The automotive world is rapidly shifting towards electric vehicles, and Cadillac is making a bold statement with its first all-electric offering: the 2024 LYRIQ. This luxury SUV is not just an entry into the EV market; it’s a reimagining of Cadillac for a new era. With its striking design, advanced technology, and commitment to luxury, the LYRIQ is generating significant buzz. This in-depth review delves into all aspects of the 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, providing a comprehensive look at what makes this electric SUV stand out in a competitive landscape.
2024-cadillac-lyriq-feature-1-carpro.jpg
Exterior Design: A Modern Cadillac Masterpiece
Cadillac has long been synonymous with bold design, and the LYRIQ continues this tradition while pushing boundaries into the future. The exterior is undeniably stunning, blending elegance with a futuristic edge. The first thing that catches your eye is the confident stance, enhanced by the available 22-inch alloy wheels. These wheels aren’t just for looks; the aerodynamic spoke design, coupled with specially engineered Michelin self-sealing tires, contributes to efficiency and performance.
Moving along the profile, the LYRIQ showcases a gracefully sloping roofline that culminates in a substantial spoiler, adding a touch of sportiness to the SUV silhouette. The hatchback-style rear window further enhances the sleek aesthetic. Cadillac has masterfully used chrome accents sparingly, achieving an elegant rather than ostentatious look.
One of the most distinctive features of the LYRIQ is its front fascia. EVs don’t require traditional grilles, and Cadillac has taken full advantage of this freedom. The LYRIQ’s “grille” is a beautifully sculpted panel with intricate lines emanating from the center. At night, this panel illuminates, creating an unmistakable and futuristic light signature that ensures the LYRIQ is instantly recognizable. The Stellar Black metallic paint option truly amplifies the SUV’s sophisticated and sleek appearance, especially when viewed from the side.
2024-cadillac-lyriq-grille-carpro
Powertrain and Performance: Electric Power Redefined
Underneath the striking exterior, the 2024 LYRIQ boasts a powerful all-electric powertrain built on GM’s Ultium platform. The reviewed model features a dual-motor setup, providing all-wheel drive capability with motors on both the front and rear axles. Rear-wheel drive configurations are also available for those prioritizing efficiency. The heart of the system is a 102-kWh battery pack, strategically positioned beneath the floorboard to optimize weight distribution and handling.
This electric powertrain delivers an impressive 500 horsepower and a staggering 450 lb-ft of instant torque. As with most EVs, the acceleration is a standout feature. The LYRIQ offers exhilarating off-the-line performance, effortlessly reaching highway speeds and providing a responsive and engaging driving experience. The instant torque characteristic of electric motors ensures smooth and powerful acceleration in any driving situation.
Trim Levels and Configurations: Tailoring Your Luxury Experience
The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ is offered in three primary trim levels, allowing buyers to customize their luxury EV to their preferences. The range starts with the Tech trim, followed by the Luxury trim, and culminates in the Sport trim. Within each of these trims, Cadillac further offers three sub-levels, each adding increasing levels of features and refinement.
The review focuses on the Luxury 3 trim, representing the highest level within the mid-tier Luxury range. This configuration strikes a balance of premium features and value, showcasing the high level of standard equipment available even within the middle trim levels.
Interior Luxury and Technology: A Cabin of the Future
Stepping inside the 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ is an experience in itself. The interior is meticulously crafted, exuding luxury and sophistication. The front seats are a highlight, offering heating, cooling, and massage functions, along with power lumbar support for optimal comfort on long drives. The door panels are beautifully designed with a blend of black and stone hues, complemented by ambient lighting that sets a refined mood. Integrated into the door panels are the grilles for the standard 19-speaker AKG sound system, promising an immersive audio experience. Notably, speakers are even incorporated into the front headrests, further enhancing the sound quality for front passengers.
2024-cadillac-lyriq-front-row-carpro.jpg
The centerpiece of the LYRIQ’s interior is undoubtedly the massive 33-inch curved LED display. This single seamless screen stretches across the dashboard, encompassing both the driver information cluster and the infotainment system. The driver’s side of the screen functions as a configurable digital gauge cluster, allowing drivers to customize the displayed information to their liking. A smaller section to the left provides quick access to gauge layouts, trip data, and headlight controls.
