Cadillac is bringing out its first-of-line electric vehicles. They call it the Caddillac Lyriq, which sounds like Lyric.
Cadillac Lyriq looks very futuristic, luxurious, and comfortable as you can expect from a Cadillac. For decades, it has been delivering the assurance to give a fight against German Auto Makers. Even though they have been beating Cadillac in sales numbers, it still has been the synonym for style, class, and luxury.
There are so many electric vehicle models on the market right now. Almost all the brands have their own signature cars. Like the BMW I series, Audi E Tron, Porsche Taycan, etc. 2023 is going to be the year when Cadillac finally introduces its signature EV on the market.
Cadillac Lyriq Battery:
When it comes to EVs, the first thing to look for is the battery. Power and reliability both dictate whether you should purchase them or not. Under those floorboards are 102kWh of electrons, which is comparable to comparably priced EVs from luxury German brands. The Ultrium battery electronics in the Lyriq are integrated directly into the modules, which GM claims eliminates nearly 90% of the battery pack wiring when compared to other EVs.
It is said that the Lyriq will compete against the Jaguar I-Pace, BMW iX, and Tesla’s Model Y. The Lyriq has a range of 312 miles, putting it in the middle of the pack. The Lyriq is the longest of the bunch, measuring 16.4 feet long. It has the longest wheelbase in the segment at 121.8 inches, nearly 4 inches longer than the next closest competitor, which improves ride quality and comfort.
Cadillac Lyriq’s Ultrium modular battery system is one of its strongest points, and standard safety features like Super Cruise hands-free driving are also excellent. The Google-powered infotainment system is useful, but the excessive reliance on on-screen controls is annoying.
The Lyriq’s quality interior and a slew of standard features in a good-looking package at a price several thousand dollars less than the competition’s least expensive model—the $65,990 Model Y—make Cadillac’s first true EV a deal not to be missed.
Performance:
Cadillac Lyriq is available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It has a 340 horsepower, 325 pound-feet rear axle motor for rear-wheel drive. In the AWD version, which will be available in late 2022, there will be an additional 160 hp front axle motor for a total of 500 hp.
The rear-drive version is less powerful than the competition, with a Cadillac-estimated 0-to-60-mph time of just under 6 seconds, compared to 5.5 seconds for the Tesla Model Y and sub-5-second times for other competitors. The AWD Lyriq should even things out, as it will have more horsepower than all but the BMW iX. The AWD Lyriq can also tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Infotainment:
Cadillac Lyriq has a massive single-sheet 33-inch LED display. It is powered by Google’s infotainment operating system, which is a good thing. While the “Hey, Google” voice recognition and touchscreen work well, the rotary control knob for the infotainment system is not pleasurable. It’s too far back on the cantilevered upper arm of the center console for a comfortable grip. And, it’s a little clumsy to use.
The digital screen spans more than half the width of the dashboard. It has a clear display of driver-centric information directly behind the steering wheel. It also has a few driver-selectable touch controls to the far left. But the majority of infotainment and vehicle setting functions are on the right.
The icons and graphics are bright and clear. Some of them can be rearranged to suit the preferences of the driver. If there is a flaw, it is that Cadillac crammed too many features into the system. Such as critical drive settings, ambient lighting controls, and even a glove box opener. The only physical switches on the dash are for the climate system.
The AKG audio system with 19 speakers is an audiophile’s dream. The navigation system uses Google Maps. Cadillac includes four USB-C ports, two in each seating row, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
A head-up display was not ready in time after Cadillac accelerated Lyriq production by 9 months, so it will not be available until 2024 models go into production.
Cadillac Lyriq Cost:
The Lyriq should have the same insurance costs as other Cadillac SUVs, which is slightly less than comparable EVs. According to data, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record can expect an annual premium of around $2,500, though this average applies to all 50 states. The Lyriq, on the other hand, is brand new.
The Luxury Lyriq AWD is priced at $64,990. This trim includes a more powerful dual-motor all-wheel-drive system as well as the majority of the RWD model’s standard features. It does, however, have a slower 11.5-kW onboard charger and a simpler power liftgate.