2026 Cadillac VISTIQ: Luxury 3-Row Electric SUV

From 290,000 AED

Families used to Escalade or XT6 comfort often hesitate before moving to an EV. The usual worries come up immediately: range on hot UAE days, reliability when the thermometer reads 45°C, and whether a big electric SUV can justify a 300k AED-plus outlay for school runs, desert drives, and long weekends between emirates.

The 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ is meant to answer exactly those questions. You get full Ultium platform specs, real-world UAE range in extreme heat with heavy AC use, a clear AED price walk-through starting at 290,000 AED, detailed trim differences, a direct rival comparison, and a 5-year total cost of ownership (TCO) that points to roughly AED 50,000–100,000 in savings versus petrol SUVs, helped by low DEWA electricity rates. Sitting between the smaller Lyriq and the giant Escalade IQ, the VISTIQ combines 615 hp, a 300+ mile range, and proper three-row comfort tailored to GCC roads. You can explore full global details on the official Cadillac website.

---

What is the Cadillac VISTIQ and Where It Sits in Cadillac’s EV Lineup

Positioning as a Luxury 3-Row Electric SUV

The 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ is Cadillac’s first fully electric 7‑seater SUV, slotting neatly between the compact Optiq / Lyriq pair and the full-size Escalade IQ. It uses GM’s Ultium platform with a 102 kWh battery and dual‑motor AWD, good for 615 hp and 650 lb‑ft of torque on every trim, according to Cadillac’s own data.

Key numbers at a glance:

• EPA range: 300–305 miles
• 0–60 mph: 3.7 seconds
• Towing capacity: 5,000 lb
• Cargo space: 80.2 cu ft max

For the GCC, that combination matters. You get space for 7 passengers and their luggage, a quiet cabin for executives on Sheikh Zayed Road, and Super Cruise hands-free driving on mapped highways once regional activation is finalized. Compared with a petrol XT6, running costs drop sharply, especially if you charge at home with DEWA’s 0.7–1.2 AED/kWh tariff.

As Cadillac’s EV SUV family grows (Optiq, Lyriq, VISTIQ, Escalade IQ), the VISTIQ becomes the sweet spot: three-row luxury and performance without the bulk or six‑figure sticker of an Escalade IQ.

Also read: Unveiling The 2026 Cadillac Optiq V A New Era Of Luxury Electric Suvs

---

Cadillac VISTIQ Range, Battery & Charging: Real-World UAE Use

Official EPA Range & Independent Testing

Cadillac’s own figures rate the VISTIQ at 305 miles EPA when fitted with the standard 11.5 kW AC onboard charger, or about 300 miles with the optional 19.2 kW charger. Both configs use the same 102 kWh Ultium battery.

Independent testing has been encouraging:

• Edmunds recorded 334 miles in its real‑world EV Range Test on a Vistiq 900 E4, about 9.3% above the official EPA rating.
• Car and Driver has reported roughly 280–350 miles depending on driving style, temperature, and speed.

In other words, driven sensibly, the car can outperform the brochure numbers.

Charging Speeds & Realistic Time Estimates

At a DC fast charger, peak rate is 190 kW, which Cadillac says can add about 80 miles in 10 minutes. At home or in a building car park, you will likely live on AC:

• 11.5 kW AC: roughly 29 miles per hour of charge
• 19.2 kW AC: roughly 47 miles per hour

For a typical 10–80% top‑up, expect something like this:

The practical takeaway: a standard villa wallbox will comfortably cover your weekly driving while you sleep, and a quick DC stop on the highway is closer to a coffee break than a lunch stop.

UAE Real‑World Range in 45°C Heat

Hot weather changes the story. In UAE summers, heavy AC and higher cooling loads eat into range. Data from Recurrent Auto on Ultium vehicles such as the Lyriq suggests an 8–18% loss at around 32–38°C, increasing further by the time you reach 45°C.

For the VISTIQ, you should plan around:

• 10–20% real‑world loss in peak summer
• A usable range of about 245–275 miles in Dubai / Abu Dhabi heat
• Average consumption around 36 kWh / 100 km

The familiar Dubai–Abu Dhabi drive of around 140 km is easy on a single charge, even with the AC working hard. That trip uses roughly 50 kWh, about half the battery.

Costs tell their own story. At DEWA rates of roughly 0.7–1.2 AED/kWh, driving 2,000 km a month will usually sit around AED 200–400. In a comparable petrol SUV, you are more likely to see AED 1,500+ in fuel. Over several years, that difference becomes impossible to ignore.

Also read: Top 10 Best Electric Suvs In 2025 Uae Ranked

---

Cadillac VISTIQ Price & Trims: U.S. MSRP vs UAE Estimates

Trim Walk‑Through: Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury, Platinum

U.S. pricing starts at $77,395, and a realistic UAE estimate adds around 5% customs duty plus 5% VAT, so call it roughly 10% extra once it lands.

If you want the best value, the Luxury or Sport trims already bring key features like Super Cruise and the large display. If comfort on long highway drives matters more than price, the Premium Luxury with Air Ride and rear steering is the sweet spot.

5‑Year Ownership Costs vs Escalade / XT6

Over 5 years, a VISTIQ can save roughly AED 50,000–100,000 compared with a petrol Escalade or XT6:

• Electricity: around AED 3,000–5,000 per year
• Petrol equivalent: often AED 15,000+ per year for similar mileage
• Maintenance: typically 30–50% lower, because there are no oil changes and far fewer wear items in the powertrain

A full 102 kWh charge at DEWA rates works out at roughly AED 71–122, depending where in the 0.7–1.2 AED/kWh band your tariff falls.

