Cadillac Confirms 615-Horsepower Vistiq SUV Completes Electric Portfolio
Cadillac officially unveiled the 2026 Vistiq, a three-row electric SUV that slots between the midsize Lyriq and the full-size Escalade IQ, effectively completing the brand’s core EV lineup. The debut confirms that the luxury automaker is targeting the high-performance family hauler segment directly, positioning the Vistiq against competitors like the Rivian R1S and the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. John Roth, Vice President of Global Cadillac, stated that the Vistiq was designed to offer the “performance of a sports sedan” with the utility requisite of the class, a claim backed by a confirmed 0-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds when using the dedicated Velocity Max launch mode.
Detailed specifications released during the announcement reveal that the Vistiq is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system generating 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain draws from a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, which Cadillac estimates will deliver 300 miles of driving range on a full charge. While the 400-volt architecture does not match the 800-volt systems found in some competitors, the vehicle supports DC fast charging capable of adding 79 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes. Additionally, the Vistiq features bidirectional charging hardware, allowing it to power a home during outages when paired with the GM Energy V2H bundle.
Chassis engineering focuses on mitigating the weight inherent to large electric vehicles while maintaining Cadillac’s signature ride quality. The Vistiq rides on a five-link front and rear suspension setup, with available Air Ride Adaptive Suspension and Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 on higher trims to actively manage body roll and road imperfections. Standard Active Rear Steer improves maneuverability in tight urban environments by turning the rear wheels in opposition to the front, while enhancing high-speed stability during lane changes.
The interior architecture mirrors the tech-forward approach of the Lyriq, dominated by a continuous 33-inch diagonal LED display capable of 9K resolution. The cabin offers genuine three-row seating with standard five-zone climate control, ensuring passenger comfort across all tiers. Luxury appointments include an available 23-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system and open-pore wood trim with patterned metal accents. Safety technology is headlined by the standard inclusion of Super Cruise, General Motors’ hands-free driver assistance system, which is compatible with hundreds of thousands of miles of mapped highways in North America.
Production is scheduled to begin in early 2026 at the Spring Hill Manufacturing plant in Tennessee, with vehicles expected to arrive in dealerships by summer. Pricing will start at $78,790, including destination charges, a strategic price point that undercuts the starting MSRP of the Tesla Model X and aligns closely with the upper trims of the Kia EV9 GT-Line. This pricing strategy suggests Cadillac is aggressively courting buyers who want legacy luxury refinement without the six-figure entry price of the larger Escalade IQ.
