Cadillac is charging full speed into the luxury electric SUV race with its boldest move yet: the 2026 Vistiq. Designed to bridge the gap between the sleek Lyriq and the flagship Escalade IQ, the new Vistiq delivers the size, tech, and performance Gulf customers want in an upscale family EV. With 615 horsepower, three rows of luxury, and a premium cabin loaded with withcutting-edgee features, the Vistiq is more than just a quiet ride. It’s Cadillac’s ultimate answer to Tesla, Volvo, and Mercedes. Here’s a closer look at what makes this new luxury EV SUV one to watch.
The Vistiq’s design brings together the drama of the Escalade with the modern flair of the Lyriq. Up front, Cadillac’s illuminated Black Crystal Shield grille immediately sets the tone. Slim, split headlights flank the grille and give the front end a high-tech, aggressive stance. Along the side, flush door handles and a flowing roofline help the Vistiq stay sleek despite its large footprint. At over 5.2 meters long, this SUV makes its presence known.
While the silhouette feels aerodynamic, Cadillac added some flair with a Mondrian graphic on the rear quarter window. It won’t be to everyone’s taste, but it does add motion and privacy for the third row. The 21 inch wheels come standard, while 22 and 23 inch options dial up the road presence even further. Around back, the styling tones down a bit with a clean rear design and vertical taillights that echo Cadillac’s current design language.
Step inside the Vistiq and it immediately feels like a high end lounge. Premium Luxury trims feature rich Phantom Blue leather seats with contrast piping, massage functions and memory settings. Natural wood trim, microfiber accents and detailed metal finishes elevate the entire space. A massive 33 inch curved display spans the dash, housing both the instrument cluster and infotainment system in one seamless setup.
The three row layout is more than just for show. Captain’s chairs in the second row are heated, adjustable and offer access to their own 8 inch climate control screen. Even the third row features the same premium upholstery as the front, with enough legroom to fit adults comfortably. A dual pane panoramic sunroof covers the front two rows, while a fixed glass roof adds light to the back. There’s up to 2,271 liters of cargo space with the rear seats folded, making the Vistiq as practical as it is plush.
Cadillac didn’t hold back when it came to performance. Underneath the sleek exterior sits a dual motor setup powered by a 102-kilowatt-hour battery. This setup delivers a powerful 615 horsepower and 880 Newton-meters of torque. The result? A 0 to 100 kilometers per hour sprint in just 3.7 seconds. That’s faster than many sports cars, making the Vistiq a serious contender for drivers who want thrilling acceleration without giving up SUV comfort.
Even with all that power, the Vistiq is built for range. Drivers can expect up to 491 kilometers on a full charge, keeping it competitive with rivals like the Volvo EX90 and Mercedes EQS SUV. Fast charging is also on the menu, with the ability to add 129 kilometers of range in about 10 minutes using a 190 kilowatt DC charger. At home, Level 2 charging can deliver up to 75 kilometers per hour, and bidirectional charging means the Vistiq can even power your house in an emergency.
Cadillac built the Vistiq on its advanced Ultium platform, and that brings big benefits to daily driving. Thanks to a multi-link suspension system and available air ride adaptive suspension, the ride is plush and quiet even over rough roads. Rear wheel steering also improves maneuverability in tight city spaces, making the Vistiq drive smaller than it is.
What sets the Vistiq apart is its tech. It comes standard with Super Cruise, Cadillac’s hands-free driving system that handles lane changes and adjusts speed based on real-time traffic. The system works together with a suite of safety tech, including automatic emergency braking, blind zone assist, and a 360-degree camera. Inside the cabin, road noise is nearly nonexistent thanks to laminated glass and active noise canceling. Whether you’re on the highway or cruising through the city, the Vistiq stays composed, quiet, and confident.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.