- Cadillac Middle East plans five EV launches within a year for the GCC.
- Models named: OPTIQ, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, ESCALADE IQ, ESCALADE IQL.
- LYRIQ-V is billed as the fastest Cadillac ever.
- ESCALADE IQ is claimed to have the longest range of any SUV.
- Focus is on the GCC’s diverse buyers and 2026 lineup timing.
Cadillac Middle East says it is entering 2026 with its “most comprehensive” EV push yet, targeting different lifestyles across the GCC. Five nameplates are on the slate in one year: OPTIQ, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, ESCALADE IQ and ESCALADE IQL. The brand frames this under its “Let’s Take the Cadillac” ethos and a 120-year heritage, aimed squarely at premium buyers in the region.
Five EVs, one regional push in 2026
Cadillac outlines a clear plan to bring five EVs to the Middle East within a year, forming a 2026 portfolio that covers compact to full-size SUVs.
- Five launches: OPTIQ, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, ESCALADE IQ, ESCALADE IQL.
- Framed as the next chapter for the brand in the region.
- Messaging leans on “Let’s Take the Cadillac.”
Cadillac positions the roll-out as a turning point for its Middle East strategy, citing a broad buyer base and the company’s luxury credentials. The press note is dated 29 October 2025, pointing to 2026 as the year when this fuller EV range will sit in showrooms across the region.
What each model aims to do
Each EV is pitched at a specific use case, from city-friendly to family-maxed.
- OPTIQ: entry-level SUV for tech-savvy urban drivers.
- LYRIQ: sleek mid-size; LYRIQ-V is described as the fastest Cadillac ever.
- VISTIQ: three-row performance SUV for power and flexibility.
- ESCALADE IQ: electric take on the icon, claimed longest SUV range.
- ESCALADE IQL: emphasis on cargo space and roomy second row.
This is a broad spread. OPTIQ targets daily city runs. LYRIQ covers the luxury mid-size slot, with the LYRIQ-V emphasising speed. VISTIQ adds a third row without going full Escalade. The ESCALADE IQ leans on range claims, while the IQL keeps the Escalade brief of family-first capacity, now in electric form.
Why now: brand position and market signals
Cadillac frames the move as part of a long heritage and a tech-forward push. The release references a 120-year legacy and a commitment to design and innovation for the region.
- The Middle East focus is explicit in the messaging.
- The note points to EV momentum across the GCC.
- Strategy: line-up breadth to meet varied lifestyles.
The brand says the GCC’s maturing EV environment and appetite for premium tech are the backdrop. The release ties the campaign to modern luxury, connectivity and comfort tech that should resonate with regional buyers.
UAE lens: who these EVs are for
Cadillac calls out the region’s diverse buyer base and highlights the UAE’s luxury market growth.
- UAE luxury car market value quoted at USD 4.45b in 2024.
- Projection to USD 7.67b by 2034.
- Positioning: personalisation and identity matter.
The pitch is simple: more choice, tailored to tastes from compact luxury to full-size comfort. For context on the local charging scene, see our coverage of Dubai’s new DC fast charging plans and national partnerships, which help make daily EV use more practical: Parkin and charge&go DC rollout, du x UAEV charging push, and ForEVo ultra-fast chargers in Dubai
What it means for buyers in 2026
The 2026 line will let UAE and GCC shoppers pick an EV by size, power and range claims, with Escalade buyers now having an electric path.
- Urban luxury: OPTIQ.
- Mid-size luxury and performance: LYRIQ and LYRIQ-V.
- Three-row punch: VISTIQ.
- Flagship electric range and space: ESCALADE IQ/IQL.
If you want more on how LYRIQ already fits regional needs, our earlier piece covers its key features and local context: Cadillac’s LYRIQ hits the Middle East. For shoppers still weighing powertrains, here’s a plain-English primer on hybrid vs electric for UAE drivers
When are these EVs expected in the region?
Cadillac states five EVs will launch within a single year, with the lineup positioned as its 2026 range for the Middle East.
Which models are confirmed?
OPTIQ, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, ESCALADE IQ and ESCALADE IQL are named in the release.
What standout claims did Cadillac make?
LYRIQ-V is described as the fastest Cadillac ever, and ESCALADE IQ is claimed to have the longest range of any SUV.
How is the UAE market framed here?
The release cites a USD 4.45b luxury car market in 2024, forecast to reach USD 7.67 billion by 2034, and stresses personalisation and identity.
Where can buyers get more details?
Cadillac directs readers to local showrooms and its regional site.
