UNVEILED
Three-row, $78K Vistiq completes Cadillac’s ambitious EV lineup
By HENRY PAYNE
The Detroit News (TNS)
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. — Behold the transformed Cadillac.
With the 2026 Vistiq three-row SUV completing Caddy’s _ve-model EV lineup, GM’s luxury brand has gone back to the future. The transformation is not only one of the most complete in the industry but places its models at the forefront of what Cadillac hopes will be an electric revolution.
The Vistiq joins the Mercedes EQS, Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X and Volvo EX90 in the electric three-row luxury SUV segment. That leading position follows two decades of Caddy playing catch-up to European brands on luxury performance with athletic, V-8-powered sedans and SUVs.
The EV lineup marks a return to Cadillac’s stylish, powerful, 20th century boulevard cruisers with an emphasis on exotic light displays, cutting-edge tech and lush interiors.
The $78,790 three-row Vistiq slots into the lineup below the estimated $340K Celestiq and $100K Escalade IQ and above the tworow $59,990 Lyriq and entry-level, $54,390 Optiq crossovers. The Vistiq’s price will be competitive with the $77K Rivian, $81k Volvo and $82K Tesla when it goes on sale in the second quarter of 2025 and will undercut the $105K Mercedes. The Vistiq adopts signature elements of its sister EVs, including IQ-suf_x, Ultium battery platform, explosive acceleration from a 102-kWh battery, the horizontal dashboard screen, and lighted, so-called Black Crystal Shield front grille.
“Cadillac continues to set the standard for American luxury. The introduction of the Vistiq will continue to propel us into the EV future,” said Global Cadillac Vice President John Roth. “With the addition of Vistiq, Cadillac will be one of the only brands to offer an EV entry in every luxury SUV segment.”
As Roth’s role suggests, Cadillac is now a global brand as it uses its electric transformation to reintroduce itself to the world. Caddy is opening dealerships in Europe with its continental agship in downtown Paris. Expect the three-row Vistiq, however, to be focused on North America with European dealerships carrying the smaller Lyriq and Optiq models. Cadillac will continue to sell its more affordable, gas-powered lineup in North America. The $50K XT6, for example, is the Vistiq’s gas-powered doppelganger.
The XT6, however, does not get the Vistiq’s considerable design and tech upgrades, beginning with an eight-inch longer wheelbase that opens more interior legroom and cargo room.
The EV also gains the 33-inch jumbotron _rst seen on the Lyriq. It is complemented by a command screen in the console for climate control, digital instrument display and optional head-up display. A second-row command screen is available so passengers in the back can control their environment.
“(For) differentiation with the XT6, we bring in a new suite of technology for Cadillac,” said Vistiq marketing manager Jim Hunter. “Noise cancellation, _ve-zone HVAC system, standard Super Cruise. XT6 has 18-inch wheels, with 20-inch wheels on upper trims. Right out of the gate, we have 21s on the Vistiq and we walk it up to 23s.”
Also new is an infotainment system controlled by the Google Built-in operating system with interface and navigation similar to an Android smartphone. The system does not support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay apps like Cadillac’s gas-_red chariots but will mirror a customer’s phone by syncing with Google Workplace tools.
Road trips will require extra time for charging, but the Google Built-in system can navigate a journey integrating charging stops where needed. Like other GM EVs, Vistiq is bi-directional charging capable so that it can charge other EVs or receive charge from them.
With an estimated 300 miles of battery range, the Vistiq lags the XT6’s 550-mile gas range and will add 79 miles of range in 10 minutes of fast-charging compared with the gas vehicle’s _lling to full in two minutes.
The Vistiq’s roomy interior is stuffed with standard features for either the Sport or Lux base trims. Standard goodies include leather seats, 23-speaker AKG stereo, hands-free Super Cruise, blind-spot assist, blind-zone steering assist, side bicycle alert, automatic emergency braking, OnStar crash response and an extended panoramic sunroof. The massive sunroof includes a second window in the rear for third-row passengers.
“The dual panel roof extends over the front, second and third rows,” Hunter said. “Every seat is the best seat in the house. This is a luxury three-row to make sure all passengers are taken care of.”
Interior material options include black carbon- _ber trim, Lumen open-pore wood and Black Ash Cluster wood. Curiously, the Vistiq eschews a front truck (frunk) that adds significant cargo space in Rivian and Tesla competitors.
This rolling living room is wrapped in a striking, upright exterior design. If the 1960s Golden Era of Caddy sported chromed grilles and bumpers, then the 2020s EV Era is all about lit grilles with graphics. The Sport and Lux models get unique faces that Cadillac designers say were inspired by the Mandalorian’s helmet in the Star Wars series of that name. The Sport model sports an ebony theme while Lux shines with chrome. Big, 21-inch wheels come standard with options for 22and 23-inch saucers on upper Premium Luxury and Platinum trims, respectively.
Choosing Premium Luxury also options a head-up display, night vision, adaptive air suspension and a larger 19.2-kW onboard battery for quicker charging. The pinnacle Platinum trim opens the door to goodies like a blue or Kona Brown interior.
All Vistiq trims ride on an all-wheel-drive platform with 614 horsepower (almost double the XT6’s 310 ponies) and massive 649 pound-feet of torque (nearly equal that of a Dodge SRT Hellcat) that will propel the land yacht to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds (or about the same as a gas-_red CT4-V Blackwing sedan). That eyeballattening acceleration is achieved in what Caddy calls Velocity Max mode.
“The V button on the steering wheel is for Velocity Max mode,” Hunter said. “It allows (for) very exhilarating performance. All these components together make a large vehicle like this feel light and nimble where you are always in control.”
Premium Luxury and Platinum trims also option rear-wheel-steer for more nimble handling and parking lot maneuverability.
As impressive as Vistiq’s performance specs are, the family hauler’s focus is on traveling comfort. Cruise Metro Detroit byways and interstates, and Vistiq will drive itself and change lanes automatically while motorists sit back hands-free to relax, get a seat massage or eat meals.
Under its own sunroof, even the roomy third row is designed for comfort with smartphone holders, USB charging sports, cupholders and padded armrests. A Cadillac Mondrian graphic (named after the abstract Dutch artist, the graphic echoes the Cadillac crest) decorates the third-row window from the outside while offering privacy to passengers inside.
Vistiq will be assembled in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
The three-row, 2026 Cadillac Vistiq completes the five-model Caddy EV lineup and slots in above the Lyriq.
Henry Payne / The Detroit News / TNS