2024-cadillac-lyriq-multimedia-1-carpro
The right portion of the 33-inch screen houses the Google-based infotainment system. This system integrates a suite of features including the premium AKG audio, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is remarkably responsive and intuitive, with a user-friendly interface and fast processing speeds. Voice recognition is also highly effective. From the touchscreen, drivers can access vehicle settings like regenerative braking (enabling one-pedal driving), range information, and charging station locators. A somewhat unusual feature is the touchscreen button for the glove box, replacing a traditional latch. For those who prefer one-pedal driving, a paddle on the steering wheel allows adjustment of the regenerative braking sensitivity.
Drive modes can also be selected via the touchscreen, offering Tour, Snow/Ice, Sport, and a customizable “My Mode.” “My Mode” allows drivers to fine-tune various vehicle parameters such as ride, handling, and steering feel, providing a personalized driving experience.
2024-cadillac-lyriq-console–carpro.jpg
The center console features a floating design, creating an open and airy feel with illuminated storage space underneath. Physical controls are thoughtfully integrated, including a volume knob, a rotary controller for navigating the touchscreen, a wireless charging pad, and shortcut buttons for frequently used infotainment functions. A clever pull-out tray adds extra storage, and the climate controls are positioned above the tray for easy access.
One notable omission in the otherwise feature-rich LYRIQ is a standard head-up display. The reviewer expresses disappointment that such a sporty and premium SUV, especially at its price point, doesn’t include this feature as standard, suggesting it as a potential improvement for future model years.
2024-cadillac-lyriq-2nd-row-carpro
Moving to the rear seats, passengers are treated to comparable levels of comfort as those in the front. Legroom is generous, and despite the sloping roofline, headroom remains ample. A fold-down armrest with cupholders is provided, and rear passengers also benefit from air vents, two USB-C ports, and a power outlet located on the back of the center console. However, rear temperature controls are not available, requiring adjustments from the front.
Utility and Cargo Space: Practicality in a Luxury EV
The 2024 LYRIQ offers practical cargo solutions for an electric SUV. The power liftgate, activated by the Cadillac emblem, reveals a well-sized cargo area with a hidden storage compartment underneath the main floor and a cargo cover to keep items concealed.
2024-cadillac-lyriq-cargo-area-carpro.jpg
With the rear seats in their upright position, the LYRIQ provides 28 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the rear seats down, easily accomplished using switches in the cargo area, expands the space to 60.8 cubic feet. The cargo area is also equipped with LED lighting and a convenient household-style power outlet.
Standard Features and Technology: Well-Equipped from the Start
The Cadillac LYRIQ comes generously equipped with a long list of standard features that enhance both luxury and convenience. Highlights include a large fixed panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade, LED headlights and taillights, power-folding side mirrors, the aforementioned 19-speaker AKG sound system, heated second-row seats, adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel, a rearview camera mirror, a hands-free liftgate, and illuminated door handles that automatically extend as you approach with the key.
2024-cadillac-lyriq-pano-sunroofcarpro
Over-the-air (OTA) updates are another valuable standard feature, allowing for software updates to be installed wirelessly, similar to a smartphone, ensuring the vehicle stays current without requiring dealership visits.
Safety and Driver Assistance: Confidence and Security
In terms of safety, the 2024 LYRIQ is equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety and driver-assistance features. These include automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian and bicyclist braking, reverse automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, a rear seat reminder, and a high-definition surround-view camera system. These features contribute to both accident prevention and driver confidence.
Optional Features and Packages: Further Personalization
The review vehicle includes approximately $9,595 in optional upgrades. The most significant is the Nappa Leather Seat Package, priced at $3,990, which not only upgrades the seating surfaces to premium Nappa leather but also extends leather trim throughout the cabin, including armrests, and adds elegant wood trim, illuminated door accents, and illuminated door sills. All-wheel drive is a $3,500 option, and a 19.2 kW charging module for faster charging adds $1,480. The premium Stellar Black metallic paint is a $625 option.
Super Cruise: Advanced Hands-Free Driving
Cadillac’s acclaimed Super Cruise hands-free driving system is standard on the LYRIQ. While often a costly option on other GM vehicles and requiring a subscription, its inclusion as standard on the LYRIQ is a significant value proposition. Super Cruise leverages pre-mapped highways across the US and Canada to enable hands-free driving on designated roadways. When activated, the system controls steering, acceleration, and braking, allowing for truly hands-free driving. Lane changes are also automated with a simple turn signal activation, after the system confirms it is safe to do so.
