Cadillac Optiq vs Mercedes-Benz EQA
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 27 Sep 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Track the Cadillac Optiq & Mercedes-Benz EQA
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Price Breakdown
The Cadillac Optiq starts from $80,000 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz EQA opens at $89,900. That makes the Cadillac Optiq the more affordable entry point by $9,900.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $88,000 and $98,890 respectively.
Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Cadillac Optiq
None open on our record
Mercedes-Benz EQA
- REC-006695 · published 12 Aug 2026Nine model lines: door lock defect (campaign RC5219)Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2026
- REC-006475 · published 10 Nov 2025The high voltage battery may short circuit if charged over 80 percent capacity.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- REC-005949 · published 15 Apr 2024The electrical power steering control unit back-up software may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2024
- 2 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
105.2kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 110kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 110kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
66.5kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 100kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 100kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Cadillac Optiq features a 33-inch touchscreen paired with a 33-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz EQA gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Cadillac Optiq stands out with panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and AKG audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz EQA. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Cadillac Optiq gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz EQA offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Cadillac Optiq uses a Electric producing 224kW and 480Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz EQA responds with a Electric making 140kW and 385Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds.
The Cadillac Optiq has the clear power advantage at 224kW vs 140kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Cadillac Optiq is 2.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 75kWh (Cadillac Optiq) vs 70.5kWh (Mercedes-Benz EQA), giving WLTP ranges of 425km and 480km. DC fast charging peaks at 110kW (Cadillac Optiq) vs 100kW (Mercedes-Benz EQA).
Space & Comfort
The Cadillac Optiq measures 4,820mm long on a 2,954mm wheelbase, 357mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz EQA at 4,463mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Cadillac Optiq generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 744L in the Cadillac Optiq and 340L in the Mercedes-Benz EQA, giving the Cadillac Optiq a 404L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 150,000km (Cadillac Optiq) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz EQA). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Cadillac Optiq if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Cadillac's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQA if: You or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Cadillac Optiq: Top CarSorted Score, 63 vs 60
The Cadillac Optiq comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (63 vs 60), taking 6 of 8 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: energy efficiency (Mercedes-Benz EQA ahead by 22), performance (Cadillac Optiq ahead by 21), practicality (Cadillac Optiq ahead by 14). If boot space matters, the Cadillac Optiq has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Cadillac Optiq and Mercedes-Benz EQA?
The Cadillac Optiq is the cheapest at $80,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz EQA by $9,900.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Mercedes-Benz EQA has the most range at 496km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Cadillac Optiq accepts the highest DC charging at up to 110kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Cadillac Optiq and Mercedes-Benz EQA carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Cadillac Optiq has the largest boot at 744L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz EQA has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Cadillac Optiq makes the most power at 224kW. The Cadillac Optiq is quickest to 100km/h in 6.3s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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