Automotive companies are changing the industry with EVs, and it is time for one of General Motors subbrands, Cadillac, to dive into the EV market. When Cadillac introduced the brand-new nameplate in 2021, many people could not wait to have more details. But what proved there’s an audience for electric Caddies was how the debut edition sold out of reservations in 19 minutes.
The Lyriq takes Cadillac’s signature lighting to the next level while providing EV lovers with state-of-the-art design. It combines General Motors’ new battery technology with other cutting-edge safety and driver-assist features. After considering all the details about the mid-size luxury SUV, we are convinced at Global SUV that the Lyriq is several generations ahead of some of the EVs on the market today. Find more details below.
New Face, But Undeniably Cadillac
Although the Cadillac aesthetic we’ve always known is superb, the 2023 Lyriq undoubtedly represents a pivot point in Cadillac styling. When the Lyriq concept was unveiled, some gearheads thought the manufacturer was overambitious with the futuristic design, but the production version is pretty much the same as the concept car that previewed it. While there are slight deviations, like the 5-chair setup instead of the concept car’s 4-chair, the exterior design remains unchanged.
At the top is a sloping full-glass roof that stretches uninterrupted, ending with a roof spoiler. The mid-size SUV utilizes LED technology, adding life to the functional parts of the exterior. Although the Lyriq’s design is ahead of any Cadillac of the present, its flourishes keep it in touch with today’s Cadillac styling signature. For example, the SUV retains Cadillac’s thin vertical signature lighting, the crystal black pseudo grille design, and the daytime running light strips. When the owner approaches the Lyriq, it has a unique way of saying “hello,”, which we’ll cover in a different section.
Powered By GM’s All-Exclusive Ultium Technology
GM revealed a third-generation EV platform powered by Ultium batteries in 2020, but the 2023 Lyriq is one of the first vehicles to use the revolutionary system. Ultium batteries enable an even weight distribution, almost 50/50, and a lower center of gravity. The result is a responsive and sporty drive. With a full charge, the 100kWh battery offers 300-plus miles of driving range.
The Lyriq comes with a 19.2kw charger, making it possible for the SUV to charge from 0-100% in about 5 hours at home. It also supports DC fast-charge at up to 190kw, adding up to 76 miles of range in about 10 minutes of charge. To charge the Lyriq, a gentle press of the Cadillac crest on the door port is enough to reveal the charge port.
Keeps You Going
The Lyriq’s 300 miles of range means the luxury SUV is right up there with some of the best EVs on the market today. At one full charge, the Lyriq has a more extended range than the Porsche Taycan, which has about 225 miles of range. The 2023 Lyriq combines nimble handling with a GM-estimated 325 lb. -ft and 340 horsepower.
With four unique driving modes, the Lyriq has the flexibility to adapt to changing road conditions. The driver can choose their preference by selecting from Tour, Snow/Ice, Sport, and My Mode.
Noiseless Interior, Yet Making A Statement
As expected of every Cadillac, the interior of the 2023 Lyriq is built to offer premium luxury. Architecturally inspired, the luxury SUV is not only spacious, but it also reflects the manufacturer’s intent to deliberately adorn each layer of detail. A 33″ diagonal Advanced LED display curves towards the driver, while they enjoy the lumbar support and lumbar massage.
Complementing the infotainment features are high-fidelity waves from the Cadillac-exclusive AKG studio 19 speaker audio system. The unique embellishments are enjoyed in utmost serenity as the Next-generation Active Noise Cancelation technology cancels road-induced noise.
Super Cruise And More
The 2023 Lyriq utilizes GM’s Super Cruise innovation, offering a cutting-edge, hands-free driver assistance feature on over 200,000 miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada. With Google built-in compatibility, the in-vehicle experience is enhanced, and the driver can get access to Google Play, Google Maps, Google Assistant, and many other helpful apps. The Lyriq also supports over-the-air software updates, meaning the innovative technologies can get better over time.
Other safety and driver assistance features include Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Park Assist, Vehicle Diagnostics, etc. Although the vehicle maximizes the latest technology to provide safety, Cadillac warns that the driver should operate the Lyriq in a safe manner.
Dramatic Light Show
Cadillac deviates from everything we’ve known about grilles by complementing the artful design of the Lyriq with a dramatic, choreographed startup sequence. The lighting sequence is Lyriq’s way of saying “hello” when recognizing the owner. It starts with the black crystal shield and Cadillac crest flashing to life. The horizontal turn indicators, daytime running light strips, and the vertical LED lighting elements follow, respectively. Then, when you get out of the car, the sequence goes the other way around.
The choreographed lighting displays across the front and rear of the Lyriq. Also, the interior has a lighting feature that allows the driver to reflect their mood. The 26-color LED spectrum of choices creates a unique ambiance. Such a light show might get old after a while, but that is not likely to be anytime soon.
Price Details
The Cadillac Lyriq has a starting price of about $59,000. Since it is priced right, it might be a solid competitor to vehicles like Tesla Model Y, 2022 Jaguar I-Pace, and 2022 Audi E-Tron, costing about $60,999, $69,900, and $65,900, respectively.
Although we don’t have a precise release date, we can confirm that the test units have hit the streets, and GM has started taking reservations for the all-electric SUV.
To Sum It Up
Cadillac is set to lead GM’s plan to end the production of traditional internal combustion engines by 2035. However, the manufacturer understands that the Lyriq’s mind-blowing design is not enough to make it catch the eye in the ever-improving world of EVs. To stand a chance, the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq is priced right, built with some of the finest materials in the industry, tuned to perform powerfully, and designed to use a new scalable battery architecture. The result is not a vehicle that stands a chance, but one that stands out.
Gabriel Olakunori
Gabriel likes to argue (blindly) that SUVs are a part of nature, but he seems to have a point whenever you walk in the snow, through the bone-dry desert, splendid park-like boulevard, plains, and rocky roads. He has over five years of experience writing across a broad spectrum of topics, with quite a number in the automotive industry. If he is not at the desk w̶r̶i̶t̶i̶n̶g̶ having fun, he is at the wheel d̶r̶i̶v̶i̶n̶g̶ having fun. Both activities take him to the same destination: Utopia. He loves SUVs simply because they are all-inclusive, but he cannot turn down an offer to drive or write about any vehicle.
