Cadillac Lyriq Review: Can This Electric SUV Revive Cadillac’s Luxury Crown?

Cadillac, once synonymous with American luxury, has been navigating an identity crisis. Caught between its performance-oriented Blackwing sedans and the fleet-favored Escalade, the brand’s core appeal seemed diluted by a lineup of forgettable crossovers. However, the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq emerges as a striking electric crossover, signaling a potential renaissance for the marque. This Cadillac Lyriq Review delves into whether this EV can truly redefine Cadillac for a new era.

As Cadillac’s inaugural foray into the electric vehicle (EV) market, the Lyriq shoulders significant expectations. Its arrival coincides with a challenging period for EV adoption, marked by rising interest rates and fluctuating consumer demand. Yet, despite market headwinds, the Lyriq distinguishes itself as a genuinely compelling vehicle. It prioritizes luxury and substance, offering a refreshing departure from gimmick-laden EVs focused solely on acceleration figures. While not without minor imperfections, and with the long-term viability of its Ultium platform still to be determined, the Lyriq stands out as one of the most captivating luxury EVs currently available.

Cadillac Lyriq: The Basics Unveiled

The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq is a brand-new, midsize, two-row electric crossover built upon GM’s advanced Ultium EV platform and battery architecture. Every Lyriq is equipped with a substantial 102-kWh battery pack, promising over 300 miles of range and supporting rapid DC fast charging up to 190 kW. The standard single-motor rear-wheel-drive configuration delivers 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The all-wheel-drive variant, which we tested, boasts an impressive 500 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, while also gaining a 3,500-pound towing capacity. Considering its substantial weight of nearly three tons with a driver, these range figures are commendable in the electric SUV segment.

Unlike many bulky crossovers, the Lyriq presents a sleek and graceful profile. Its elongated form, stretching over 16 feet, features flowing lines, a long rear, and a gracefully sloping roofline. The result is a vehicle that, despite being just slightly longer and lower than a BMW X5, exudes a more refined and elegant aesthetic, setting it apart in the competitive luxury EV market.

Inside, the Lyriq’s cabin is dominated by a stunning 33-inch display, seamlessly integrating infotainment functions while thoughtfully retaining physical controls for climate settings. Steering wheel controls include both traditional buttons for audio and touch-capacitive buttons for GM’s Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system. Notably, the seat adjustment controls are located on the door panels, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz design, a detail that might require a moment of familiarization for some drivers.

Driving the Electric Cadillac Lyriq: A Focus on Luxury and Comfort

The Cadillac Lyriq excels in providing a relaxed and refined driving experience. While its 500 horsepower output is more than ample for a vehicle of its size, the Lyriq’s character leans towards serene cruising rather than aggressive performance. Unlike sport-focused SUVs like the BMW XM or Audi RS Q8, the Lyriq embraces its identity as a luxury vehicle. From its exceptionally comfortable seats and premium sound system to its remarkable suppression of road noise, the Lyriq prioritizes passenger comfort and a tranquil cabin environment. This makes the Cadillac Lyriq a strong contender in the luxury electric SUV market.

However, this emphasis on comfort doesn’t compromise handling. The Lyriq maintains composed body control, and its ride remains remarkably smooth, even when equipped with optional 22-inch wheels. Acceleration is readily available when demanded, but the overall driving demeanor is more “grand touring” than overtly sporty. The light and relatively slow steering reinforces this character, encouraging a relaxed and confident driving style. This deliberate choice to prioritize luxury over sportiness is a defining characteristic of the Lyriq and a welcome distinction in the EV landscape.

Our test drive also included an opportunity to experience GM’s Super Cruise, a Level 2 semi-autonomous hands-free highway driving system. Identifiable by an illuminated black strip at the top of the steering wheel when active, Super Cruise proved to be assertive and confidence-inspiring. Compared to Ford’s BlueCruise system, Super Cruise demonstrates a more proactive approach to highway driving. It manages speed, lane changes for passing, and returning to the original lane with minimal driver intervention. The widespread adoption of systems like Super Cruise could significantly enhance highway driving efficiency and reduce driver fatigue.

A minor drawback of Super Cruise is its reliance on GM’s integrated Google Maps for navigation. When using smartphone-based navigation apps like Apple CarPlay, Super Cruise lacks awareness of upcoming exits, potentially leading to unwanted lane changes when the driver intends to exit soon.

