Cadillac Lyriq, a spacious two-row crossover with rear- and all-wheel drive options, Cadillac will lead domestic operations into the EV era as General Motors plans to cease producing internal combustion cars after 2030. As many have observed, its luxurious features come at a very affordable price. First-time customers purchased most of the 2023 Lyriq models, and delivery began in late June. Orders for the 2024 models, which will go into production in the spring of 2023, have already started.
The Lyriq will only come in one trim for 2023; however, early online purchasers will get a 2023 Launch Edition, while everyone else will receive a uniquely marked Debut Edition. Versions with rear-drive have a single 340 horsepower, 325 pound-feet torque engine mounted on the back axle. A front axle motor will also be added to AWD models, increasing output to 500 horsepower.
The BMW iX, Tesla Model Y, and Jaguar I-Pace are the vehicles that the Lyriq is positioned to compete with. The rivals are all midsize crossovers with all-wheel drive, and deliveries of the Lyriq AWD won’t begin until the end of 2022. With a battery capacity of 102 kWh, the rear-drive model can go up to 312 miles, which puts it in the middle of these rivals’ offerings. The Lyriq is the longest of the group at 16.4 feet. It offers a comfortable and smooth ride with a wheelbase of 121.8 inches, the longest in the class and over 4 inches longer than the next closest.
The cargo space is ample but only mid-segment, and the back legroom is almost the best. While driving, it’s a comfy cruiser, but don’t anticipate anything more. It has quick yet rather dull steering. The rear-wheel drive version is $62,990, and an all-wheel drive version ($64,990) will be available.
One of its greatest assets is its Ultium modular battery technology, and it also has excellent basic safety features like Super Cruise hands-free driving. Although the infotainment system powered by Google is sound, excessive dependence on-screen controls is annoying.
The Lyriq, Cadillac’s first real EV, is a deal not to be missed thanks to its excellent interior and plenty of standard amenities in stylish packaging at a price that is several thousand dollars less than the least-priced competitor, the $65,990 Model Y.
What’s New
- Cadillac’s first all-electric crossover, the Lyriq.
- It costs $62,990 for the premium small electric SUV.
- Rear-wheel and all-wheel drive models: Only rear-wheel drive is offered at launch
- Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving technology, is standard.
Performance:Cadillac Lyriq
The Lyriq is available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive; the rear-wheel drive version has a 325-pound-feet, 340 horsepower rear axle motor. The AWD version expected in late 2022 will add a front axle motor for 500 horsepower.
The rear-drive model’s power output is less than the competition’s; Cadillac estimates it will take less than 6 seconds to get from 0 to 60 mph, compared to the Tesla Model Y’s 5.5 seconds and other rivals’ sub-5-second performances. With more horsepower than all its competitors except the BMW iX, the AWD Lyriq should level the playing field. Additionally, the AWD Lyriq has a 3,500-pound towing capacity.
The rear-drive Lyriq is more of a relaxed cruiser than a canyon carver. Although the multi-link suspension lessens vibrations, the vehicle’s 5,600-pound curb weight becomes noticeable when thrown forcefully into a bend. It has quick yet rather dull steering.
Regenerative braking is used in the Lyriq’s one-pedal driving mode to bring it to a complete stop. An endlessly adjustable paddle shifter is an intelligent detail that allows the driver to gradually apply more regeneration, which is especially helpful on winding, curving highways.
Power Consumption, Charging, and Range:
Cadillac estimates the rear-drive Lyriq’s fuel economy to be 105 mpg in combined city and highway driving. There are no official EPA figures available. Although estimations aren’t available, the heavier Lyriq AWD will probably score slightly lower, which lowers the Lyriq’s total score in this area.
It ought to do well, however, as the AWD Tesla Model Y Long Range leads the class with 112 MPGe, while all other vehicles are EPA-rated at far less than 90 MPGe, with the Audi E-Tron S Performance version trailing behind at 73 MPGe.
GM believes the rear-drive Lyriq’s range may reach up to 312 miles. Although it will go fewer, the AWD model should reach or exceed 300 miles. The mid-segment range of both Lyriq models surpasses the E-Tron and I-Pace, although it lags slightly behind the iX and the 330-mile Model Y.
