Cadillac Might Have Opted for a $2 Sticker on the Optiq but Decided to Etch the Glass Instead.

      Adam Ismail

      If you haven't had a close look at one of Cadillac's electric SUVs recently, you might not realize that the brand incorporates something quite interesting with the rear-quarter glass near the D pillar of these vehicles. The image above is not a decal; it's actually an etching inspired by the Mondrian pattern found in the Cadillac logo, featuring a splash of blue on the sporty Optiq-V.

      It's a nice touch of style, and at least in the case of the Optiq, it doesn't negatively affect visibility within the vehicle. That glass still serves as a window, and the pattern's strakes are translucent and unobtrusive. However, Cadillac has decided to remove it from the Vistiq for the 2027 model year.

      We reached out to Cadillac to understand the reasoning behind this change and whether it signals a broader elimination of the graphic across their models. According to Cadillac, that doesn't seem to be in the works.

      “Cadillac updated the rear quarter-panel etched pattern on the VISTIQ in response to feedback from customers and dealers,” a spokesperson informed The Drive. “This change does not signify a wider removal of the design treatment across the lineup."

      “For the 2027 model-year Cadillac OPTIQ, the etched pattern will remain, with a subtle tint added as a mid-model-year update on all trims except the V-Series,” the statement continued. “The OPTIQ-V will keep the current untinted pattern to maintain clear differentiation for the V-Series model.”

      In essence, the Optiq will keep the etching, though its appearance will vary depending on the model chosen. As shown in the brand's configurator, it is distinctively featured on the V-badged Optiq as opposed to the other trims. It showcases a stripe of blue along the top edge, which harmonizes with certain interior elements and the vibrant blue Brembo calipers, along with a different fade in the Mondrian pattern.

      Notice how the pattern looks on the standard, non-V 2027 Optiq.

      Is this graphic likely to be a deal-breaker—or a significant selling point—for a particular buyer? Probably not, but I can say it caught my attention when I had an Optiq-V loaned to me a few weeks ago, demonstrating a level of detail that one would expect from Cadillac, being the flagship of the GM family.

      Do you have a tip regarding car design news? Email the author at: adam.ismail@thedrive.com