Also read: How Much Is My Car Worth In Dubai 7 Key Factors That Move Used Car Prices

---

Cadillac VISTIQ Interior Features & Family Practicality

Seating, Space & Everyday Comfort

The cabin can be set up as either 6 or 7 seats, thanks to optional second‑row captain’s chairs. Space figures:

• 80.2 cu ft max cargo volume
• 43 cu ft behind the second row (approx.)
• 15 cu ft behind the third row (approx.)

That is enough room for a full family airport run with strollers and suitcases, or for a weekend’s camping kit.

Creature comforts are generous: heated, ventilated and massaging seats in the front, available heating and ventilation for the rear, and 5‑zone climate control. Cadillac’s ClimateSense system lets each row run its own temperature, which matters when the kids in the third row are freezing while the driver still feels the sun through the glass.

ISOFIX / LATCH points are built in, and the flat EV floor helps with easy movement between rows.

Tech & Luxury: 33" Display, AKG Audio, Super Cruise

The focal point of the dashboard is a curved 33‑inch LED display, running Google built‑in for navigation, voice and apps. Audio is handled by a 23‑speaker AKG system with Dolby Atmos, which suits both podcasts at 120 km/h and a late‑night playlist on an empty E611.

The third row is best for kids or shorter adults on modest journeys, though the sliding second row gives extra knee room when needed.

Super Cruise is standard with a 3‑year subscription. In North America, it already works hands‑free on hundreds of thousands of mapped kilometres. In the GCC, Cadillac Arabia has indicated that regional mapping is in progress for roads such as Sheikh Zayed Road, but full local activation is still pending, so early UAE buyers should treat it as “coming soon” rather than “ready on delivery”.

---

Cadillac VISTIQ Performance & Driving Dynamics

Powertrain: 615 HP, 0–60 in 3.7 seconds, and Ride Quality

Underneath, every VISTIQ uses dual‑motor AWD with a combined output of 615 hp and 650 lb‑ft. Use the Velocity Max mode and Cadillac claims 0–60 mph in 3.7 seconds, which is properly quick for a 3‑row family SUV.

Higher trims with Air Ride suspension and rear‑axle steering make a noticeable difference. Air Ride helps smooth broken tarmac and speed bumps, and rear steering cuts the turning circle, which you feel immediately in tight Dubai marina car parks and narrow Abu Dhabi side streets.

Despite being lighter than a petrol XT6, the VISTIQ rides with more composure, helped by the low centre of gravity from the underfloor battery.

---

Cadillac VISTIQ vs Competitors: Tesla Model X, Mercedes EQS SUV, Volvo EX90

Side‑by‑Side Comparison

The VISTIQ trades a little range and outright performance to sit in a more approachable price band, especially in AED terms. Compared with a Model X, it wins on third‑row comfort and cabin finish; against an EQS SUV, it offers similar range for far less money.

Also read: Are Chinese Evs Outshining Tesla In Dubais Market A 2025 Comparison Of Brands Prices And Ownership

---

Cadillac VISTIQ Release Date, UAE Availability & Buying Guide

Timeline: U.S. 2025, GCC 2026

Production in Spring Hill, Tennessee is scheduled to begin in February 2025, with U.S. deliveries targeted for summer 2025 into early 2026.

For the GCC, distribution will run through Al Tayer Motors in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Regional listings suggest:

• Pre‑orders / waitlists already open with local dealers
• Expected UAE launch around January 2026
• Right‑hand drive versions planned for specific markets, but no separate UAE‑only specification has been announced yet

If you want one of the first cars on local roads, it is worth getting your name on a list sooner rather than later.

Also read: Top New Car Launches In Uae 2025 Spotlight On The All Electric Omoda E5 And Other Game Changing Models

---

Why the VISTIQ Stands Out for UAE Buyers

The VISTIQ’s 300+ mile official range, real‑world numbers like Edmunds’ 334‑mile test, and the ability to live comfortably with 45°C summers put it in rare company. You get genuine three‑row practicality, a cabin that feels appropriately premium, and running costs that undercut big petrol SUVs by tens of thousands of dirhams over a normal ownership cycle.

Configure your preferred trim on Cadillac’s global site and then sit down with your local dealer to align that spec with UAE allocations and delivery timing. With the first cars expected around 2026, early adopters will have a head start on what is likely to become a common sight on Sheikh Zayed Road.

---

Summary Table: Cadillac VISTIQ Key Specs

---

People Also Ask

What is the Cadillac VISTIQ release date in UAE?

It is expected to arrive in the UAE around mid‑2026 through Al Tayer Motors, following a U.S. on‑sale date in late 2025.

Cadillac VISTIQ price in UAE?

Estimates currently sit between 290,000–380,000 AED, including duty and VAT, depending on trim and options.

Cadillac VISTIQ range in Dubai heat?

Official figures show 300+ miles, but with heavy AC in summer you should budget for around 20–30% loss, leaving roughly 240 miles of usable range.

Is Cadillac VISTIQ good for UAE families?

Yes. You get 7 seats, 5‑zone AC, meaningful towing ability, and significantly lower operating costs than a comparable XT6 or Escalade.

Cadillac VISTIQ vs Tesla Model X?

The VISTIQ offers a more comfortable third row and a calmer, more traditional luxury interior, while the Model X remains quicker and slightly more efficient.

Where can I find certified pre-owned luxury cars nearby?

Alba Cars provides one of the largest inventories of certified pre‑owned luxury cars in the UAE, with verified service histories.