BMW I3 vs Cadillac Optiq
What's the difference?

BMW I3

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2020 price

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Cadillac Optiq

$80,000 - $80,000

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo C40

Volvo Es90

Volvo V40

Summary

2020 BMW I3

2026 Cadillac Optiq

By James Cleary

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

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Vehicle type

Battery Electric

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Electric range

270 km

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Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

Seating

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Likes

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Sharp pricing in premium land
Punchy dual-motor powertrain
Considered and comfortable cabin

Dislikes

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

Ride can feel brittle on harsh road surfaces
Slow DC charge rate
Five-year warranty feels underdone these days

2020 BMW I3 Summary

It’s easy to forget BMW was paddling into the growing electric vehicle wave when it was only a gentle swell. It took off early with the i3 city car, which believe it or not has been in the Aussie new car market for six years.

While the German maker has long been developing the concept of electrified powertrains in existing models, the i3 was the result of a dramatically different approach, showcasing the use of exotic materials and innovative packaging.

Like its i8 supercar sibling, the i3 won’t be replaced with a new-generation version, but BMW says it will continue to develop this high-tech hatch before it departs, and we spent a week in the sporty i3s to see how it stands up in 2020.

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2026 Cadillac Optiq Summary

The lonely Cadillac Lyriq finally has some company, with the iconic US brand tripling its range down under with the launch of the much bigger Vistiq (which we've already tested) and this entry-level Optiq, which Cadillac describes as the gateway to its electric family.

It's a medium all-electric SUV with plenty of equipment and – depending on whether you see it as an established premium player or another newcomer brand – pretty sharp pricing.

Cadillac says it has the German big three in its sights with the Optiq, so how does it stack up?

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Deep dive comparison

2020 BMW I3 2026 Cadillac Optiq

Verdict

Yes, it’s pricey for a small hatch, but this little BMW is a city car like no other. The i3s is tailor made for the urban environment, and six years on retains the quirkiness and charisma that stood it apart at launch, and it can still hold its head high among the current EV crop.

Verdict

A taste test, but so far so good for the Cadillac Optiq, which is already my favourite model in the Caddy range. More space than you think meets a lovely cabin experience and a punchy powertrain.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number of automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

BMW I3 vs Cadillac Optiq What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW I3 vs Cadillac Optiq
What's the difference?