Let’s face it: electric-powered vehicles are here to stay. If you’re old school like me, it took a while to acknowledge the potential demise of petrol-fueled rides. As they say, it’s best to adjust and survive rather than stubbornly hold onto dying technology. Every auto manufacturer has done so with varying degrees of success and acclaim.
Plus, this is the best time to buy an EV as the $7,000 energy rebate ends upon delivery by Sept 30.
Cadillac’s newest plug-in entry is the formidable 2026 VISTIQ SUV. It shares the same wheelbase as the smaller Lyriq but is 8.9 inches longer to house the third row. Plus, all GM electric vehicles will soon interface with the ubiquitous Tesla charging stations. Smart.
The tester is the VISTIQ Premium Luxury model with added features including air suspension, rear-wheel steering, Night Vision, Head-Up Display, and second-row captain’s chairs. Thus, it’s a must-drive for those desiring plug-in powered technology, a beautiful appearance and sumptuous luxury with a price that favorably compares with similar
EV SUVs.
Skin
Cadillac designers did themselves proud: the VISTIQ provides a rakish, gorgeous exterior with bold proportions and sweeping lines. A definite head-turner in Argent Silver Metallic paint. The long wheelbase features big, beautiful 23-inch reverse-rim wheels pushed out to the corners. The nose’s dancing LED-studded black crystal shield comes alive with an eye-catching choreography dance. A second LED light bar up top surrounds the liftgate’s sharply raked glass upper section on three sides and includes cool sequential turn indicators. Also thrown in are a rear lip spoiler and a rooftop airfoil that Cadillac says eliminates the need for a rear window wiper. Genius!
Flush-fit exterior door handles automatically open when arriving at the vehicle. To open the door from the outside, you must first touch the handle, wait for it to release, and then pull it open.
The plug-in power eliminates any dual exhausts in the rear.
Performance
The current 2026 VISTIQ is all-wheel drive including the cool rear-wheel driving that comes in handy in tight spaces. The formidable powertrain houses a dual motor rear-drive model with 615 hp and 649 pound-feet of torque. As with any battery-electric vehicle (BEV), the VISTIQ offers smooth starts and instantaneous acceleration (my passengers grinned in surprise). The ride is luxuriously smooth and confident yet can feel like a high-end sports sedan when the mood strikes by selecting Velocity Max mode. Road imperfections are soaked up gracefully with the air suspension addition.
Scroll through the five driving modes– Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, customizable My Mode and rip-roaring Velocity Max. The 0-60 in 3.7 seconds is serious thrust, especially for a 6,500 lb. ride. Rest assured, it’s also very much a smooth operator during long cruises.
The VISTIQ’s 102-kilowatt lithium-ion Ultium battery pack can deliver 305 miles of driving range although severe cold, heat, or a heavy pedal will lessen the distance. Locating a DC fast charger will add about 79 miles of juice in 10 minutes. A 240-volt, 19.2-kilowatt AC home charger adds 45 miles per hour.
Three adjustable regenerative braking settings are at your disposal with the strongest setting bringing the VISTIQ to a complete stop and even hold it on a hill for genuine one-pedal driving (I was immediately smitten). Normal braking still halts the nearly three-ton ride in quick fashion. One-pedal driving also significantly slows the vehicle without illuminating the brake lights, avoiding unwanted attention from police when speeding.
The coolest function is the Super Cruise capability voted best “Hands-Free” system by Popular Science. Combined with Adaptive Cruise Control, the VISTIQ is capable of literal hands-free driving if you’re on the highway (no city driving at this time). Currently, over 400,000 miles of roadway are available in the U.S. and Canada. Auto lane changes using the turn signal are amazingly capable. Just know Super Cruise won’t engage in tunnels, on icy roads, construction zones or freeway offramps. However, the feature is quickly addictive for long stretches. I loved it.
Cabin
The luxurious interior is a delight to the senses. Fit and finish are outstanding. Handsome textured Light Ash Open Pore Wood trim and lovely Phantom Blue vented seats feel just right (heated/cooled front and heated rear). Four-way lumbar with massaging modes is perfect after a long day on the course. The power-tilt heated steering wheel is excellent.
Cadillac evidently “borrowed” the convenient Mercedes-Benz door-mounted seat adjustments and the gear-shifter on the steering stalk. Smart move.
The modern floating center console allows for extra storage underneath. Programmable ambient lighting provides countless color combinations. The three-row VISTIQ seats six comfortably with the rear best used for smaller passengers. Storage with the rear seats up is 28 cubic feet, and 60 when power-folded down. It appears larger due to the low floor and square shape. There’s a handy secret storage area underneath the trunk floor, but no “frunk” storage in front. The liftgate opens hands-free.
A generous panoramic roof (fixed) illuminates the interior with a power sunshade if a darker environment is desired. Wireless cellphone charging is standard.
Visibility is decent with the sloping roof and the rearview camera (via lenses embedded in the bumper) provides an unencumbered three-lane-wide view even when the cabin is packed.
Tech check
Cadillac went all-out in the tech department. The star is a vast 33-inch curved OLED touchscreen housing nearly all controls and functions within easy reach for the driver. I’d recommend familiarizing yourself with your favorite functions before driving as there are multiple pages to scroll through.
Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the responsive Google Assistant are standard. There are 7 USB-C ports. A superb AKG 23-speaker Surround System with Dolby Atmos (also in the headrests) delivers studio quality audio. Next Generation Active Noise Cancellation, included in the AKG audio system, makes the cabin soothingly quiet by eliminating higher-pitched sounds.
Safety features abound, with automatic Forward Collision, Lane Departure, Blind Spot, Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic warnings.
The 2026 Cadillac Premium Luxury is a desirable package of eye candy, luxury, and eye-popping technology (including Cadillac’s Premium Care Maintenance 3 years/36,000 miles) and 8 years/100,000 miles for the battery). The base price of $91,000 is comparable with similar premium EV SUVs. The bottom line: the VISTIQ is worthy of your time when contemplating a cutting-edge plug-in SUV to cruise or eat up miles of asphalt in hands-free bliss.
Remember you need to accept delivery by September 30 to receive up to a $7,500 federal tax credit.
SCORECARD
Golf Bags: At least four
Curb Appeal: A uniquely attractive head turner
0-60: 3.7 seconds!
Range: 305 miles
Must-Haves: Can’t imagine needing anything else
Warranty & Free Maintenance: 48 mo/50,000 miles warranty; 3/36K maintenance.
Base Price: $91,895
Price as Tested: $94,980
Who Buys It? Those embracing the latest in electric power and capable storage
Finish Line: Superb American style, performance, luxury, tech, and petrol-free
Test-drive the 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ Premium Luxury at Crest Cars in Frisco.