When one thinks of a Cadillac entry-level crossover, only one model has come to mind in recent history. However, with the all-electric Cadillac Optiq joining ranks with the ICE-powered Cadillac XT4 as another small crossover offering from Caddy, this will soon no longer be the case. With that in mind, GM Authority was wondering which luxury crossover looks better to you, dear reader.
Of course, the XT4 currently serves as the luxury marque’s smallest and most affordable ICE-powered crossover, while the Optiq is set to fill the same role on the all-electric side. Despite this similarity, the two luxury crossovers don’t share much in common in terms of aesthetics. The Optiq features a design language similar to that of the Lyriq, Vistiq, and Escalade IQ, while the XT4 follows design themes showcased in the brand’s other ICE-powered offerings.
As a reminder, the XT4 is powered by the turbocharged 2.0L I4 LSY gasoline engine, rated at 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to the GM nine-speed automatic transmission with both FWD and AWD configurations available. Meanwhile, the Optiq draws motivation from GM Ultium battery and GM Ultium Drive motor technologies to develop 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.
Regarding structure, the XT4 rides on the GM E2 platform and is produced at the GM Fairfax plant in Kansas City. As for the Optiq, the all-electric luxury crossover will be underpinned by the GM BEV3 platform and will kick off production later this year in Fall 2024. Notably, the Optiq is actually already on sale in China.