A 102 kWh lithium-ion battery pack from GM’s Ultium technology will be used in both setups. Its 30-minute DC fast-charge time of 80% recharge is average for the category. However, its 19.2 kW onboard charger (rear-drive only) offers a wholly drained battery’s fastest home recharging time of up to 6 hours. The AWD model has a more conventional 11.5 kW Level 2 charger for home charging.
Cadillac is offering Lyriq customers a $1,500 credit toward installing a home charging system or two years of free charging on the EVgo network of DC fast chargers.
Safety and Assisting Driver:
The Lyriq’s safety rating is negatively impacted because neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have crash-tested the vehicle.
However, we anticipate it will do well in testing because its skateboard-style platform houses the batteries in a reinforced package under the floor. This platform is highly effective in absorbing impact energy and shielding people in crash tests of previous EVs with comparable platforms.
Cadillac’s automated emergency braking, automatic high beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, surround-view camera system, and active lane control are all standard on the 2023 Lyriq. They all work to counteract the Lyriq’s poor rearward visibility, mostly obscured by the elegant roofline.
For vehicles produced in 2023, General Motors’ Super Cruise hands-free driving technology will be standard. Although the cars already have the necessary technology, Lyriq-specific software won’t be available until late 2022 and will be distributed through an over-the-air upgrade. On hundreds of thousands of miles of roadway, the technology enables hands-free driving—but only when a driver is behind the wheel and prepared to take over at any time.
Coziness & Space:
The 2023 Lyriq offers classic Cadillac elegance and comfort without the outdated mushiness of a couch cushion. The front seats may be electrically adjusted for the ideal fit, and the faux leather seats are supportive, heated, and ventilated. The standard crossover/SUV bench-back seats restrict the centre sitting position. However, the two outboard seats should give second-row passengers a cosy ride even on lengthy road journeys.
Sound-absorbing solid materials and an active noise cancellation technology that muffles tire noise by broadcasting a low frequency is responsible for the cabin’s quietness.
With 41.4 inches of front and 39.6 inches of rear space, the Lyriq has the second-best legroom in the class; the Model Y’s 41.8 inches and 40.5 inches of front and back area are slightly superior.
With its bare glass roof and internal sliding cover, the roofline is relatively low, compromising headroom. The Lyriq has the lowest dimensions in the sector, measuring 38.6 inches up front and 37.7 inches in the second row. However, six-footers will still have plenty of space when the front seats are reclined. With 42 inches of internal headroom up front and 39.5 inches in the back, the higher BMW iX tops the class in this regard.
Infotainment: Cadillac Lyriq
The Lyriq’s enormous 33-inch single-sheet LED display runs Google’s infotainment operating system, which is good. The infotainment system’s rotary control knob is a significant hassle, even if the touchscreen and voice recognition for “Hey, Google” function flawlessly. Its position on the centre console’s cantilevered upper arm is too far back for a comfortable hold, and its functioning is awkward.
With most infotainment and vehicle settings on the right side, a few driver-selectable touch controls to the far left, and a clear display of driver-centric information just behind the steering wheel, the digital screen spans more than half the width of the dash.
The images and icons are crisp and vibrant; some may be adjusted to fit the user’s tastes. If there’s a problem, Cadillac packed too many features—like the glove box opener, ambient lighting controls, and crucial driving settings—into the system. The only physical switches on the dash are for the temperature system.
While the navigation system uses Google Maps, the 19-speaker AKG audio system is a haven for audiophiles. Cadillac has four USB-C outlets, two in each row of seats; standard features include wireless charging for mobile devices, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
The head-up display will not be available until the 2024 models go into production since Cadillac moved the manufacture of the Lyriq ahead by nine months.
Storage & Cargo Space:
Regarding storage capacity, the Lyriq is in the centre of the pack with a luggage compartment that holds 28 cubic feet and can hold 60.8 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. The segment average for the five cars is 29.6 cubic feet in the cargo area and 65.1 cubic feet when the back seats are folded.
With the seats folded down, the segment-leading BMW iX has 77.9 cubes and 35.5 cubic feet in its basin.