A driver attention system, using a small camera, monitors the driver’s eyes to ensure engagement. If driver inattentiveness is detected, warnings are issued, and if unaddressed, the system will safely bring the vehicle to a stop and alert OnStar for assistance, a crucial safety feature in case of driver incapacitation. Super Cruise is praised as one of the most refined and effective hands-free driving systems available.
Charging and Range: Powering the Electric Journey
Charging the 2024 LYRIQ is designed to be convenient and adaptable to various charging scenarios. Using a DC fast charger, the LYRIQ can gain approximately 77 miles of range in just 10 minutes. With a total range of 307 miles, this translates to a roughly 30-minute charging session to reach an 80% charge at a DC fast charging station, which is generally recommended for optimal battery longevity.
2024-cadillac-lyriq-charging-screen-carpro.jpg
For home charging with a Level 2 charger, the LYRIQ can add about 51 miles of range per hour. This allows for a full charge from near empty to 80% in under 5 hours, ideal for overnight charging during off-peak electricity rates. While 110V Level 1 charging is also possible, it adds only about 3.5 miles of range per hour, making it a very slow option for regular charging needs. Home Level 2 charging is strongly recommended for EV owners.
2024-cadillac-lyriq-charging-port-carpro.jpg
Ride and Driving Experience: Luxury and Performance Combined
The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ delivers a driving experience that is both refined and engaging. The instant acceleration from the electric powertrain is consistently surprising and exhilarating, especially in a vehicle of this size. The cabin is remarkably quiet, thanks to extensive sound insulation efforts by GM. Active Noise Cancellation technology, utilizing the AKG speakers, further minimizes road noise, and acoustic laminated glass contributes to a serene interior environment. An optional artificial engine sound can be activated within the cabin, providing a subtle auditory feedback without being intrusive.
The LYRIQ’s handling is described as surprisingly agile, with a ride quality that perfectly balances sportiness and luxury. The low center of gravity, due to the underfloor battery pack, contributes significantly to the vehicle’s stable and planted feel. The 5-link independent suspension with Passive-Plus Premium Dampers and a near 50/50 weight distribution further enhance the ride and handling characteristics.
Fuel Economy and Pricing: Understanding the Value Proposition
The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 96 MPGe in the city, 81 MPGe on the highway, and 89 MPGe combined. The MSRP of the reviewed model, as equipped, is $80,195 before dealer discounts and potential factory incentives. The LYRIQ is eligible for the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit, and may also qualify for state and local incentives, further reducing the effective purchase price. The base price of the LYRIQ starts at a more accessible $57,195. Leasing is suggested as a potentially advantageous option for first-time EV buyers, given the evolving nature of the EV market.
Verdict: A Home Run for Cadillac in the Electric Era
The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ is a resounding success for Cadillac’s entry into the electric vehicle segment. It effectively blends striking design, luxurious interiors, advanced technology, and impressive performance into a compelling electric SUV package. Made in Spring Hill, Tennessee, the LYRIQ represents a significant step forward for Cadillac and the luxury EV market. For those seeking a luxury electric SUV that stands out from the crowd, the 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ should be high on the consideration list.
Pros:
- Striking and unique exterior design
- Luxurious and technologically advanced interior
- Exhilarating electric performance and smooth ride
- Standard Super Cruise hands-free driving
- Comprehensive suite of standard features and safety technologies
Cons:
- Head-up display not standard
- Rear temperature controls not available in the back seat
2024 Cadillac LYRIQ Specifications (As Tested):
- Base Price: $69,195
- Price as Tested: $80,195
- Fuel Economy: 89 MPGe Combined (96 City/ 81 Highway)
- Color: Stellar Black Metallic
- Odometer Reading: 1,300 miles
- Weight: 5,606 lbs
- Length/Width/Height: 196.7 in / 86.9 in / 64.3 in
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs
- Warranty: 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, 8-year/100,000 mile battery and propulsion
Final Thoughts: The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ is an outstanding electric luxury SUV that delivers on its promise of style, performance, and innovation. It’s a strong contender in the growing EV market and a testament to Cadillac’s commitment to the electric future.
