BMW IX3 vs Cadillac Optiq
What's the difference?

BMW IX3

$89,900 - $112,500

2026 price

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Cadillac Optiq

$80,000 - $80,000

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo Es90

Volvo XC90

Summary

2026 BMW IX3

2026 Cadillac Optiq

By Emily Agar

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Electromagnetically Excited

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Vehicle type

Battery Electric

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Electric range

805 km

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Energy consumption

18.8 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

108.70 kWh

Seating

—

Likes

Great driving range
Spacious cabin for the whole family
Excellent real-world efficiency

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

Dislikes

Optioned wheels hurt range
Fussy ride on rough roads
Missing features for flagship grade

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

2026 BMW IX3 Summary

We’re in the new BMW iX3, the first production model to arrive on BMW’s Neue Klasse (new class) EV architecture. We’re testing the flagship 50 xDrive, and it begs the question: has BMW actually managed to make its next generation of EVs feel like a proper Bimmer? Buyers expect a lot from that badge when it comes to ride and handling, so does this electric SUV actually deliver?

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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

2026 BMW IX3 2026 Cadillac Optiq

Verdict

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is a seriously quick electric SUV that earns points for its family practicality, while its impressive range could go a long way towards easing range anxiety. The ride isn’t always as settled as I’d like, but for the most part, this is a well-executed premium EV.

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 IX3 vs Cadillac Optiq What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW IX3 vs Cadillac Optiq
What's the difference?