Cadillac Optiq vs Lexus LS500
What's the difference?

Cadillac Optiq

$80,000 - $80,000

2026 price

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Lexus LS500

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2023 price

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Summary

2026 Cadillac Optiq

2023 Lexus LS500

By Andrew Chesterton

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V6, 3.4L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

10.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Business class interior
Japanese feel and quality
Thumping turbo V6

Dislikes

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

Feels a bit old-fashioned to drive
The hybrid would be nicer to be driven in
Dated multimedia software

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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2023 Lexus LS500 Summary

Surprisingly, for people who would rather be driven than drive themselves, there are quite a few options available in the large luxury sedan market.

While on the whole sedans have fallen from favour, this niche corner of the market continues to let the three-box design thrive.

The options here have changed a bit in the last few years, though, so how does the Lexus flagship, the LS fit into the picture? I drove one around for a week to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cadillac Optiq 2023 Lexus LS500

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.

Verdict

The LS500 is the least logical version of the most logical option in the ultimate luxury sedan segment in which logic doesn’t often apply at all.

Take from that what you will, but if it was me being driven around I would definitely be opting for the hybrid version of the LS instead for its smooth electrified driving characteristics and lower operating costs.

Cadillac Optiq vs Lexus LS500 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cadillac Optiq vs Lexus LS500
What's the difference?