Cadillac is bringing Vistiq and Optiq to Australia, GM Super Cruise still MIA – techAU
Cadillac is doubling down on its electric vehicle (EV) ambitions in Australia with the announcement of two new right-hand-drive (RHD) models: the Cadillac Vistiq and Cadillac Optiq.
These additions join the already successful Lyriq and Lyriq-V lineup, signaling a bold push into the premium EV SUV segment Down Under. With the Lyriq already making waves globally, Cadillac is gearing up to bring its luxury electric experience to Australian roads in 2026, with a focus on delivering a standout direct-to-consumer experience.
Introducing the Cadillac Optiq
The new entry point to the Cadillac electric range, the OPTIQ remains true to the luxury features and effortless power that have become hallmarks of the storied brand’s EV evolution.
At 4820 mm in length, 2126 mm in width, and 1644 mm in height, the OPTIQ is intended to sit below the LYRIQ large SUV (4996 mm, 2207 mm, and 1623 mm) in Cadillac’s ANZ lineup.
But while it’s the smallest electric Cadillac vehicle to date, the OPTIQ is no less impressive than its larger siblings, featuring a dual-motor AWD powertrain as standard, producing an exhilarating 224 kW and 480 Nm.
Designed to blend convenient practicality with potent performance, OPTIQ’s electric platform will deliver both a spirited and enthralling drive experience, and class-defining cargo capacity and rear-row passenger room.
With near-instantaneous torque, OPTIQ delivers a unique and spirited driving experience. “The unique electric architecture allows us to fit enough muscle into a smaller package to provide thrilling performance, delivering a sensation of isolated precision,” says John Cockburn, chief engineer.
Introducing the Cadillac Vistiq
The VISTIQ redefines luxury, three-row electric motoring, delivering on Cadillac’s brand pillars of performance, craftsmanship, and technology.
Measuring 5222 mm in length, 2203 mm in width, and 1804 mm in height, the VISTIQ ensures the luxury of space for all passengers, while maintaining the brand’s commitment to a spirited drive.
The VISTIQ’s standard dual-motor all-wheel drive system delivers a powerful and engaging driving experience, while standard chassis damping control and available Air Ride Adaptive suspension, combined with GM’s purpose-built electric drivetrain, contribute to VISTIQ’s smooth ride and handling.
“From the start, it was our team’s goal to deliver a three-row SUV that provides exhilarating performance and intuitive technology, wrapped in the brand’s iconic design language,” said Jeff MacDonald, chief engineer. “Bold, yet refined, the VISTIQ provides a comfortable ride while handling like a much smaller vehicle, delivering a sense of isolated precision.”
Cadillac’s Market Ambitions in Australia
Charles Maurer, a key figure in Cadillac’s Australian operations, expressed confidence in the brand’s ability to dominate the premium SUV segment.
“We’re expecting to lead the market here, just as we have in the US, where the Lyriq was the top-selling luxury EV SUV in 21 states, including major markets like New York and Texas,”
However, Cadillac isn’t aiming for mainstream appeal. As Hector Raul Gonzalez, another Cadillac representative, noted, “We’re not intended to be a mainstream brand. We’re expecting to win with an amazing customer experience.”
That customer experience will be anchored by a direct-to-consumer model, a strategy Cadillac has already rolled out successfully in other markets. To support this, the company plans to establish additional Experience Centres and pop-up locations across Australia, allowing prospective buyers to get up close and personal with the vehicles.
Autonomy in Australia: What to Expect
One question on everyone’s mind is what Cadillac’s new models will offer in terms of autonomous driving features, especially since both the Vistiq and Optiq ship with GM’s Super Cruise in the US. Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving assistance system, has been a standout feature in Cadillac’s American lineup. However, for Australian buyers, the story is a bit more complex.
“GM’s Super Cruise isn’t regulated here, so it’s not something we can ship at launch. We’re working closely with the GM team in the US to explore what technology we can bring to market, but for now, it won’t be available when these vehicles arrive in 2026.
That said, Cadillac isn’t sitting still. Like many brands, they’re working in the background to navigate Australia’s regulatory landscape and bring advanced driver assistance systems to local roads in the future.
Here’s where I disagree with Cadillac’s response. GM’s approach to autonomy requires HD maps to work. For Super Cruise to work in Australia, they would first need to invest heavily in mapping at least the main highways in Australia.
Given Australia’s vast size and long distances between towns and cities, this represent a large dependency before GM could make Super Cruise technically work here, then we can talk about regulation.
A New Era for Luxury EVs in Australia
Cadillac’s expanded RHD lineup signals a new chapter for luxury EVs in Australia. With the Vistiq and Optiq joining the Lyriq and Lyriq-V, buyers will have a broader range of options to choose from in the premium SUV space.
While the absence of Super Cruise at launch might disappoint some tech enthusiasts, Cadillac’s focus on customer experience and its proven track record in the US suggest these vehicles will still make a strong impression.
Australian buyers can look forward to getting behind the wheel of these luxury EVs in 2026. In the meantime, Cadillac’s test drives and Experience Centres will offer plenty of opportunities to see what the brand has in store.
Stay tuned for more updates as Cadillac continues its electrification journey on Australian shores.
