Cadillac’s new lineup of electric vehicles (EVs) is making a significant impact in the luxury car market, with a large percentage of buyers being new to the brand and many of them coming from Tesla. The brand’s recent surge in retail sales, up by 21% in the first three months of the year, is a testament to the success of its EV offerings.
The introduction of the Optiq, Vistiq, and Escalade IQ has rounded out Cadillac’s lineup of luxury electric SUVs. Brad Granz, Cadillac’s global marketing director, revealed that nearly 80% of Cadillac EV buyers are new to the brand, with a notable portion of them being former Tesla drivers. This trend is expected to continue as Cadillac plans to launch three new EVs across all SUV segments.
One of the standout models in Cadillac’s EV lineup is the 2026 Cadillac Optiq, which is comparable in size to the Tesla Model Y and offers a range of up to 302 miles. Priced starting at $54,390, the Optiq is an attractive option for those looking for a luxury electric SUV. The Vistiq, dubbed the “mini Escalade,” offers three rows of seating and starts at $78,790, while the larger Escalade IQ begins at around $130,000. Cadillac is also set to introduce the ultra-luxury Celestiq later this year, with a price tag of approximately $340,000.
Despite Tesla’s continued dominance in the EV market, Cadillac is positioning itself to become the top-selling luxury EV brand. The brand’s EV lineup has garnered strong interest from consumers, with the Optiq, Acura ZDX, Ford Mustang Mach-E, BMW iX, Kia EV9, and Chevy’s Blazer and Equinox EVs being among the top cross-shopped vehicles for the Cadillac Lyriq.
With its compelling lineup of EVs and a growing number of Tesla drivers making the switch to Cadillac, the brand is well on its way to achieving its goal of becoming the leading tier-one EV luxury brand. As new EVs continue to hit the market, Cadillac is poised for even greater success in attracting drivers looking for a luxurious and sustainable driving experience.