Many additional cubic feet of covered storage is possible thanks to Cadillac’s addition of a deep storage well under the cargo floor. It also has a ton of cubbies and bins inside, including a lockable glove box and a sizable locking drawer in the middle stack. A front trunk was removed to accommodate engine electronics that would have otherwise taken up space in the primary cargo area.
The Lyriq is designed to be equipped with rooftop carrying equipment, with cross bars available for purchase as extras, even if there aren’t any apparent roof rails.
Design:Cadillac Lyriq
The Lyriq, which is contemporary and athletic without being garish, is the most intriguing-looking car in the class after the svelte and sporty I-Pace.
The prominent grille may turn off some people, but it’s not as overwhelming as it looks in some pictures. It adds to the fun when the headlamps, powerful vertical LED running lights, and diagonally carved LED lighting stripes come together in a welcome sequence that’s choreographed to signal the approach of the key holder.
The early production cars exhibit good fit and finish, with no noticeable bodywork gaps or audible noises as the Lyriq moves over uneven pavement.
Overall, the inside quality is superb, with a stylish blend of metal, wood, and fake leather and a brand-new set of touch controls—knobs, switches, and handles—meticulously tailored for the Lyriq and other Cadillac models.
Although the dash is covered in a dust-attracting black rubbery material and the lower part of the cabin has some plastic surfaces, the Lyriq’s interior is one that both fans of the brand (nearly 80% of online Lyriq shoppers have never owned a Cadillac) and those new to the car will find to be standard fare for a modern luxury crossover.
Is the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq Worth it?
The 2023 Lyriq comes in a single trim level, starting at $62,990 for the rear-drive model and $64,990 for the all-wheel-drive version.
Cadillac only offers two colour options for the 2023 vehicles: slick black metallic with a black interior or steel grey metallic with a light grey inside. Cadillac moved up manufacturing to get the 2023 cars on the market sooner. By year’s end, an over-the-air software upgrade will enable Super Cruise hands-free driving, but no head-up display exists. Apart from colour selection, a $1,550 upgrade to 22-inch alloy wheels and tires is the only option to replace the factory 20-inch ones.
GM’s Ultium platform and battery technology, which are modular, are revolutionary for its electric cars, such as the Lyriq. It has an active battery cooling system, wireless battery monitoring, battery chemistry that uses 70% less cobalt than GM’s prior cells, and other cost- and life-saving enhancements.
With all of that included, along with a good-looking package, a plethora of standard equipment, and a price several thousand dollars less than the minor cost competitor (the $65,990 Model Y), Cadillac’s new electric vehicle (EV) is a deal that shouldn’t be missed.
How Much Does Cadillac Lyriq Insurance Cost 2023?
Insurance for the Lyriq should be around the same as that of other Cadillac SUVs. However, it will be less expensive than similar EVs. The average yearly premium for a 30-year-old female driver with a spotless record is around $2,500. However, this figure varies across all 50 states. But the Lyriq is a new one. A BMW iX owner may spend $3,783 annually compared to $3,173 for a Jaguar I-Pace and $3,100 for a Tesla Model Y.
Cadillac Lyriq Generations
First Generation
2023 to Present
August 2020 saw the announcement of the Lyriq, Cadillac’s first all-electric car, at a virtual event postponed due to a pandemic. The 2019 North American International Auto Show saw the first indications of the electric crossover as one of many EVs from parent company General Motors. Following many unsuccessful attempts at partly electric vehicles, Cadillac produced the Lyriq. Neither the plug-in hybrid CT6 performance sedan nor the ELR, Caddy’s take on the Chevy Bolt EV, survived for over three model years. After a long wait, GM’s premium brand debuted the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq, with manufacturing beginning in the spring of 2022.
Verdict
The premium brand of General Motors is set to enter an all-electric future with the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq. If early excitement continues, plug-in hybrids like the ELR coupe should soothe the pain of Cadillac’s lacklustre performance. The Lyriq has a sleek, contemporary look and excellent inside and onboard electronics without going overboard. Large midrange crossovers like the Lyriq are more suited for cruising than tight turns. It provides a relaxing, calm trip in opulent, spacious settings. Its sub-$65,000 starting price, thousands of dollars cheaper than rival premium electric crossovers, is the cherry on top.
