likely aided by a rather significant facelift.
The XT4 was off 22.2%, while the XT5 and XT6 saw slight gains. Unfortunately, all three models are getting old at this point and the three-row crossover has a date with the undertaker – at least in North America.
Last but not least, Cadillac sedans saw mixed news. The CT5 was up 9% to 4,187 units, while the CT4 crashed 19.1% to 1,430 units.
Cadillac has delivered the first Celestiq to a customer during a private event in Michigan.
The car starts around $350,000 and can be customized with the assistance of a Celestiq concierge.
A 111 kWh battery pack feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 655 hp and 646 lb-ft.
It’s been a long and bumpy road, but Cadillac is one step closer to returning to the “Standard of the World” as the first Celestiq was delivered to its owner during a private ceremony at Cadillac House. The moment was years in the making as the model debuted in the fall of 2022 and was originally slated to go into production the following year.
Of course, the company’s return to the ultra-luxury segment started long before this happened. In fact, it can probably be traced back to Cadillac’s reinvention in 2002, which saw the unveiling of the CTS. Not long after, in 2003, Cadillac unveiled the stunning Sixteen concept and hinted at their return to the upper echelons of automotive elegance.
However, fans had a long wait ahead of them and Cadillac kept them on their toes. To help keep the faith alive, they introduced a string of high-profile concepts including the Ciel and Elmiraj. The latest is the Sollei, which is essentially a drop top Celestiq.
Cadillac didn’t say much about the first production model, but they released a single picture of a brown car with a brown interior. The company noted the model was “built to the client’s individual specifications” as every customer can work with a Celestiq concierge and Cadillac designer to create a unique car that fits their “tastes and desires.”
While a lot has changed in the past few years, the Celestiq is more powerful and capable than originally announced. The production model has a 111 kWh battery pack that feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 655 hp (488 kW / 664 PS) and 646 lb-ft (875 Nm) of torque. This setup enables the car to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.7 seconds and travel an estimated 303 miles (488 km) between charges.
Besides the beefy powertrain, the Celestiq is notable for having power open and close doors as well as massive 23-inch wheels. The car also has an undeniable presence as it measures 217.2 inches (5,517 mm) long, which makes it longer than an Escalade.
The interior is dominated by screens as there’s a 55-inch pillar-to-pillar display, an 11-inch Front Command Center, and an 8-inch Rear Command Center. Customers will also find two 12.6-inch rear passenger displays. Other highlights include Super Cruise, a dimmable fixed glass roof, and a 38- or 42-speaker audio system.
Pricing starts in the “mid-$300,000 range,” although the actual cost is determined by a customer’s individual level of curation.
The 2026 Optiq adds a NACS port for access to Tesla Supercharger stations.
A new rear-wheel drive version makes 315 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
Upgraded all-wheel drive model produces 440 hp and 498 lb-ft of torque.
Cadillac introduced the 2026 Optiq-V earlier this month and now the luxury brand has announced a series of updates to the standard model. The changes are pretty notable as there’s two new powertrains as well as a newly standard NACS port, which allows for easy access at Tesla Supercharger stations.
Starting with the entry-level Optiq, it features an 85 kWh battery pack as well as a rear-mounted motor producing an estimated 315 hp (235 kW / 319 PS) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. That’s pretty impressive as it’s more powerful than the current all-wheel drive model.
Speaking of which, the 2026 Optiq offers a new “rear-wheel drive based all-wheel drive system.” It produces an estimated 440 hp (328 kW / 446 PS) and 498 lb-ft (674 Nm) of torque, which is a huge improvement over the previous rating of 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) and 354 lb-ft (479 Nm).
Cadillac didn’t release full performance details, but said the 2026 Optiq has an estimated range of 300 miles (483 km). When the battery is low, it can get up to 79 miles (127 km) of range in as little as ten minutes.
Besides the powertrain updates, the 2026 Optiq has “Vision Enhanced Parking.” The company didn’t say much about it, but it sounds like an upgraded version of Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist and Cadillac says it uses cameras as well as radar sensors.
Last but not least, the crossover comes with the latest version of Super Cruise. It features a number of improvements including Google Maps integration and automatic lane changes to stay on your route. There’s also a new hands-on capability that keeps the vehicle centered in its lane and following a safe distance from the car ahead. This allows for smoother transitions to and from Super Cruise-enabled roads.
There’s also an upgraded adaptive cruise control system, which can automatically adjust to keep pace with changing speed limits. Like in the Vistiq, the system should let you speed, if you want to. As an example, if you’re doing 75 mph in a 70 mph zone and the speed limit drops to 55 mph, the car would do 60 mph.
Cadillac didn’t mention pricing, but the 2026 Optiq will arrive at dealerships later this year.
Chevrolet sold around 37,000 electric vehicles during the first five months of 2025.
That places Chevy firmly in second among U.S. EV automakers behind Tesla.
