The Coolest Feature of This Luxury American EV Is the One You’d Least Expect

Cadillac is offering its Optiq EV with a striking design element that’s unique to each example.

Published 21 hours ago

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As part of the industry-wide push for electrification, automakers are increasingly making efforts to reduce their carbon footprint through the use of sustainable construction methods and eco-friendly materials.

And it’s not exclusive to EV upstarts like Tesla and Polestar — even legacy brands are looking to capitalize on the trendiness of going green. While leather was once considered the standard for luxury, recycled materials are now the norm for everyone from Bentley to Mercedes-Benz.

orange cadillac EV parked in front of glass building — After a flurry of large and luxurious all-electric releases, Cadillac has downsized and positioned the Optiq as the entry-level EV of the lineup.

Accordingly, Cadillac has wasted no time breaking into the high-end EV market. After introducing its first electrified offering in the form of the Lyriq last year, Cadillac has rapidly expanded its lineup with the Vistiq, the Escalade I Q and the expansive, ultra-luxe Celestiq.

With the launch of the Optiq, Cadillac introduced an eye-catching new interior feature that’s unlike anything else to have graced the lineup. But here’s the kicker: it’s old news.

Hot off the press

Quite literally. For the Optiq’s center console, Cadillac offers a special PaperWood veneer that comprises equal parts tulip wood and recycled newspaper. Each material is repeatedly stacked in thin layers, and the resulting assembly is then milled into a laminate for application within the car.

close-up shot of Cadillac PaperWood veneer center console — By stacking thin layers of wood and recycled newsprint, Cadillac can create special veneers that are entirely unique from vehicle to vehicle.

From afar, it may look like a simple monochromatic veneer, but it’s actually rich with stories. If you look closely, you can even see the letters from the recycled newsprint peeking through in the lighter parts of the grain.

According to Cadillac, it’s a process that guarantees a one-off result. As Optiq designer Nina Cho says, “What’s really special and unique about this process is that the veneer is made up of different newspapers, so each trim piece is entirely unique to that vehicle.”

orange cadillac electric car head-on shot brutalist backdrop — From the use of sustainable materials to the striking front fascia, Cadillac has designed the Optiq EV to be progressive inside and out.

Youthful luxury

It’s much more than a neat party trick; in keeping with its push for electrification, Cadillac is also looking to build a more youthful customer base. Over the past five years, the brand says that it has managed to increase its pool of younger buyers by five percent.

interior shot of cadillac EV — In addition to a PaperWood veneer, the Cadillac Optiq also incorporates accent fabric woven from 100% recycled yarn.

While that figure doesn’t sound like much on paper, it’s important for an automaker that has — with little exception — catered to older drivers. Even with exciting V-Series models in the lineup, the average age of new customers purchasing a Cadillac in 2023 was 54, down from 59.5 some nine years prior.

By positioning the Optiq as the entry-level model of the lineup, Cadillac hopes that the EV will continue to attract younger buyers. Between the model’s all-electric drivetrain and sustainable features, such as accent fabric woven from 100% recycled yarn, it’s meant to provide a modern, progressive experience.

Historically, Cadillac has catered to older buyers. The brand hopes that exciting EV releases like the Optiq will continue to attract a younger customer base.

Cadillac

Pricing and availability

When the Optiq enters production this fall, Cadillac will offer the EV in two trim levels: Luxury and Sport. In each case, power will come from a dual-motor all-wheel drivetrain rated for 300 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Cadillac claims a range of 302 miles, and fast-charging can replenish up to 79 miles of range in 10 minutes.

Pricing for the Optiq starts at $53,495 for the Sport 1 and $52,895 for the Luxury 1. Should you find yourself interested in a heads-up display, heated rear outboard seats and other creature comforts, the higher-end Sport 2 and Luxury 2 models are available for just a few grand more.