EV Review: 2023 Cadillac Lyriq

Photo Credits: Cadillac.com

Sophistication and Comfort

Overview

Performance: Electric motor, 340 horsepower

Mileage estimate: TBA

Price estimate: $60,000 to $90,000

—

Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

Drivetrain Warranty: 6 years / 70,000 miles

Roadside Assistance: TBA

Corrosion Warranty: TBA

2023 Cadillac Lyriq Review

Intro

Cadillac is jumping into the electric vehicle fray a little late. However, it has plans to catch up fast, reportedly spending $27 billion to bring 30 EVs to market worldwide by the end of 2025.

The initial Cadillac offering is still a way’s out. Sales of the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq is supposed to happen in early 2022. Testing is ahead of schedule, pushing the planned midsize electric crossover SUV’s unveiling up by nine months.

Parent company General Motors is focusing on a modular platform that it hopes will be a foundation for numerous EV models going forward. Sales of the Lyriq will be available for reservation starting September 2021, preceding the start of production at its Spring Hill, Tenn. facility.

Exterior Style

The Lyriq is a sharp-looking, two-row, five-passenger SUV with a long, low profile that makes it also look a bit like a wagon. It is roughly the length and width of the Cadillac XT6 SUV, but is 6 inches less in height and rides on a 9-inch longer wheelbase.

Up front is a crystal black grille with pin striping and the Cadillac crest that lights up. The taillights also light up. Lyriq competitors include the BMW iX, Audi E-Tron, Jaguar I-Pace, and Tesla Model X.

Charging and Range

Cadillac anticipates the Lyriq getting a respectable 300 or more miles before it needs recharging of its 100-kWh battery. Charged at 120 volts, the Lyriq would gain 3.5 miles of range for each hour charged and take around six hours to be fully charged by a 240-volt outlet.

Performance

Like its rivals, the rear-wheel drive Lyriq will have good performance. Its single electric motor on the rear axle will generate 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Note that an all-wheel drive option will add a second motor in the front to drive those wheels.

Weighing 5,610 pounds, the Lyriq is expected to feature brisk acceleration and mirror the I-Pace’s 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. The Lyriq’s top speed will be around 130 mph.

Features

The Lyriq will feature a composed, quiet ride that one expects from a luxury vehicle. It has unique one-pedal driving that is equipped with GM’s regenerative braking technology. The driver merely steps off the pedal and the electric motor slows the vehicle to a complete stop. Stopping can also take place with the paddle on the steering wheel.

Among the standard safety equipment will be Super Cruise, a partially automated, hands-free driving system that can brake and steer on divided highways. The Lyriq will also come standard with lane change on-demand, lane keeping assistance, front and rear parking obstruction warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Interior Space

The central interior feature in a roomy, comfortable cabin is a curved 33-inch LED display. It runs from the instrument panel to where the infotainment screen is typically placed, serving as both the driver’s gauge display and infotainment system.

A center console knob allows the driver or front passenger to navigate the infotainment system, which will likely be touch compatible. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hotspot will be standard features, along with a 19-speaker audio system.

Conclusion

Cadillac enters the EV class with a good first offering in the 2023 Lyriq. It’s a sophisticated crossover SUV that will deliver good performance, electric range, comfort, and technology.

And most importantly, the Lyriq will give Cadillac a solid EV that can compete against its more established rivals.

–  J.W.

User Video Review: 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