It also means that Ford falls to at best third place after a rough first quarter.
General Motors is having a great year when it comes to electric vehicles. Sure, some reports indicate sales might be cooling off in some corners of the market, but for GM, things are hot. The company says its EV sales have jumped 94 percent year over year, and one of its brands, Chevrolet, now ranks second only to Tesla in U.S. EV sales.
That’s not a small gap, though. Tesla still held nearly 44 percent of the U.S. EV market in the first quarter of the year, with 128,100 vehicles sold, or roughly as much as everyone else combined. However, Tesla’s May figures aren’t available yet, making a direct comparison with GM impossible.
Still, GM managed to sell 62,830 electric cars, trucks, and SUVs between January and the end of May. The first quarter alone saw a 94 percent year-over-year jump, and that momentum hasn’t let up. May turned out to be the company’s second-best month ever for EV sales, pushing GM to a 15.5 percent share of the current EV market.
Chevrolet carried much of that weight, accounting for over half of those numbers with roughly 37,000 deliveries during the same period. Leading the charge was the electric Equinox, which became GM’s best-selling EV with 21,804 units delivered.
Strong Numbers and Stronger Momentum
“Customers are responding in record numbers to our world-class portfolio of electric and gas-powered vehicles,” said Rory Harvey, executive VP and president of global markets. “In the first two months of the second quarter, we more than doubled our EV sales compared to the same period last year.” Lots of those sales are coming from the top EV seller, Tesla.
In fact, according to Scott Bell, vice president of global Chevrolet, over half of the sales GM has this year are conquest sales, meaning customers are switching over from other brands. He told the Detroit Free Press that the Equinox is a major player here.
“It’s certainly the most affordable EV out there with that kind of range. It is by far the leader in the clubhouse; it doubles our Blazer volume easily on a monthly basis,” said Bell. “Once you convert to an EV, you’re not leaving. Especially once you’ve invested in the infrastructure, a home charger, 86% of them will stay.”
Interestingly, General Motors’ figures are even more impressive when compared to Ford’s. The Blue Oval brand delivered 34,132 cars during the first five months of the year, marking an 8.3 percent drop from the same period in 2024. That’s right, Chevrolet outsold Ford, and that doesn’t take into account any of the sales from Cadillac and GMC. No doubt, some of that success comes from GM’s wider range of available EVs.
At the same time, both GM and Ford are doing just fine when it comes to their combustion-engine businesses. Hybrids are selling great, too. We’ll get a clearer picture of the EV sales landscape soon. GM will announce its second-quarter sales numbers on July 1. Other automakers will no doubt do the same around the same time.
Cadillac has introduced the 2026 Optiq-V, which has 519 hp and 275 miles of range.
The crossover has unique styling inside and out as well as an adaptive suspension.
It starts at $68,795 and is being billed as a luxurious “canyon carver” that hugs back roads.
Cadillac’s impressive electric vehicle lineup continues to grow as the company has unveiled the 2026 Optiq-V. It’s a performance-focused crossover, notable for being the first vehicle from General Motors to have a native NACS (North American Charging Standard) port. This has been long overdue, and it will allow for easy access to Tesla Superchargers.
While the NACS port is a welcome addition, the V-Series is all about performance, and the Optiq-V doesn’t disappoint on paper. It features a dual motor all-wheel drive system that produces an estimated 519 hp (387 kW / 526 PS) and 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque. This enables the 5,445 lb (2,470 kg) crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.5 seconds when using Launch Control.
Powering the show is an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that provides an estimated range of 275 miles (443 km). That’s 27 miles (43 km) fewer than the standard model, and it feels a little underwhelming.
On the bright side, a DC fast charger can deliver approximately 70 miles (113 km) of range in as little as 10 minutes. At home, you can expect to get 18 miles (29 km) of range per hour with a 7.7 kW charger or 31 miles (50 km) per hour with an 11.5 kW charger.
During a media briefing earlier this month, Lead Development Engineer Alex Doss told us the Optiq-V was designed to be a “canyon carver.” As part of the focus on driving dynamics, the crossover comes equipped with an adaptive suspension, torque vectoring technology, and specially developed tires.
The model also sports a customizable V-Mode as well as Brembo front brakes that measure 15.4 inches (390 mm). Unfortunately, the Optiq-V eschews the 1,500 lb (680 kg) towing capacity found on the regular model.
A Familiar, But Sportier Design
Besides an additional 219 hp (163 kW / 222 PS), the Optiq-V has an aggressive front fascia with a gloss black splitter. They’re joined by body-color components, a black roof, and a revised intake with a unique mesh pattern.
Designers didn’t stop there as the model rides on special 21-inch alloy wheels that feature a satin graphite finish as well as a laser-etched V-Series badge. A closer inspection also reveals a prominent diffuser as well as a unique motif for the rear quarter glass.
