2024 Cadillac Lyriq Review: Re-Establishing American Luxury in the EV Era?

Cadillac, once synonymous with American luxury, has been navigating a complex identity in recent years. Caught between the exhilarating performance of its Blackwing sedans and the perhaps overly ubiquitous Escalade, the brand’s direction seemed somewhat unclear. A trio of less memorable crossovers further blurred the picture. However, the arrival of the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq, an all-electric crossover, signals a potential turning point, acting as a vibrant reset for the marque.

As Cadillac’s inaugural foray into the EV market, the Lyriq carries significant weight. Its debut coincides with a challenging period for EV adoption, marked by rising interest rates and fluctuating consumer demand. Yet, despite its somewhat unconventional name, the Lyriq emerges as a compelling vehicle. It prioritizes luxury and substantial quality over fleeting trends and mere performance metrics, positioning Cadillac to potentially reclaim its standing in the automotive landscape.

While not without its imperfections, and with the long-term reliability of its Ultium platform still to be fully determined, the Lyriq stands out as one of the most intriguing luxury electric vehicles available today.

Cadillac Lyriq front exterior in purple, showcasing its sleek design and signature vertical lighting elements.

The Fundamentals of the 2024 Lyriq

The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq is a brand-new, midsize electric crossover featuring a two-row configuration. It’s built upon General Motors’ advanced modular Ultium EV platform and battery architecture. Every Lyriq is equipped with a substantial 102-kWh battery pack, promising a range exceeding 300 miles and supporting rapid charging up to 190 kW. The base rear-wheel-drive model delivers 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The all-wheel-drive version, which was tested, elevates performance to 500 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, while also gaining a 3,500-pound towing capacity. Considering its considerable weight of nearly three tons with a driver, the Lyriq’s range figures are notably impressive for a vehicle in its class.

Unlike many crossovers that often appear bulky, the Lyriq presents a streamlined and elegant profile. Its design, stretching over sixteen and a half feet, features flowing lines and a long, sloping roofline. This results in a vehicle that, while only slightly longer and noticeably shorter than a BMW X5, exudes a more refined and sophisticated aesthetic. The exterior design language clearly sets the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq apart in the competitive EV market.

Cadillac Lyriq side profile in silver, highlighting its coupe-like roofline and large wheels.

Cadillac Lyriq front three quarter view in dark grey, showcasing its distinctive grille and headlight design.

Cadillac Lyriq rear three quarter view in white, emphasizing its taillight design and rear spoiler.

Cadillac Lyriq interior dashboard, featuring the large 33-inch screen and minimalist design.

Cadillac Lyriq interior close up of door controls, highlighting the seat adjustment buttons.

Cadillac Lyriq interior steering wheel and dashboard view, showing the Super Cruise indicator and digital instrument cluster.

The interior’s focal point is a sprawling 33-inch display, seamlessly integrating infotainment functions while thoughtfully keeping climate controls separate and accessible. Physical audio controls are conveniently located on the steering wheel, alongside touch-sensitive controls for GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system. Interestingly, the seat adjustment controls are positioned on the door panel, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz design, a detail that might require a brief adjustment for those accustomed to traditional placement.

Behind the Wheel of the Cadillac Lyriq

Effortless cruising is where the Cadillac Lyriq truly excels. While its 500 horsepower AWD powertrain offers ample power for brisk acceleration, even in a vehicle of this size, the Lyriq encourages a more relaxed driving style. It distinguishes itself from performance-focused SUVs like the BMW XM or Audi RS Q8, opting for a genuine luxury experience. From the exceptionally comfortable seats to the premium sound system and remarkable suppression of road noise, the Lyriq delivers on its promise of refined travel.

However, the Lyriq is far from lacking in driving dynamics when called upon. Body control remains composed, the ride quality is forgiving even with the optional 22-inch wheels, and acceleration is readily available. Its driving character leans more towards “grand touring” than outright “sport,” reflected in the light and deliberately paced steering – a characteristic that suits its luxury ethos. This deliberate approach requires a confident hand but enhances the overall sense of calm and control.

Cadillac Lyriq driving on a winding road, showcasing its handling and elegant presence.

The review also marked a first experience with GM’s Super Cruise, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aid for highways. Identifiable by an illuminated black strip atop the steering wheel when active, Super Cruise proved to be more decisive and confidence-inspiring compared to Ford’s BlueCruise system, albeit based on limited exposure to the latter. Super Cruise manages speed and steering, adeptly handling passing maneuvers and lane changes. Widespread adoption of such systems could significantly improve highway flow and reduce driver fatigue on long journeys.

A noted limitation of Super Cruise is its reliance on GM’s integrated Google Maps for navigation. Using smartphone-based navigation apps like CarPlay means Super Cruise won’t anticipate upcoming exits, potentially leading to unwanted lane changes when following a route through CarPlay. This integration quirk is something to consider for users heavily invested in alternative navigation systems.

