The march towards an electric future is in full swing at Cadillac. Slowly and surely, the XT models are disappearing for those with a Q at the end of their name. Next up is the culling of the XT6 in favor of the new 2026 VISTIQ. Both names are annoying to type as Cadillac is obsessed with capitalized model names, albeit a bit longer, not sounding like military hardware, and more spiritual-sounding and wafty.
Regardless of our caps lock confusion, the world of Q named Cadillac is here is stay and we’re getting a 6,326 pound, three-row SUV with Velocity Max. That means 0-60 mph of 3.7 seconds with 615 horses and 650 lb.-ft of “near-instant” torque. Standard dual motor all-wheel drive, available Air Ride Adaptive suspension, 102kW battery, and approximately 300 miles of range round out the underpinnings. Up to 79 miles of range can be added in 10 minutes of DC fast charging.
Available Active Rear Steer can be had to make the turning diameter smaller and aid with making the three-row EV feel a bit lighter on its feet. And if you want larger wheels, you can opt to ditch the standard 21-inch for 22 or 23-inch choices (305/35/R23 being the widest run-flats available) with 18” brakes front and rear. You’ll be happy to have the Road Noise Cancellation if you opt for the bigger wheels because everything seems louder in an EV.
Borrowing cues from the largest sibling, Escalade IQ, the VISTIQ has a swept-back windshield and Black Crystal Shield grille. “VISTIQ continues the Cadillac EV identity, including our signature vertical lamps front and rear, the illuminated pinstripe grille, a 33-inch diagonal high-resolution LED screen, and available 23-inch wheels, rendered in a proportionally stately and functional three-row SUV,” said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director, Global Cadillac Design. “VISTIQ helps fulfill our showroom vision to offer the most artful integration of innovation with zero-emission propulsion.”
In the tech department, this Cadillac has 23 speakers with Dolby Atmos and even some trick charging. It comes equipped with bidirectional charging and when paired with the available GM Energy V2H Bundle it can power your house in the event of a blackout. A host of safety suite systems are standard such as OnStar Automatic Crash Response, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Side Bicyclist Alert, and Forward Collision Alert, and available Night Vision.
Cadillac is advertising this VISTIQ will have “a comfort-conscious” third row with padded armrests, smartphone storage, cupholders, and USB chargers. Five zone climate controls likely mean one of those will be dedicated to the third row. The legroom is shown to be just over 30” for the third row, compared to 43” for the first and 40” for the second row.
Three trims are available at launch, Luxury, Sport, and Premium Luxury, and slotted below the Escalade IQ and above the LYRIQ and OPTIQ, at just shy of $80,000. Deliveries are slotted for summer 2025 with the Platinum trim at launch with added performance and more interior and exterior options available.
Cheers!
M. T. Blake