The Optiq-V will be offered in eight colors, including Deep Ocean Tintcoat and Magnus Metal Frost, which are V-Series exclusives. Customers can also get a carbon fiber package that includes a front splitter, rear diffuser, and a mid-mounted spoiler.
A Carbon Clad Interior With A Handful Of Special Touches
The interior largely carries over as drivers are greeted by a familiar 33-inch display with Google built-in. However, there are several special touches, including a sport steering wheel, carbon fiber trim, and V-Series badging.
Designers also used blue accents and a patterned fabric, which is woven from yarn made from recycled materials. On the topic of upholstery, the model will be offered with two interior themes as well as an Expressive Color package. The latter adds Santorini Blue seatback panels as well as Santorini Blue seatbelts.
We’ll learn full details closer to launch, but the Optiq-V comes nicely equipped with a panoramic fixed glass roof and a 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system with Dolby Atmos technology. They’re joined by Super Cruise as well as a host of other driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert, blind zone steering assist, and enhanced automatic parking.
Pricing and Competition
The 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V is scheduled to enter production this fall, with pricing starting at $68,795 including destination. It will be available in North America, Israel, and the Middle East. For those keeping track, that’s $9,800 less than Cadillac’s larger 615 hp Lyriq-V.
One of its key rivals will be the forthcoming Tesla Model Y Performance. While that version hasn’t officially debuted, it’s expected to carry a price premium of around $8,000 to $10,000 over the standard AWD model, placing it in the $57,000 to $59,000 range before the $7,500 federal tax credit.
Savings are only available from June 3 to July 31 for existing Costco members.
Eligible models include the Colorado, Silverado EV, Blazer EV, and Equinox EV.
Only two Cadillac models qualify for discounts, the all-electric Vistiq and Optiq.
Summer is just around the corner, and while that’s good news for many, the bad news is that price hikes across most major car brands are also seemingly just around the corner. Thankfully, Costco is once again rolling out limited-time discounts on select Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC models, offering savings of up to $1,250 for members.
The Costco Auto Program is meant to simplify car buying by sidestepping dealership haggling and offering fixed discounts to members. Between June 3 and July 31, Gold Star and Business members can shave $1,000 off eligible models. Executive members get a slightly larger discount of up to $1,250.
To benefit, members need to visit the Costco website, register their details, select their preferred model, and then be sent a savings certificate with a unique promo code. Shoppers will then get the discount when they present this certificate at any of the dealers from the three brands. But not all models are eligible.
At Chevrolet, the $1,000 and $1,250 discounts are available for the Colorado, Silverado EV, Blazer EV, and Equinox EV. There are also savings valued at up to $3,000 for the Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 and BrightDrop 600 delivery vans, but only businesses are expected to purchase them.
Over at GMC, the Sierra EV, Hummer EV Pickup, and Hummer EV SUV are the three models available with the new Costco incentives. Then there’s Cadillac, where only the all-electric Optiq and Vistiq are eligible. Importantly, the Costco savings can be stacked with any other incentive a buyer may be eligible for.
For those thinking about signing up for Costco just to take advantage of this offer, the timing won’t work out. Eligibility requires an active membership as of June 2, so new sign-ups won’t be able to use the discount this time around.
Roughly one in ten new Cadillac EV buyers are switching over from Tesla models.
The Lyriq is capturing around 25 percent of Tesla owners trading in their vehicles.
Cadillac says its growing EV lineup positions it for luxury market leadership success.
Electric vehicles are, nowadays, neither a niche or a novelty. As more automakers flood the market with new models, competition is heating up – and Cadillac wants in. GM’s luxury brand is making a serious push to grow its EV presence, and a part of its strategy includes luring customers away from other automakers.
According to one General Motors executive speaking to CNBC, around 80 percent of new Cadillac EV buyers are coming from outside the brand. A closer look at the data shows that roughly one in 10 of those newcomers is switching over from Tesla.
Cadillac’s weapon in this EV conquest? The Lyriq. As the brand’s central electric offering, the Lyriq has become a significant driver of customer conversion. It boasts a starting price of under $60,000 and is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit, at least for now. It features a huge 33-inch curved OLED display, lots of luxury, and decent range too. Unsurprisingly, about 25 percent of Tesla owners trading in for a Cadillac are choosing the Lyriq.
“We see the opportunity to increase the conquest rate for Tesla, absolutely,” Brad Franz, Cadillac director of global marketing, told CNBC. The portfolio is the key,” he continued. “We’ve always had good interaction with Tesla customers, but in the past, that’s been in that 10% to 15% range [for Lyriq]. So, certainly, we’re seeing a good jump in conquest rate.”
Are Some Tesla Owners Just Done With Tesla?
