2024 Cadillac Optiq electric SUV photos leaked in China, could come to Australia

Chinese government documents have uncovered the Cadillac Optiq ahead of its formal unveiling – giving Australian motorists a first look at the electric SUV which could be a part of the brand’s return to local showrooms.

As reported by Drive last week, trademark applications recently filed by General Motors in Australia suggest Cadillac is preparing to relaunch in Australia with the large Optiq and full-size Escalade IQ SUVs – as well as the Lyriq sized in-between the pair.

While Cadillac is yet to unveil the Optiq, photos of the new vehicle leaked earlier this week in a submission by the US car maker to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology – first reported by local publication Car News China.

The Cadillac Optiq borrows a number of styling cues from the larger Lyriq – such as its front and rear bumper design themes – while riding on 20-inch wheels, with LED front and rear lights.

According to the government documents, the Cadillac Optiq weighs 2220kg and measures 4822mm in length, 1912mm wide and 1642mm high on a 2954mm wheelbase – similar dimensions to the Kia Sorento seven-seat large SUV on sale in Australia.

In China, the Cadillac Optiq will be sold with a single electric motor powering its rear wheels, with two power levels available – 150kW and 180kW.

The documents do not show the electric SUV’s battery capacity or estimated driving range.

Car News China reports it will be powered by a lithium-ion battery pack made by Chinese company CATL, which also builds batteries for other electric-car makers including Tesla.

The Cadillac Optiq is due to go on sale in China before the end of the year, while the Escalade IQ – an electric variant of the brand’s iconic large SUV – is due to be revealed in the US next month.