The Cadillac Lyriq: A Luxe All-Electric SUV

The all-electric Lyriq emerges as a classy, luxury mid-size SUV that retains the essence of a classic Cadillac: big, heavy, quiet, and — most importantly — comfortable.

2024 Cadillac Lyriq

Versus the Competition:

The Lyriq stands out for its stylish and opulent interior, surpassing the likes of Tesla. It is more user-friendly than any offering from Mercedes-Benz. With its distinctive good looks, competitive range, and decent pricing, the Lyriq is a viable option for luxury electric SUV shoppers.

A Long-Awaited Drive:

Despite being in dealerships for two years, this was our first chance to extensively test drive the Lyriq. GM’s slow production ramp-up of the 2023 model, due to issues with the new Ultium battery system, meant only a trickle made it out of the Tennessee factory. Now, with the bugs worked out for the 2024 model, the Lyriq is flowing onto dealer lots and press fleets, allowing us to finally provide a comprehensive review.

Understanding the ‘Ultium Vehicle’:

GM’s Ultium platform is a flexible architecture for electric vehicles, capable of scaling for various vehicle sizes. The Lyriq, the first Cadillac to use this platform, is a hefty two-row mid-size SUV. It will be followed by the three-row Vistiq, the flagship Escalade IQ, and the compact Optiq. The platform also supports the super-luxury, made-to-order Celestiq.

Bold and Unique Design:

The Lyriq showcases the newest Cadillac styling, which some may find bold and avant-garde. Its accent lighting and segmented taillights ensure it stands out. Notably, Cadillac offers stunning paint options, like the Nimbus Metallic on our test vehicle. The test vehicle, a Luxury trim, featured 22-inch wheels and a black painted roof.

Power and Performance:

The Lyriq offers two powertrain options: a rear-wheel-drive single-motor setup with 340 horsepower or an all-wheel-drive dual-motor system with 500 hp. Both are powered by a 102-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. The RWD version has an EPA-estimated range of 314 miles, while the AWD model has 307 miles. Charging is efficient with a Level 2 charger and DC fast-charging capabilities.

Despite its hefty weight of over 5,500 pounds, the Lyriq’s 340 hp provides adequate performance. It is a stately highway cruiser with quiet operation, a compliant ride, and very comfortable seats.

Driving Experience:

The Lyriq offers different drive modes, although they are buried in the touchscreen menu. A one-pedal-driving button and a pressure-sensitive paddle for regenerative braking enhance the driving experience. GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system is also available, working as flawlessly as ever.

Interior Elegance with a Touch of Economy:

The Lyriq’s interior is beautifully styled, with interesting shapes, clever lighting, and neat details. However, some elements feel cheap to the touch, a compromise to keep the weight under 6,000 pounds. The 33-inch OLED digital display is a standout feature, offering a reconfigurable instrument cluster and multimedia system with Google Built-In software, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Physical climate and volume controls are a plus, though the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel are less appreciated.

Affordable Luxury:

Priced around $73,000 (including destination fee), the Lyriq qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit, bringing the cost to the mid-$60,000 range. This competitive pricing, combined with its features and performance, explains why sales of the Lyriq have steadily climbed.

In conclusion, the Cadillac Lyriq is a solid entry in the luxury electric SUV market, offering a unique blend of style, performance, and value. It’s definitely worth considering for those looking to embrace the electric future in luxury.

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