Interestingly, at least one analyst believes that this is less about how perfect the Lyriq is for Tesla owners and more about getting out of the Tesla ecosystem altogether. “People leaving Tesla cars now, they’re, in my opinion, making a very deliberate choice to get out of that car. If your priority is to get out of the Tesla ASAP, then they’re not, technically, cross-shopping Tesla for their next car,” said Joseph Yoon, Edmunds’ consumer insights analyst.
That trend might not slow down anytime soon either. Tesla is facing a myriad of concerns at a brand level. At the same time, Cadillac is offering a stronger EV portfolio than ever before. “Cadillac is leading the way with our EV lineup,” Franz said. “We’re really poised for success. We’re going to take this portfolio, now that Vistiq is rounding out the SUV portfolio, and become the No. 1, tier-one EV luxury brand.”
What Buyers Are Actually Comparing
Data from Edmunds shows that Lyriq shoppers are also eyeing models like Cadillac’s own Optiq, the Acura ZDX, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and BMW iX. Just behind those are the Kia EV9 and GM’s own Chevy Blazer and Equinox EVs. Tesla buyers, on the other hand, tend to stay loyal, often looking at other Teslas when they’re ready for something new. Depending on the model, they may also consider options from Honda, Hyundai, Kia, or occasionally, the Equinox EV or Hummer EV.
It’s still too early to say if Cadillac can claim a top spot in the EV luxury space, but the landscape is shifting. Buyers in the EV market have more choices than ever before. The real question is whether that momentum can continue or if new regulations, tariff concerns, and stifled EV infrastructure will change that.
PROS ›› Powerful dual-motor AWD system, upscale interior, comfortable rideCONS ›› Too high-tech for its own good, expensive, not an Escalade
Cadillac’s electric revolution is well underway, and it got off to a fantastic start with the Lyriq. Launched in 2022, the model has become the best-selling luxury EV in America and now accounts for roughly 20% of Cadillac sales. It’s also introducing new people to the brand as it has an impressive conquest rate of 80%.
While the Lyriq was the tip of the spear, the battle is now raging on all fronts as the company’s electric lineup has grown to include five models. One of the latest is the 2026 Vistiq, which is the de facto successor to the XT6. It’s a huge leap forward, although it falls a little short of being a ‘baby’ Escalade.
QUICK FACTS
› Model:
2026 Cadillac Vistiq
› Dimensions:
205.6 inches Long
86.7 inches Wide
71.0 inches Tall
121.8 inch Wheelbase
› Battery:
102 kWh
› Output:
615 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque
› Performance:
0–60 mph in 3.7 seconds
› Curb Weight:
6,326 lbs
› Range:
305 Miles
› Price:
$79,090 including destination
› On Sale:
Now
SWIPE
Iconiq Looks
Large and imposing, the Vistiq follows in the footsteps of the Lyriq and Escalade IQ as it adopts an illuminated Black Crystal Shield grille, flanked by split lighting units. They immediately tell onlookers this isn’t just any electric vehicle, it’s a Cadillac EV.
The boldness gives way to an understated design further back as the flanks have streamlined bodywork and flush-mounted door handles. They’re joined by a long, sloping roof that can be painted in contrasting black.
Michael Gauthier
More notably, there’s a Mondrian graphic on the third quarter glass, which could likely prove divisive. Cadillac says it’s there to provide a sense of motion as well as privacy for third-row occupants, but it’s not my cup of tea. On the bright side, the pattern doesn’t have much of an impact on the otherwise excellent visibility from inside.
While the window treatment is a bit garish, the sleek bodywork enables the crossover to have a drag coefficient of 0.29. That trails the Mercedes EQS SUV by a small margin, but it’s pretty impressive for a vehicle that measures 205.6 inches (5,222 mm) long, 86.7 inches (2,203 mm) wide, and 71 inches (1,804 mm) tall. For those wondering, that’s 7.1 inches (180 mm) longer than the XT6, but 18.7 inches (475 mm) shorter than the Escalade IQ.
121.8 inches (3,094 mm) separate the wheels, which are available in a variety of sizes and designs. 21-inchers come standard, although higher-end trims sport 22-inchers with 23-inch kicks being optional.
That brings us to the rear end, which is fairly conservative when compared to the more adventurous Lyriq. It sports split taillights as well as a power liftgate, which is activated by touching the Cadillac emblem.
A Beautiful Cabin With Three Roomy Rows
There’s a saying that ‘It’s what’s on the inside that counts’, and the Vistiq didn’t disappoint as our Premium Luxury tester was a sight to behold. The Phantom Blue seats immediately stand out thanks to their eye-catching color and premium design, which incorporates quilted accents as well as contrast piping.
The comfy chairs feature heating, ventilation, and a massage function that can be operated from either the door panel or the 8-inch command center. The seats also feature 8-way power adjustment as well as a memory function on both sides.
While the blue seats grab your attention, they’re not the only standout feature, as there’s beautiful Lumen open-pore wood trim as well as microfiber upholstery. Other highlights include stylized speaker grilles, metallic accents, and Cadillac-specific switchgear.
