Polestar 4 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Polestar 4 starts from $78,500 before on-road costs, while the Cadillac Optiq opens at $80,000. That makes the Polestar 4 the more affordable entry point by $1,500.
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 $86,350 and $88,000 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
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
100kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 200kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 200kW 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 Polestar 4 features a 15.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-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 Polestar 4 stands out with Bowers & Wilkins audio that you will not find on the Cadillac Optiq. The Cadillac Optiq counters with head-up display and AKG audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Polestar 4 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Cadillac Optiq offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Polestar 4 uses a Electric Motor producing 200kW and 343Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed fixed gear to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.1 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 4.6 seconds.
The Cadillac Optiq has the clear power advantage at 224kW vs 200kW. In the real-world sprint, the Cadillac Optiq is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 100kWh (Polestar 4) vs 75kWh (Cadillac Optiq), giving WLTP ranges of 620km and 425km. DC fast charging peaks at 200kW (Polestar 4) vs 110kW (Cadillac Optiq).
Space & Comfort
The Polestar 4 measures 4,840mm long on a 2,999mm wheelbase, 20mm longer than the Cadillac Optiq at 4,820mm (2,954mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Polestar 4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 526L in the Polestar 4 and 744L in the Cadillac Optiq, giving the Cadillac Optiq a 218L advantage.
For towing, the Cadillac Optiq leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m to 12.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.6m 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 / 999,999km (Polestar 4) vs 5 years / 150,000km (Cadillac Optiq). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Polestar 4 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Cadillac Optiq if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Cadillac's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Polestar 4 takes 5 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Polestar 4 and Cadillac Optiq?
The Polestar 4 is the cheapest at $78,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Cadillac Optiq by $1,500.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Polestar 4 has the most range at 620km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Polestar 4 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 200kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Polestar 4 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Cadillac Optiq has the largest boot at 744L.
Which can tow the most?
The Cadillac Optiq has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Cadillac Optiq makes the most power at 224kW. The Cadillac Optiq is quickest to 100km/h in 4.6s.
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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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