Cadillac has revealed its Optiq fully electric SUV, which will springboard the brand’s plans for a new assault on the European market.

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Arriving first in the US with a launch this autumn, Optiq will be sold globally in more than 10 regions including Europe, where sales open later this year.

The SUV is positioned as “the electrifying new luxury entry point for the next generation of EV buyers”. It will also be joined by the larger Lyriq SUV under parent firm General Motor’s plans for a return to Europe some seven years after it exited.

The US brand said the Optiq is a “reimagination of what entry to Cadillac luxury can be”, providing an entry-level model while “remaining true to Cadillac’s brand promise in a competitively priced luxury SUV”.

John Roth, vice president, global, said: “Cadillac has always defined American luxury, and Optiq is an example of how our bold innovative spirit is propelling us into the EV future. Over the past five years, Cadillac has welcomed approximately one million new customers to the family globally, while our percentage of younger buyers has increased 5% in the US. Optiq will be an important gateway to attract luxury EV intenders to Cadillac as we look to offer a fully electric portfolio by the end of the decade.”

It’s built on the same modular Ultium platform as the Lyriq. European specifications haven’t been revealed yet but the US line-up comes with a dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up as standard, delivering 300hp, married up with an 85kWh battery. Cadillac estimates a 300-mile electric range under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rating in the United States.

Full charging details are yet to be announced but DC fast charging in the US can add up to 79 miles of range in about 10 minutes. The Optiq will also enable one-pedal driving and provide different drive modes, including Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice and My Mode.

Design details are intended to mix the “visual agility of a fastback” with distinctive Cadillac crossover EV styling and include a fixed-glass roof and black crystal grille, along with a new approach to recycled materials for the interior. It also promises segment-best cargo capacity and second-row spaciousness.

The cabin comes with a 33-inch diagonal advanced LED display with 9k resolution and Google built-in compatibility for the infotainment, featuring Google Maps and Google Assistant, plus a 19-speaker sound system.

In the US, Super Cruise driver assistance technology will be standard. The technology will be available in Europe after it receives the required approvals.

Two distinctive trims – Luxury and Sport – will be available in the US, with pricing starting at an estimated $54,000 – some €50,000/£42,500. Pricing in Europe will be revealed later.