Michael Gauthier
It’s also impossible to ignore the curved 33-inch display that functions as a digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. It’s clean and bright, although not completely intuitive.
A prime example of this is hidden settings for the augmented reality heads-up display, which Cadillac made a big fuss about. The display was positioned out of my sightline, but I couldn’t find the menu to move it. It was only later that someone else discovered you had to swipe sideways on the far left section of the 33-inch display to get to a menu screen to access HUD settings.
That isn’t the only issue, as the steering wheel can block your view of the display. This isn’t much of a problem most of the time, but it can hide messages related to Super Cruise and automated lane changes.
The second-row captain’s chairs feel like first-class accommodations as they’re comfortable, supportive, and have a heating function as standard. They also slide and recline, making it easy to get situated.
Once settled in, passengers can fine-tune their environment on the 8-inch rear command center. This comes in handy as the Vistiq has a five-zone climate control system, so everyone can tailor settings to their liking.
The first two rows are covered by a dual-pane panoramic sunroof with a power-retractable sunshade. It’s accompanied by a fixed glass roof above the third row, which helps to make the rear seat feel open and airy.
Speaking of which, Cadillac officials called the rear seats a “no compromise” third row. That certainly seems to be the case as they have the same stylish Nouveauluxe upholstery as those up front. This is notable as some companies cut corners on the third row by using cheaper materials or by eschewing embellishments.
Rear seaters will find plenty of amenities, including padded armrests, cup holders, and air vents. They’re joined by USB-C charging ports and a decent amount of legroom. With the second row slid all the way back, this 6’2” scribe could be comfortable enough for a short trip in the third row. However, if second-row passengers slide their seats forward a bit, the third row becomes truly adult-friendly.
It’s also worth noting there’s plenty of headroom in back, while entry and egress is good. However, it wasn’t perfect as our tester had a glitchy release for the second-row passenger seat. This forced us to hit the button while also pushing the seat forward in order to get it to move.
When it comes to hauling cargo, the second- and third-row seats have a power folding function that opens up 80.2 cubic feet (2,271 liters) of space. There’s also 43 cubic feet (1,218 liters) behind the second row and 15.2 cubic feet (430 liters) behind the third row.
While many entry-level models skimp on equipment, the Vistiq Luxury boasts a long list of standard fare. This includes a heated power steering wheel as well as heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. They’re joined by heated rear seats, a dual wireless smartphone charger, and a 23-speaker AKG Studio Audio system with Dolby Atmos. Buyers will also find alloy pedals, illuminated door sill plates, a rear camera mirror, ambient lighting, and Google built-in. The latter provides access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play store.
305 Miles Of Range And V-Series Performance
The heart of the Vistiq is a 102 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which feeds a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 615 hp (459 kW / 624 PS) and 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque. The powertrain is shared with the 2026 Lyriq-V and enables a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.7 seconds as well as tow up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg).
Needless to say, the Vistiq is impressively quick, leaving the Mercedes EQS SUV in the dust. The model also outguns the similarly priced Volvo EX90, which offers up to 510 hp (380 kW / 517 PS) in Performance guise.
Despite the impressive performance, the Vistiq can go the distance thanks to a range of up to 305 miles (491 km). That’s 5 miles (8 km) less than the Volvo, 7 miles (11 km) less than the EQS SUV 450 4MATIC, and 24 miles (39 km) less than the Tesla Model X.
Speaking of Tesla, the Vistiq has a Combined Charging System (CCS) port, meaning you’ll need to use an NACS adapter at Superchargers. That’s unfortunate, but the crossover’s 190 kW DC fast-charging capability can deliver up to 80 miles (129 km) of range in approximately 10 minutes.
The model comes standard with a dual-level charge cord, which can connect to an “appliance-style, four-prong outlet” to get up to 20.9 miles (33.6 km) of range per hour. If all you have is a traditional household outlet, you’ll only get up to 3.7 miles (6 km) of range per hour.
However, the Vistiq also supports 11.5 and 19.2 kW Level 2 charging. The former provides about 29 miles (46.7 km) of range per hour, while the latter boosts that to nearly 47 miles (75.6 km).
On the topic of power, the Vistiq has a bidirectional charging capability. When paired with a $7,299 GM Energy V2H Bundle, the crossover can power your home during a blackout.
A Smooth Operator With Standard Super Cruise
If you’ve driven a Lyriq, the Vistiq should feel pretty familiar, hardly a surprise given the similarities between the two models. Both ride on the BEV3 Ultium platform and put an emphasis on comfort.
This pays dividends for drivers as the Vistiq has a refined ride quality that is silky smooth, but not disconnected. Credit goes to a multi-link front and five-link rear suspension with semi-active dampers. However, our Premium Luxury tester is notable for featuring an Air Ride Adaptive suspension, which was remarkably comfortable even on dirt roads and broken pavement.
