Competes with: Audi E-Tron, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Jaguar I-Pace, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, Nissan Ariya, Tesla Model X and Model Y
Looks like: The XT6 of the future
Powertrain: 340-horsepower, single-motor rear-wheel drive or 500-hp, dual-motor all-wheel drive; 12-module, 102 kilowatt-hour battery pack; DC fast charging supported
The all-electric Cadillac Lyriq SUV arrived in 2022 as the brand’s first model in a “portfolio” of six electric vehicles. The 2023 Lyriq uses GM’s new Ultium battery pack — shared with the GMC Hummer EV pickup truck — and is built on a dedicated EV platform. Cadillac’s inaugural EV offers a generous range of up to 312 miles, sleek exterior styling and a high-tech interior.
Related: Lyriqs to Go: Cadillac’s Quest to Enter EV Market Starts With Dropping New Lyriq
Exterior
Cadillac’s next generation of design language takes shape in the Lyriq, with its “black crystal” grille design that includes exterior lighting elements. Extremely slim, vertically oriented LED headlights flank the grille.
Around the side of the Lyriq, dark glossy wheel arches are joined by rocker panels of the same material, and the doors are generously sculpted. An angular waistline runs the length of the Lyriq, and the large C-pillars include a lighting or reflective element that’s visible in profile. Out back, the Lyriq’s aggressive rear haunches surround a narrow liftgate that is horizontally bisected by LED lighting elements, and additional slim, vertical taillights roughly mirror the headlight design and position.
According to Cadillac, the various lighting elements illuminate in a coordinated greeting sequence when the driver approaches. The 2023 Lyriq rides on standard 20-inch alloy wheels, and 22-inch alloys are available.
Interior, Tech and Safety
The focal point of the Lyriq’s minimalistic interior is a single 33-inch curved LED display that stretches across most of the dashboard and encompasses the instrument panel and infotainment screen. The SUV comes with standard Google Built-In and offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The center console area is very minimalistic and features a knob control for the infotainment system. The console itself protrudes outward toward the instrument panel but, without a traditional transmission tunnel, leaves lots of space underneath it for storage.
The Lyriq’s active road noise cancellation keeps the cabin quiet, allowing occupants to fully take advantage of the premium 19-speaker AKG-brand sound system and head restraint-integrated speakers in the front seats. And, like the exterior, the interior includes “orchestrated lighting elements.”
The Lyriq features the latest version of Cadillac’s Super Cruise hands-free driving technology, which can be activated on over 200,000 miles of U.S. highways and includes automated lane changes. Additionally, the SUV offers the Cadillac Smart System driver-assist suite with standard features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning and rear park assist.
Driving Range, Performance and Charging
A 12-module, 102-kilowatt-hour battery powers the SUV’s two variants. The single-motor RWD model gets an automaker-estimated 340 horsepower and 325 pounds-feet of torque, as well as an EPA-rated 312-mile range, while the dual-motor AWD model bumps total system horsepower to 500 and torque to 450 pounds-feet. The SUV employs a five-link front and rear suspension, which contributes to its smooth ride and handling, according to Cadillac. Four driver-selectable modes are available: My Mode, Sport, Snow/Ice and Tour. The Lyriq will be able to use DC fast charging at rates of up to 190 kilowatts, which adds 76 miles of range in about 10 minutes, according to the automaker’s estimates. Meanwhile, Level 2 home charging will max out at 19 kW, adding 52 miles of range per hour.
Additionally, the Cadillac Lyriq offers one-pedal driving with Cadillac’s Regen on Demand technology that allows the driver to control the speed at which the SUV comes to a stop with a pressure-sensitive paddle on the steering wheel.
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Trim, Pricing, Release Date
Currently, orders for the 2023 Lyriq are full, and shoppers will need to wait to order the 2024 model, which will come in three trim levels: Tech, Luxury and Sport. The on-sale date and pricing for the 2024 model has not yet been announced; for 2023, the price for RWD variants started around $63,000 and $65,000 for AWD. Additionally, the Lyriq comes with a $1,500 credit to use toward the cost of installing Level 2 home charging or two years of unlimited charging sessions at EVgo public charging stations.
Recent changes to the federal EV tax credit guidelines recategorized the Lyriq as an SUV instead of a car. This means eligible shoppers will most likely be able to take advantage of the $7,500 credit as the SUV now falls under the $80,000 price cap.
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