What Stands Out and What Could Be Improved

The Lyriq’s visual appeal is undeniable, arguably making it one of the most attractive vehicles currently on the market. This sentiment appears to be shared by the public, with the Lyriq garnering more compliments than a Maserati Gran Turismo during the review period. The striking Celestial Metallic paint certainly contributes, but the overall design, particularly the grille and lighting signature, exudes a sophisticated and modern elegance.

Cadillac Lyriq front grille close up, highlighting the intricate detailing and illuminated Cadillac emblem.

Inside, the Lyriq’s cabin surpasses even its exterior in terms of perceived quality. Premium materials abound, with leather, genuine wood, and metal accents creating a luxurious ambiance. The user interface is intuitive, balancing the large touchscreen with physical buttons for frequently used functions. The haptic feedback from the parking sensors and cross-traffic alerts, delivered through seat vibrations indicating the direction of obstacles, is initially unusual but quickly becomes a helpful and integrated safety feature.

However, the Lyriq isn’t without its drawbacks. The sloping roofline, while stylish, compromises 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, the somewhat slow steering rack, and limited sightlines. Once parked, the lack of a traditional “creep” function and a slightly lazy accelerator pedal can make fine adjustments in tight spaces a bit cumbersome. Furthermore, the implementation of Apple CarPlay, at least currently, only utilizes a portion of the expansive 33-inch screen, a frustrating compromise stemming from strategic decisions by GM and Apple regarding in-car software integration.

Finally, the “Sport” designation, even for the top trim level, feels misapplied. While the chassis and powertrain are well-tuned, the Lyriq’s character is firmly rooted in luxury and comfort, not sportiness. A “Platinum” or “Premium Luxury” moniker would more accurately reflect its intended positioning.

Lyriq Trims, Features, and Market Rivals

The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq starts at $58,590, including destination charges. This base “Tech” trim includes the 33-inch display but omits Super Cruise. The “Luxury” trim, starting at $62,690, adds Super Cruise, faster 19.2-kW AC charging, and a panoramic moonroof. All-wheel drive is a $3,500 standalone option. The tested “Sport 3 AWD” model, with options like Celestial Metallic paint and a black roof, reached an as-tested price of $78,895.

Cadillac Lyriq rear seats and cargo area, demonstrating the spaciousness and practicality of the EV SUV.

Cadillac Lyriq charging port detail, showing the location and design of the EV charging access point.

While approaching $80,000 might seem significant, the Lyriq’s pricing is competitive within the luxury EV segment. The BMW iX, Mercedes EQE SUV, and Audi Q8 e-tron all start at higher price points with comparable performance and range. The Lexus RZ and Genesis GV70 Electrified, while priced closer to the base Lyriq, are smaller and offer less range. The Acura ZDX, another Ultium-based EV, leans towards sportiness and starts at a similar price point in its Type S guise. The Audi Q6 E-Tron, expected next year, will also be a key competitor.

Currently, Cadillac and GM are offering a $7,500 “Ultium Promise Bonus Cash” incentive for Lyriq and Blazer EV buyers who may not qualify for the full federal tax credit. This incentive cannot be applied to leases, which already qualify for the federal credit. Given the current market conditions with some EVs experiencing slower sales, various incentives and deals are available, making it prudent for buyers to explore their options.

Real-World Range, Charging Performance, and Efficiency

The all-wheel-drive Cadillac Lyriq boasts an EPA-estimated range of 307 miles, while rear-drive models are rated for up to 314 miles. All Lyriq versions support DC fast charging at up to 190 kW. Standard models have an 11.5 kW Level 2 AC charging capacity, with an upgrade to 19.2 kW available, claimed to add up to 51 miles of range per hour with a compatible charger.

Cadillac Lyriq interior screen showing energy information, displaying range and charging details.

Cadillac Lyriq plugged into a charger, illustrating the charging process of the electric vehicle.

Limited longer trips during the review period prevented thorough verification of charging speeds. However, in over 100 miles of driving, only 30% of the battery capacity was used, aligning with the stated 307-mile range. Real-world EV charging speeds are influenced by numerous factors beyond the vehicle’s capabilities, including charger availability, station load, and network reliability. The Lyriq’s technical specifications are just one piece of the overall charging experience.

Final Thoughts: Value and Verdict on the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq

The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq delivers on the expected range, style, and luxury features for its price point, which can approach $80,000 for higher trims. It presents itself as a premium vehicle, both in appearance and feel, and its price reflects this positioning. Its appeal lies in its embrace of comfort and refinement, setting it apart from EVs that prioritize sportiness above all else.

While the long-term success of GM’s Ultium platform remains to be seen, the Lyriq stands as the most compelling GM-based EV to date. If the Lyriq represents the future direction of Cadillac, it’s a promising sign, signaling a potential revitalization of the brand in the electric vehicle era.

Cadillac Lyriq rear exterior in purple, showcasing its unique taillight design and overall aesthetic.

Cadillac Lyriq front seats and dashboard from passenger side, highlighting the interior space and screen integration.

Cadillac Lyriq front exterior in silver against a scenic backdrop, emphasizing its luxury appeal and road presence.

Cadillac Lyriq interior ambient lighting detail, showcasing the sophisticated and customizable interior atmosphere.