Despite a relaxed attitude, the Vistiq can hustle on back roads. The three-row luxury crossover felt planted and secure when chucked into corners at speed, although its hefty curb weight becomes apparent when you try to make it dance. It’s not bad, but you can’t ignore the rules of physics.
Michael Gauthier
Given this is a family-friendly crossover, it’s not surprising that the electric power steering isn’t overly engaging. It’s direct and predictable, but even putting the crossover into Sport mode left me wishing for extra heft and a livelier experience.
Sticking with that theme, the Premium Luxury is notable for having an active rear steering system. It turns the rear wheels up to 3.5 degrees to improve maneuverability at low speeds and stability at high speeds. This is a welcome addition as it helps the Vistiq to drive much smaller than it is, especially in tight parking lots.
To give you some perspective, the model has a turning diameter as tight as 38.2 feet (11.6 meters). That’s half a foot (152 mm) less than the smaller XT5 and XT6.
Michael Gauthier
When it’s time to bring the action to a halt, customers can depend on a pair of capable brakes that measure 13.5 inches (343 mm) front and 13.6 inches (345 mm) rear. They’re certainly up to the task, but the range-topping Platinum trim is notable for adding six-piston Brembo front brakes measuring 16.1 inches (410 mm).
While we didn’t get a chance to try out the Brembos, the standard brakes work well and had no problem bringing the hefty crossover to a safe and predictable stop. However, they’re not the only way to slow the vehicle, as the Vistiq has a steering wheel-mounted Regen On Demand paddle. Pull it, and the regenerative brakes kick in to slow the luxury crossover. The model also offers a one-pedal driving mode, which is an acquired taste that may or may not be to your liking.
One of the most welcome things about the Vistiq is how quiet the interior can be. This can be chalked up to laminated glass, extensive sound deadening, and road noise cancellation technology. When traveling on dirt roads, the vehicle was impressively hushed, and the same was true at highway speeds.
Aiding the experience is a full complement of standard driver assistance systems. This includes an upgraded version of Super Cruise, which features more hands-on functionality, route-related lane changes, and automatic reengagement.
We’ll discuss the system a bit more in a later article, but the Vistiq also has Automatic Emergency Braking, Reverse Automatic Braking, and Rear Cross Traffic Braking. They’re joined by Forward Collision Alert, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, an HD Surround Vision system, and OnStar.
A Solid, But Pricey Crossover Bound To Live In The Escalade’s Shadow
Cadillac appears to have another winner on their hands as the Vistiq offers an impressive blend of luxury, performance, and capability. It’s also a ‘proper’ three-row crossover, unlike the Tesla Model X and Mercedes EQS SUV. This alone helps the model to stand out, as there isn’t much direct competition besides the Volvo EX90.
Aside from filling a gap in the market, the Vistiq offers Blackwing levels of power and acceleration. Despite this, the crossover has a comfortable and refined ride as well as 305 miles (491 km) of range. While a few minor details detract from the experience, the model builds on the Lyriq and pushes the bar even higher.
Unfortunately, pricing is steep as the model starts at $77,395 before a $1,695 destination fee. Moving up to a Premium Luxury trim like our tester would set you back $93,590.
That’s a far cry from the 2025 XT6, which begins at $52,690 in AWD guise. However, the Vistiq undercuts the Volvo EX90 and is only a few thousand dollars more than the range-topping Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy. This makes it a pretty compelling three-row luxury EV, even if it has to live in the shadow of the Escalade IQ.
Someone recently spotted a Cadillac Celestiq sitting in a driveway near Detroit.
It costs $340,000 or more, but despite that, it looks almost too at home in this picture.
That said, its construction and customization options are anything but pedestrian.
The Standard of the World. That’s what Cadillac wants to be, and it’s not just us saying it. The automaker declared it, and it’s dead set on achieving that goal with the new Celestiq. Forget forging ahead with a big V8 or a super-luxe version of the long-loved Escalade. It went with an all-electric super sedan, priced like a Rolls-Royce. A new photo of one in the wild has us wondering if it’s going to miss its target.
A Suburban Reality Check
The car in question was spotted by an eagle-eyed Redditor just ten miles from GM’s Milford Proving Grounds. It wasn’t parked outside a multi-million-dollar mansion either. This appears to be an everyday home in the suburbs. In this setting, one we rarely see surrounding cars of this caliber, the Celestiq almost seems pedestrian. It’s worth noting that it had manufacturer plates, so it’s highly likely driven by either a GM employee or a journalist, as Cadillac has been providing testers to the press recently.
Sure, the Celestiq’s styling is no doubt more aggressive and out there than common cars. Still, it looks quite at home. The average passerby probably wouldn’t recognize that the car they’re looking at might cost more than the house it’s parked at. Nevertheless, everything we’re hearing about the Celestiq indicates that it’s a real moonshot worthy of praise.
