Cadillac confirms its European offensive, particularly in France. The American brand unveiled its Optiq and Cadillac City in Paris on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. This new SUV positions itself just below the Lyriq, a large electric model already available in France.
Cadillac Optiq: A SUV Tailored for Europe?
It’s confirmed: General Motors is counting on Cadillac to implement its electrification strategy. The American brand has recently confirmed its return in France. The Lyriq, a large electric SUV, has been available for order since March 23, 2024. Today, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, Automobile Propre is present for the presentation of the Optiq and Cadillac City in Paris, a new experience center located in front of the Opéra Garnier.
After Switzerland, Sweden, and Germany, Cadillac has chosen France for its big return in Europe. Several brand personalities were present today in Paris for the Optiq launch. Jaclyn McQuaid, CEO of General Motors for Europe, first reiterated the firm’s strong ambitions on the Old Continent. John Roth, Cadillac’s head, was also part of the event.
The manufacturer has decided to unveil the Optiq, a 4.82 m long SUV, 1.91 m wide, and 1.64 m high. When the curtain falls, there is an immediate impression of seeing the little brother of the Lyriq. An electric SUV already on sale in the United States and France. But it is clear that Cadillac is placing high expectations on the Optiq for the European market. The model competes against Tesla Model Y, Audi Q6 e-tron, Skoda Enyaq, and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
The Optiq promises 480 km of range, with 300 horsepower and 481 Nm of torque. In terms of recharging, the brand promises that it will be possible to recover 130 km of range in just 10 minutes. It is a “dynamic” SUV, as Detroit-based company likes to call it. Cadillac aims to stand out through design and performance. With its standard dual-motor all-wheel drive, this vehicle also promises interesting performance on the road.
Production in China Against the Current Trend
From an aesthetic point of view, the result is quite positive. Whether you like Cadillac’s style or not, it must be acknowledged that the finishes are top-notch! This Optiq is elegant, sporty, and well-proportioned. Inside, the upholstery is particularly well done. The American SUV is equipped with a wraparound glass roof, a black crystal grille that integrates Cadillac’s new visual signature, and includes a laser-engraved pattern.
The Optiq will be based on the Ultium platform and available in two versions: Luxe and Sport. Unlike the Lyriq, the Optiq will not be manufactured in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Nor in Europe for that matter. Cadillac has chosen China, despite the Biden administration’s stance on the issue. The manufacturer aims to reduce costs, but remains silent on the likely increase in taxes in Europe on Chinese electric cars.
The European Commission plans to address this issue on June 5, 2024. From China, the Optiq will be distributed worldwide and the American brand hopes to make it a best-seller. At the moment, it is difficult to imagine how the American brand can succeed in France. The Cadillac image is not the same as Tesla’s, and the Chinese also want their share of the market, as seen with Xpeng recently launching the G6 and G9 in France.
It will be necessary to wait until the end of 2024 to place an order. The first Cadillac Optiqs will be delivered in early 2025. The brand has not yet provided the exact price of the model in France. The SUV sells for $54,000 in the U.S. A similar price can be expected in Europe, unless the customs duties to be applied in a few months force the brand to reconsider its pricing strategy.