Denza B5 vs Cadillac Optiq
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.
Denza B5
From $74,990
SUV
Plug-in Hybrid
Petrol Turbo PHEV
400kW
1.9 kWh/100km
5★ ANCAP
470L
Cadillac Optiq
From $80,000
SUV
Electric
Electric
224kW
—
ANCAP: no data
744L
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Track the Denza B5 & Cadillac Optiq
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Price Breakdown
The Denza B5 starts from $74,990 before on-road costs, while the Cadillac Optiq opens at $80,000. That makes the Denza B5 the more affordable entry point by $5,010.
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 $82,489 and $88,000 respectively.
The Cadillac Optiq currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Denza B5 does not: plug-in hybrids lost the fbt exemption on 1 april 2025.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
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
31.8kWh 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 (7.4kW AC, 100kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
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.
Feature Showdown
The Denza B5 features a 15.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Cadillac Optiq gets a 33-inch display and 33-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Denza B5 stands out with Apple CarPlay and Devialet audio — features our data doesn't list for the Cadillac Optiq. The Cadillac Optiq counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, AKG audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Denza B5 uses a Petrol Turbo PHEV producing 400kW and 760Nm of torque, sent through a 1-speed auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds.
The Cadillac Optiq responds with a Electric making 224kW and 480Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds.
The Denza B5 has the clear power advantage at 400kW vs 224kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Denza B5 is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 31.8kWh (Denza B5) vs 75kWh (Cadillac Optiq). DC fast charging peaks at 100kW (Denza B5) vs 110kW (Cadillac Optiq).
Space & Comfort
The Denza B5 measures 4,888mm long on a 2,800mm wheelbase, 68mm longer than the Cadillac Optiq at 4,820mm (2,954mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Cadillac Optiq generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 470L in the Denza B5 and 744L in the Cadillac Optiq, giving the Cadillac Optiq a 274L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m 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 11.8m 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: 6 years / 150,000km (Denza B5) vs 5 years / 150,000km (Cadillac Optiq). The Denza B5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Denza B5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Denza's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Cadillac Optiq if: You need more boot space, or prefer Cadillac's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Denza B5 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Cadillac Optiq has a clear edge. The Denza B5 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Denza B5 and Cadillac Optiq?
The Denza B5 is the cheapest at $74,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Cadillac Optiq by $5,010.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Denza B5 uses the least fuel at 1.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Denza B5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Cadillac Optiq, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Cadillac Optiq has the largest boot at 744L.
Which can tow the most?
The Denza B5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Denza B5 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Denza B5 makes the most power at 400kW. The Denza B5 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.8s.
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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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