After testing one, Jethro Bovington of Road and Track said that “Cadillac has been brave here, and I commend the sheer madness of it all.” What madness is he speaking of? Cadillac went all-out when it came to engineering here.
The Celestiq is packed with tech that’s as over-the-top as its price tag. It comes equipped with Magneride 4.0 shocks to smooth out the bumps and reduce chatter from the road. Under the hood, the electric motors deliver a respectable 655 horsepower and 646 lb-ft of torque. The dashboard? A 55-inch screen stretches across it like a sci-fi movie set. Passengers aren’t left out either, with two 12.6-inch screens in the back row.
Oh, and did we mention there are 38 speakers in the car? That’s almost certainly more than is in the entire house this one is parked at. Cadillac didn’t stop at just the opulent materials and high-end engineering side of things.
Customization Like You’ve Never Seen Before
The customization process is just as wild. According to Motor Trend, potential buyers get to be a part of the design process, and that includes rocking up to Cadillac House, the site, in Michigan. Once there, customers who have a connection to a previous Cadillac will likely find that model along with the Celestiq sitting on the floor of the venue.
From there, they can pick different fabrics, carpets, leathers, specific bits of interior trim, and yes, wheels too. Cadillac is only hand-building around 25 of these a year, and it says that there are some 350,000 combinations available with the options buyers have. Essentially, you’ll never see two of these that are identical.
Will Cadillac’s Celestiq Succeed?
At the same time, none of this means that the Celestiq will be a success. Cadillac has been slower to start production than it had hoped. Bovington rightly points out that Rolls-Royce is struggling to sell its all-electric Spectre. That could indicate that the Celestiq will be an even harder sale.
AutoNews points to a connection to the Lincoln Continental Mark II. “Launched by Ford’s separate Continental division for the 1956 model year, it was a masterpiece of mid-century design and exclusivity. It was also, at around $9,966 (about $117,000 in today’s money), the most expensive American-made car of its time. The result? It was a commercial flop.”
So, Will It Be a Success or a Footnote?
Looking at the Celestiq sitting in a suburban driveway, you might wonder if this is a preview of its future – a short-lived experiment destined to be a trivia answer. Will Cadillac’s electric dream get lost in the shuffle, or will it become the thing that pushes the brand into a whole new era?
Only time will tell, but at least we know one thing for sure already. Cadillac went all-in on this project, and whether it’s a massive hit or not, you can bet that history won’t forget it anytime soon.
GM boss Mark Reuss says a new Cadillac XLR doesn’t align with their brand strategy.
A modern Cadillac XLR would reportedly share too much with the Corvette platform.
Cadillac Celestiq deliveries are expected to begin soon after long software-related delays.
The Cadillac XLR is nearly 20 years old, but it’s still fondly remembered today. While it wasn’t perfect, the idea of transforming a Corvette into a luxurious flagship to battle the best Germany has to offer still packs plenty of appeal.
That’s especially true now that the Corvette moved to a mid-engine layout. This would seemingly make a new XLR a perfect addition to Cadillac’s lineup, and a V-Series variant based on the 1,064 hp (793 kW / 1,079 PS) ZR1 would be wonderfully insane.
Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen as GM President Mark Reuss recently told CNBC that a modern-day XLR wouldn’t mesh with Cadillac’s brand strategy. It calls on vehicles to share platforms with mainstream brands, but be truly unique thanks to bold designs, special interiors, and additional changes.
While the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon have a lot in common, the luxury SUV feels like its own vehicle thanks to an exclusive cabin. It features a 55-inch pillar-to-pillar display as well as an available Executive Second Row package, which adds a rear center console with a digital command center, dual wireless smartphone chargers, and retractable tray tables. Buyers can also get the Escalade-V, which has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 developing 682 hp (508 kW / 691 PS) and 653 lb-ft (885 Nm) of torque.
A modern-day XLR, on the other hand, would have reportedly been too much like the Corvette. As Reuss explained, “It was developed as a secondary car to the Corvette” and “we would never do that” now.
Celestiq Is Being Relaunched, Despite Never Launching
Michael Gauthier / Carscoops
The Cadillac Celestiq debuted in 2022, but you’ve probably never seen one. That’s not surprising, as it still hasn’t been delivered to customers. Production was expected to begin in December of 2023, with deliveries set for the following year. As part of the preparations for launch, we visited Cadillac House in 2024 and were told the Celestiq has attracted “many” customers.
Hopefully, they’re a patient bunch as Reuss told the publication “We didn’t want to execute the car without everything being perfect on the software front.” He added they’re “relaunching the car.”
That’s a disappointing return to the ultra-luxury segment, but the first customer deliveries will reportedly begin by the middle of the year. Interestingly, if the model proves successful, it could reportedly spawn a line of hand-built vehicles. This suggests the well-received Sollei concept could eventually go into production.
