Cadillac has been applying a distinctive etched pattern to the rear-quarter glass of its electric SUVs, a design element that draws from the Mondrian geometry found in the brand’s logo. The treatment first appeared on models like the Optiq, where it sits near the D pillar without noticeably affecting visibility through the window.
Changes at the Vistiq
For the 2027 model year, the brand is removing the etching from the Vistiq entirely. It said the change came after hearing from customers and dealers. A spokesperson confirmed the decision was specific to that model and does not signal a wider removal of the design across the lineup.
“Cadillac updated the rear quarter-panel etched pattern on the VISTIQ in response to feedback from customers and dealers,” the spokesperson told the outlet. “This change does not represent a broader removal of the design treatment across the lineup.”
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The Optiq Keeps Its Glass Treatment
The Optiq, however, will continue wearing the etched pattern. The brand plans to introduce a subtle tint to the glass as a mid-model-year update for the 2027 Optiq. The tint will appear on all trims except the V-Series, which retains the current untinted version to maintain a clear visual distinction from the standard models.
Buyers shopping the Optiq configurator will notice the difference immediately. The V-badged version shows a stripe of blue along the top edge of the glass, a detail that echoes blue accents found inside the vehicle and the bright blue Brembo brake calipers. The Mondrian-inspired pattern itself has a slightly different fade on the performance trim compared to the standard models.
The strakes running through the glass remain translucent rather than opaque, which helps the window continue functioning as intended. Drivers and passengers can still see out without the pattern becoming a distraction. The brand appears to have struck a balance between adding visual interest and keeping the feature practical.
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That said, the attention to detail does stand out when you see it up close. It is exactly the kind of finishing touch you would expect from the flagship brand within General Motors.
The company has not indicated any plans to bring the etching to other models beyond the Optiq lineup. The Vistiq’s departure from the design suggests the pattern may remain exclusive to the smaller Optiq for the foreseeable future. Customers who appreciate the detail will find it still available on that model, though the look will vary depending on which trim they choose.
