What is the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq? A Complete Guide to Cadillac's New Three-Row Electric SUV

The 2026 Cadillac Vistiq is a new, three-row all-electric SUV designed to slot between the Lyriq and the Escalade IQ in Cadillac's expanding lineup, with key specifications set to be announced in 2024. This model continues Cadillac's new "iq" naming strategy and, based on its size and a distinctive "600 E4" badge, is positioned as a premium family hauler with all-wheel drive performance. Here’s a detailed look at what we know so far.

What is the Cadillac Vistiq's Position in the Electric Lineup?

Cadillac is strategically filling its electric vehicle portfolio to compete across all major luxury segments. The Vistiq is a critical piece of this plan. Based on our assessment of the released photos and brand statements, the Vistiq's dimensions appear similar to the current gasoline-powered XT6. This places it as a mid-size, three-row luxury SUV, effectively bridging the gap between the two-row Lyriq and the full-size Escalade IQ. With the addition of the Vistiq and the upcoming Optiq, Cadillac Vice President John Roth confirms the brand will have five distinct EV models covering most global luxury SUV segments within two years.

What Does the "600 E4" Badge on the Vistiq Mean?

The "600 E4" badge on the rear hatch is a key detail that reveals important performance characteristics. This alphanumeric code, which Cadillac also uses on the Lyriq, provides an indication of the vehicle's powertrain.

• 600: This number refers to the approximate torque output, measured in newton-meters (Nm), rounded to the nearest 50. Torque is the rotational force produced by the electric motors, which is directly related to a vehicle's acceleration and pulling power. For reference, 610 Nm equates to about 450 lb-ft of torque. The Lyriq AWD model produces 610 Nm, which is rounded down and badged as "600".
• E4: This signifies an all-electric ("E") powertrain with four-wheel drive ("4"), more commonly known as all-wheel drive (AWD). This confirms the Vistiq will feature dual electric motors, one on each axle.

This badge strongly suggests the Vistiq will share a similar AWD powertrain with the Lyriq, likely delivering comparable performance of around 500 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque.

When Will the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Be Available?

While Cadillac has announced the Vistiq as a 2026 model, a full reveal of its specifications—including battery capacity, driving range, and interior features—is not expected until 2024. The brand has other priorities in its launch queue, namely the 2025 Optiq and the 2025 Escalade IQ. Therefore, it is likely the Vistiq will not actually go on sale until the 2026 model year begins. Potential buyers should expect more concrete information, including pricing, later in 2024. The starting price for the current Lyriq is $58,590, which can serve as a rough baseline for the Vistiq's eventual pricing structure.

Key Takeaways for potential Cadillac EV buyers:

• The Vistiq fills a crucial gap in the electric luxury market as a three-row SUV that is more manageable than the massive Escalade IQ.
• The "600 E4" badge strongly indicates a powerful all-wheel-drive system similar to the one in the current Lyriq, promising strong acceleration and all-weather capability.
• Critical details on range and pricing are still To Be Announced (TBA), with a full reveal expected in 2024 ahead of its 2026 model year sales launch.