Cadillac Primed For Success, But Still Isn’t The Standard Of The World
While several luxury brands are in a bind due to Trump’s tariffs, Cadillac could benefit as most of its vehicles are made in the United States. The CT4 and CT5 are made at Lansing Grand River Assembly in Michigan, while the Celestiq and Escalade IQ are built in Detroit (or nearby). The standard Escalade is made in Texas, while the Lyriq and Vistiq call Tennessee home.
One of the few models made outside of the United States is the Optiq that’s built at the Ramos Arizpe Assembly plant in Mexico.
Cadillac has made a lot of progress in the past few years, but there’s still room for improvement. Reuss acknowledged as much as he said the brand was not the ‘standard of the world’ and “still isn’t.” However, he contends the “vision is there and it’s pretty clear.”
Cadillac Celestiq owners appear to have only one way to get in if their 12V battery dies.
Thankfully, Cadillac included jump leads in the trunk to allow ingress and pop the frunk.
This method also applies to the Cadillac Lyriq, though access is slightly easier in the SUV.
Update: Turns out, you don’t have to crawl through the Cadillac Celestiq like some kind of luxury burglar to jump-start the 12V battery, as originally reported. Thanks to the manual, we now know there’s an easier way to do it. We’ve updated the article to reflect this new, less claustrophobic method.
Automotive design has come a long way, but sometimes it feels like we’re taking a few awkward steps backward. A prime example? The Cadillac Celestiq. This $340,000 (starting price) all-electric, hand-built super sedan is Cadillac’s big play to remind everyone that it’s “the standard of the world.”
If the method for accessing the battery is the new benchmark, though, we might all want to collectively hit the rewind button. The good news it’s that it isn’t as bad as was first reported.
Originally, it seemed like a dead 12V battery would trap owners in a strange, high-end version of a luxury escape room. According to GM Authority, if the car lost power, you’d have to access the cabin through the trunk like a burglar on a mission, and then dig your way to the manual release system. Only after all that could you finally jump-start the 12V battery back to life.
Apparently, that’s not the case after all. While Cadillac hasn’t responded to our email from earlier today when we asked them about the procedure, Carbuzz reported (and we’ve also confirmed via the owner’s manual that you can see below), that Celestiq owners have a simpler option.
The automaker provides jump leads that can relay power directly to the 12V battery in the trunk. It’s still not exactly a walk in the park, as owners will need to remove an interior panel to access the leads, but it’s certainly a far cry from crawling through a $340,000 car like it’s a secret agent mission.
First, owners will need to access the trunk by opening it with the physical key and remove the load floor. After that, they’ll take out the storage bin underneath and look for the jumper leads on the left side of the trunk. Once they’ve located the leads, they can jump-start the 12V battery, get into the car, pop the front trunk, and either charge the battery directly or replace it if necessary.
The Celestiq is built-to-order, and maybe buyers with deep enough pockets can request something radical like… a mechanical frunk latch that is unlockable via a key? If the trunk can have it, why not the frunk too? Sure, most owners will probably call Cadillac to come deal with it, but at this price point, convenience should be a feature, not an upgrade.
We’re also waiting for Cadillac’s response and will update the article if we hear back from them.
Waido teases widebody kit with revised fascias and massive flared arches for Escalade IQ.
The electric Cadillac gets an extended chin spoiler and bold forged carbon fiber accents.
The Cadillac Escalade has never been accused of being subtle, and that’s exactly why it continues to thrive in a market filled with increasingly subdued SUV designs. It remains one of the most audacious, head-turning vehicles on American roads, favored by those who want to be noticed from several lanes away. That kind of flash inevitably draws aftermarket attention, and now, one company is taking on the challenge with a new spin on the all-electric Escalade IQ.
That company is Waido, a name already familiar to fans of widebody kits and over-the-top custom builds. The latest project is previewed through a series of detailed renderings, showing off am extreme visual makeover for Cadillac’s electric flagship.
Waido kicks things off with a new front fascia featuring distinctive aero accents and an extended chin spoiler. The changes give the Escalade IQ a sharper, more aggressive look, well beyond what you’ll find in the showroom. Complementing the new front-end are flared wheel arches, adding some extra width to the SUV (not that it actually needs it). Waido has flared the rear arches, too, and showcased the Caddy on a set of aftermarket wheels.
Illustrations Waido
At the rear, the transformation includes a redesigned bumper, a new lip spoiler, and a small diffuser. Of course, no one is expecting a full-size electric SUV to suddenly benefit from track-ready downforce, but the visual drama adds to the overall package. And really, with a curb weight north of 9,000 pounds (4,082 kg), the Escalade IQ already puts more than enough pressure through its tires without any help from airflow trickery.
Waido was one of the first brands to unveil a widebody kit for the Tesla Cybertruck, priced from $9,990. here’s no word yet on what the Escalade IQ setup will cost, but given the extensive use of forged carbon fiber in these renderings, don’t expect it to land in budget territory.
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