Cadillac Lyriq: Highs and Lows – Design, Interior, and Technology

The Lyriq’s striking design is undeniably a highlight. Its aesthetic appeal is widely recognized, with public compliments surpassing even those received by a Maserati Gran Turismo encountered the previous week. The captivating Celestial Metallic paint contributes to its visual allure, as does the unique front grille design resembling a collar and bowtie. The Cadillac Lyriq’s design is a major draw for potential buyers.

The Lyriq’s interior elevates the luxury experience further. High-quality materials, supportive seats, and a complete absence of faux carbon fiber, replaced by genuine leather, layered wood, and metal accents, define the cabin’s ambiance. The user interface is intuitive, balancing the expansive touchscreen with practical physical buttons for essential functions. The inclusion of haptic seat feedback for parking sensors and cross-traffic alerts is a novel and effective safety feature. While initially unusual, this system quickly becomes a natural and informative aid for the driver.

Despite these strengths, some areas present minor compromises. The sloping roofline impacts rearward visibility, although a digital rearview mirror mitigates this to some extent. Parking, particularly parallel parking, can be challenging due to the vehicle’s length, slow steering response, and limited sightlines. Once parked, the lack of forward creep and a somewhat unresponsive accelerator pedal can make fine adjustments in tight spaces slightly cumbersome. Furthermore, the Apple CarPlay integration, at least in the tested model, only utilized a portion of the expansive 33-inch screen, a limitation stemming from ongoing tensions between GM and Apple regarding in-car technology integration.

Finally, the “Sport” designation for the top trim level feels somewhat misaligned with the Lyriq’s overall character. While the chassis and powertrain tuning are expertly executed, the “Sport” moniker seems incongruous with its luxury-focused driving experience. A name like “Platinum” might more accurately reflect its premium positioning.

Cadillac Lyriq: Features, Options, and Market Competition

The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq starts at a competitive $58,590, including destination charges, for the rear-wheel-drive Tech trim. This base model includes the impressive 33-inch display but omits Super Cruise. Stepping up to the Luxury trim at $62,690 adds Super Cruise, faster 19.2-kW AC charging, and a panoramic moonroof. All-wheel drive is available as a $3,500 standalone option. The fully-optioned Sport 3 AWD model tested reached $78,895, including premium paint and a black roof.

While approaching $80,000 may seem substantial, it’s important to consider the Lyriq’s competitive landscape. The BMW iX starts significantly higher at $87,250, with comparable power and range. Similarly, the Mercedes EQE SUV and Audi Q8 E-Tron begin at $74,900 and $75,595, respectively. The Lexus RZ and Genesis GV70 Electrified, while closer in price to lower Lyriq trims, lack the size and range to be direct competitors. The Ultium-based Acura ZDX, positioned as a sportier alternative, starts at $74,850 for the Type S guise. The upcoming Audi Q6 E-Tron coupe-SUV is also expected to be a close rival.

Currently, GM offers a $7,500 “Ultium Promise Bonus Cash” discount for Lyriq and Blazer EV buyers who may not qualify for the full federal tax credit. This incentive, however, cannot be applied to leases, which are already eligible for the federal credit. Given the current market dynamics with slower EV sales, many manufacturers and dealerships are offering incentives, making it prudent for buyers to explore available deals.

Cadillac Lyriq: Range, Charging, and Efficiency in Real World Use

The all-wheel-drive Cadillac Lyriq achieves an EPA-estimated range of 307 miles, while rear-wheel-drive models are rated up to 314 miles. All Lyriq variants support DC fast charging at up to 190 kW. Standard models offer 11.5 kW Level 2 AC charging, with an upgrade to 19.2 kW available, potentially adding up to 51 miles of range per hour with a compatible charger.

Real-world testing over 100 miles consumed approximately 30% of the battery capacity, aligning with the 307-mile range claim. However, it’s important to note that EV charging speeds can vary significantly based on charger availability, network reliability, and the number of vehicles charging simultaneously. The vehicle’s technical charging capabilities are just one factor influencing the overall charging experience.

Verdict: Cadillac Lyriq – A Compelling Luxury EV Proposition

The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq delivers on the promise of range, style, and luxury expected in the premium EV segment. With a price point approaching $80,000 for higher trims, it positions itself as a luxury vehicle, both in perception and reality. Its appeal lies in its embrace of comfort and refinement, distinguishing itself from EVs that prioritize sporty pretense.

While the long-term success of the Ultium platform remains to be seen, the Lyriq presents the strongest case for GM’s EV strategy to date. If the Lyriq represents the future direction of Cadillac, it’s a direction worth paying close attention to. As a first step in Cadillac’s electric transformation, the Lyriq is undeniably impressive.