Review: Cadillac Lyriq
The Lyriq is Cadillac’s most important vehicle in decades — a make-or-break entry into the luxury EV market. On paper, it checks all the boxes: sleek styling, competitive range, and solid tech. But does it feel special enough to lure buyers away from Tesla, BMW, and Audi? From its ultra-comfy seats to its laggy infotainment, we reveal what it’s really like to live with GM’s electric hopeful.
Table of Contents
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Iconic American Aesthetics: With its large chrome grille and signature vertical taillights, the Lyriq proudly carries Cadillac’s timeless design language — bold, confident, and undeniably American.
- One-Pedal Driving: The Lyriq’s one-pedal driving feature makes city driving smoother and more convenient, eliminating the need for frequent braking except in emergencies.
- Premium for Less: The Cadillac Lyriq offers an affordable entry into the premium EV segment, with a price that beats its closest competitors, whether new or used.
- Powerful On-Board Charger: The standard 11.5 kW on-board charger meets industry norms, but the optional 19.2 kW upgrade is a rare find, even among premium EVs.
- Smooth Ride: Designed for optimal comfort and control, the Lyriq’s suspension absorbs road imperfections effortlessly, enhancing the driving experience for all on board.
- Silent Comfort: Looking to unwind after a long workday? The Lyriq offers top-tier soundproofing with advanced noise cancellation technology, ensuring a serene cabin experience.
Disadvantages
- Interior Fit and Finish Issues: Certain interior elements may not be well-fitted, potentially causing creaks and rattles while driving or interacting with them.
- Feature Placement Confusion: Some features, such as rear child door locks, are only accessible through the infotainment system, which might not be intuitive for all users.
- Steering Responsiveness: Some drivers may find Lyriq’s steering to be slower and less precise than expected, which could impact confidence behind the wheel.
- Lack of Major Updates: Since its launch in 2022, the Cadillac Lyriq has yet to receive significant updates.
Let's Pick Your Perfect Cadillac Lyriq
The Cadillac Lyriq isn’t just another luxury EV — it’s a bold statement of style, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. Whether you're shopping for a brand-new ride or hunting for a great deal on a used model, the Lyriq delivers a premium experience at a price that undercuts many competitors. With its quiet ride, effortless one-pedal driving, and head-turning design, this electric SUV brings American luxury into the EV era.
Since production kicked off in 2022, the Lyriq has been offered in two trims, with a high-performance variant just around the corner. Let’s break down the differences and help you find your perfect match!
Currently Available
Lyriq RWD
Price in the US: $58,595 (new)
Price in Europe: Not available for sale
Looking for the best range at the best price? The Lyriq RWD is your go-to choice.
With an impressive EPA-estimated 326 miles per charge, this rear-wheel-drive configuration offers a longer range than the AWD model.
While it’s not the quickest off the line — hitting 60 mph in 5.7 seconds — it still delivers smooth and confident performance. Plus, it can tow 3,500 lbs (≈1,587 kg), just like the AWD model, which is rare for a single-motor setup.
Lyriq AWD
Price in the US: $63,490 (new)
Price in Europe: €79,000 (new)
Craving more power and the confidence of all-wheel drive?
This dual-motor setup delivers stronger acceleration, launching from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds — a noticeable improvement over the RWD model. However, as with most EVs, more power comes at the expense of range. The Lyriq AWD still offers a respectable 319-mile EPA estimate, but it falls slightly short of its RWD sibling.
For those who love dynamic driving and year-round traction, the Lyriq AWD is the perfect fit. But what if you’re after something even more electrifying? Cadillac has something special on the way.
Upcoming
Lyriq V
Price in the US: $78,595 (new)
Price in Europe: Not available for sale
This is the one performance enthusiasts have been waiting for—the first-ever V-Series Cadillac EV.
With a staggering 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, the Lyriq V catapults to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, making it one of the fastest luxury electric SUVs around. Cadillac has also given it upgraded brakes, a more aggressive exterior, and exclusive interior details to match its thrilling performance.
The Lyriq V is now available for order in the U.S., with deliveries expected later this year. If you want the ultimate electric Cadillac, this is the one to watch.
Verdict
Now we can confidently say that Cadillac's first EV was no mistake. On the contrary, it’s become a best-seller in the USA while maintaining the true spirit of the Cadillac brand.
We hope this guide has helped you decide which trim to choose or, perhaps, sparked your interest in waiting for the unique Lyriq V trim. Either way, we can say with certainty that any of these trims would make for a good purchase — just be sure to make the right choice.
Even if you’re already sold on the Lyriq, take a moment to compare it with its rivals, you might uncover features or drawbacks you didn’t expect from Lyriq or other models.
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