Head-to-head
Cadillac Lyriq vs Cadillac Optiq
The Cadillac Optiq starts $10,000 (11%) below the Cadillac Lyriq. Here's how that price gap plays out across range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · SUV
Cadillac Lyriq
Cadillac's Australian return — the Lyriq is GM's first dedicated electric SUV, built in China for global markets and Tennessee for North America. Offered direct-to-consumer (not via traditional dealers).
- From
- $90,000
- Range
- 530 km
- Battery
- 102 kWh
Option B · SUV
Cadillac Optiq
Cadillac's smaller electric SUV — slots below the Lyriq with similar styling but in a more accessible package. Confirmed for Australian launch H2 2026.
- From
- $80,000
- Range
- 480 km
- Battery
- 85 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the Cadillac Lyriq and Cadillac Optiq, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage Cadillac Lyriq
The Cadillac Lyriq goes 50 km further on a charge (530 vs 480 km WLTP).
- 2
Battery · advantage Cadillac Lyriq
The Cadillac Lyriq carries a 17.0 kWh larger battery (102 vs 85 kWh).
- 3
DC charging · advantage Cadillac Lyriq
The Cadillac Lyriq accepts 40 kW more DC peak charging (190 vs 150 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 4
Power · advantage Cadillac Lyriq
The Cadillac Lyriq puts down 48 kW more (272 vs 224 kW).
- 5
Price · advantage Cadillac Optiq
The Cadillac Optiq undercuts the Cadillac Lyriq by $10,000 (11%) on starting price.
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Cadillac Lyriq wins
- ▸ 50 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (190 kW vs 150 kW)
Where the Cadillac Optiq wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $10,000
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (5.9s vs 6s)
Cadillac Lyriq
What we like
- ✓ Distinctive American luxury cabin
- ✓ Strong 530 km WLTP range
- ✓ Direct-to-consumer sales model
What we don't
- ✕ Limited service centres in Australia
- ✕ No ANCAP rating yet
- ✕ Brand still rebuilding presence in AU
Cadillac Optiq
What we like
- ✓ Cadillac luxury cabin at a more accessible price
- ✓ Sub-6-second 0-100
- ✓ Direct-to-consumer sales model
What we don't
- ✕ Cadillac service network limited in Australia
- ✕ Not yet ANCAP rated
- ✕ Pricing not yet finalised for AU
Frequently asked: Cadillac Lyriq vs Cadillac Optiq
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Cadillac Lyriq or the Cadillac Optiq?
- The Cadillac Optiq is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $80,000 versus $90,000 for the Cadillac Lyriq, a $10,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Cadillac Lyriq has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 530 km, 50 km further than the Cadillac Optiq's 480 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The Cadillac Lyriq accepts a peak DC charging rate of 190 kW versus 150 kW for the Cadillac Optiq. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Is the Cadillac Optiq better value than the Cadillac Lyriq?
- On paper the Cadillac Optiq is $10,000 cheaper, but trails the Cadillac Lyriq on the core measurable specs. The saving might still be worth it if you don't need the extra range, power or charging speed — but the Cadillac Lyriq is the spec-sheet winner.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
Cadillac Lyriq
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (50 km further per charge)
- ✓ you match the profile: cadillac brand fans
Choose the
Cadillac Optiq
if…
- ✓ you want to save $10,000 on the sticker
- ✓ you match the profile: cadillac brand fans
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.