General Motors is adding a final, impressive member to Cadillac’s all-electric lineup with the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq, a three-row SUV designed to bridge luxury with EV technology at a starting price of $78,790.
The Vistiq, which Cadillac has dubbed a “baby Escalade,” aims to bring a spacious yet stylish alternative to the full-sized Escalade IQ, slotting above the Lyriq in Cadillac’s rapidly expanding EV portfolio.
Cadillac director of marketing, Brad Franz, emphasized that the Vistiq draws closer inspiration from the iconic Escalade than from Cadillac’s first electric SUV, the Lyriq, which debuted in 2022.
“This is an outstanding platform that’s a heck of a lot closer to an Escalade than it is to the Lyriq,” Franz said.
He positioned the Vistiq as a versatile, high-end option in Cadillac’s EV family.
Under the hood, the Vistiq’s dual-motor setup provides an impressive 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, powered by a 102-kilowatt-hour battery. Cadillac estimates a driving range of up to 300 miles on a single charge. Active rear steering and optional 23-inch wheels enhance handling and visibility, although Cadillac notes the importance of cautious driving due to the vehicle’s higher stature, which can pose increased risks to pedestrians.
Cadillac has equipped the Vistiq with Android-powered software for its infotainment system, offering features like Google Maps navigation and the Google Play Store but leaving out popular phone mirroring options such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—a decision that has stirred debate among industry analysts. The Vistiq will also feature enhanced safety technology, including OnStar collision assistance, infrared night vision, and improved warning systems for safer driving on dark roads.
Additionally, the Vistiq will be Cadillac’s first model to offer bidirectional charging, allowing the vehicle to power a home during outages. Cadillac’s new home energy package, which includes a V2H enablement kit and charger for $7,300, will give Vistiq owners the option to use their EV battery as a backup power source.
Charging options for the Vistiq have been carefully designed to meet the needs of long-distance drivers. The SUV supports DC fast charging, adding up to 79 miles in just 10 minutes, while Level 2 charging can deliver up to 47 miles per hour, depending on the charging rate.
When it arrives in dealer showrooms in 2025, the Vistiq will offer three trims: Luxury, Sport, and Premium Luxury. A top-end Platinum trim is expected to debut in mid-2025, providing enhanced performance and unique color options for customization. Positioned between the entry-level Lyriq and the high-end Escalade IQ, the Vistiq is part of Cadillac’s broader EV strategy, which includes models like the Optiq crossover and the ultra-luxurious $300,000 Celestiq sedan.
Cadillac is preparing to launch the Vistiq amid political shifts that could impact the EV industry. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to roll back the Biden administration’s EV tax incentives, including the $7,500 federal tax credit, which could affect the affordability and adoption of new electric vehicles. Cadillac’s transition to a “zero-emission” future by 2030 will rely heavily on federal support, especially as EVs currently represent a premium-priced option for most consumers.
With production set to begin early next year at GM’s Spring Hill plant in Tennessee, Cadillac hopes to replicate the success of the Lyriq, which quickly became one of the best-selling compact luxury EVs in the US If market conditions hold and demand remains high, the Vistiq could be a major step forward in GM’s ambitious EV roadmap, even in a potentially less favorable regulatory environment.
