Cadillac Lyriq 450E Price: Is Cadillac's All-Electric SUV Worth It?

Cadillac, a brand synonymous with luxury and American automotive excellence, is redefining its future with the all-electric Lyriq. The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq 450E marks a pivotal moment, heralding a new era for the marque and setting a new benchmark in the electric SUV segment. This vehicle isn’t just an electric adaptation of a traditional Cadillac; it’s a ground-up reimagining, built upon GM’s innovative Ultium platform and designed to captivate a new generation of drivers. While the initial 2023 models are fully reserved, anticipation is building for the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq, and prospective buyers are keenly focused on one crucial aspect: the Cadillac Lyriq 450e Price and what it offers for that investment.

2023 Cadillac Lyriq 450E high angle side action

A Design That Breaks the Mold

The Cadillac Lyriq 450E immediately distinguishes itself with a design language that is both futuristic and unmistakably Cadillac. Moving beyond conventional SUV aesthetics, the Lyriq adopts a profile that leans towards a taller wagon, characterized by a long, commanding hood and a gracefully sloping roofline. This silhouette subtly echoes contemporary European designs, particularly those from Volvo, while maintaining a distinct American flair. The front fascia is a masterclass in modern automotive artistry, replacing the traditional grille with a translucent polycarbonate panel. This panel is not merely decorative; it’s a canvas for light, featuring laser-etched patterns on the back, backlit by LEDs to create dynamic and captivating light shows. This innovative approach to lighting extends throughout the vehicle, creating a kinetic light signature that is both visually arresting and brand-defining.

The vertical lighting elements at the front and rear are a nod to Cadillac’s heritage, yet executed in a thoroughly modern way. The rear of the Lyriq features wraparound taillamps that ascend into the roof, creating a unique visual signature reminiscent of the Jensen Interceptor’s iconic rear profile. While the overall design is sleek and aerodynamic, the rear exhibits a more complex interplay of lines and panels, which, depending on individual taste, may be perceived as either intricate or slightly fragmented. However, it’s undeniable that the Lyriq’s exterior is a bold departure for Cadillac, signaling a clear move towards a forward-thinking design philosophy.

2023 Cadillac Lyriq 450E rear three-quarter

Interior and Technology: A Blend of Luxury and Innovation

Stepping inside the Cadillac Lyriq 450E reveals an interior that aims for a harmonious blend of luxury and cutting-edge technology. The centerpiece of the cabin is the expansive 33-inch curved LED display that stretches across the dashboard. This screen serves as the command center for vehicle information, infotainment, and navigation, offering crisp graphics and responsive touch controls. While the touchscreen interface is intuitive, Cadillac also provides a physical control knob on the center console, offering users a choice in how they interact with the system.

The material choices within the Lyriq’s cabin are a mixed bag. While elements like the frosted aluminum trim with a diamond-pattern texture exude sophistication, other areas reveal a less cohesive approach. The use of multiple black finishes, including piano black, wood-like trim, and hard plastic, creates a somewhat disjointed feel, and some critics have pointed out areas where cost-saving measures are apparent, such as unfinished mold flashing and creaking plastics. Despite these minor shortcomings, the overall ambiance is still premium, especially when considering the abundance of technology integrated into the cabin. The laser-cut wood trim with integrated lighting adds a futuristic touch, and the available 19-speaker AKG audio system promises an immersive sound experience.

2023 Cadillac Lyriq 450E front action

2023 Cadillac Lyriq 450E front quarter wheel tire

2023 Cadillac Lyriq 450E rear quarter taillight design

A notable point of contention is the Lyriq’s door handles. Replacing traditional pull handles are touch-sensitive buttons that electronically unlatch the doors. While innovative in concept, the execution is somewhat cumbersome, requiring a two-step process for front doors and lacking an external pull mechanism for the rear doors. This design choice has drawn criticism for being less user-friendly than conventional handles and potentially impractical in certain situations.

2023 Cadillac Lyriq 450E interior front

Driving Experience and Performance: Smooth, Silent, and Swift

The Cadillac Lyriq 450E delivers a driving experience that is characteristically electric: smooth, silent, and with instant torque. The rear-wheel-drive 450E model produces 340 horsepower, providing brisk acceleration typical of EVs. While not positioned as a performance EV in the vein of Tesla’s high-performance models, the Lyriq offers ample power for daily driving and confident highway merging. Cadillac has also indicated that a more powerful, 500-horsepower all-wheel-drive variant is on the horizon, likely to be named the 900E, further expanding the Lyriq’s performance capabilities.

One-pedal driving, a hallmark of EVs, is well-implemented in the Lyriq. The regenerative braking system is adjustable, offering both selectable modes and a steering wheel paddle for manual control. This system allows drivers to precisely manage deceleration and energy recuperation, enhancing efficiency and driving engagement. The Lyriq’s suspension, featuring a five-link setup at both front and rear, prioritizes ride comfort. While it forgoes Cadillac’s advanced MagneRide dampers in the 450E trim, the “Passive-Plus Premium Dampers” effectively balance ride serenity and body control, managing the vehicle’s considerable weight. The Lyriq’s cabin is exceptionally quiet, thanks to extensive soundproofing and active noise cancellation, creating a serene environment for both driver and passengers.

2023 Cadillac Lyriq 450E interior dash wheel

2023 Cadillac Lyriq 450E dash interior light settings

Ultium Platform and Battery: The Foundation of Cadillac’s EV Future

Underpinning the Cadillac Lyriq 450E is GM’s Ultium platform, a modular and scalable EV architecture designed to support a wide range of vehicles. The Ultium battery system is based on stackable “Cell Module Assemblies” (CMAs), allowing for flexible battery pack sizes and configurations. The Lyriq 450E houses 12 CMAs, resulting in a 102-kWh battery pack and an EPA-estimated range of 312 miles. This range places the Lyriq competitively within the midsize luxury EV SUV segment.

The Ultium platform employs wireless communication between battery modules and the vehicle’s control systems, simplifying wiring, reducing weight, and enabling precise battery management for optimal performance, range, and charging efficiency. GM has also focused on sustainability, significantly reducing cobalt content in the batteries and lowering overall battery pack costs. Charging flexibility is another key benefit of the Lyriq. It supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging, with DC fast charging capabilities allowing for up to 76 miles of range to be added in approximately 10 minutes at compatible charging stations. Cadillac also assists buyers with home charging solutions, promoting the adoption of Level 2 chargers for faster home charging.

2023 Cadillac Lyriq 450E rear three-quarter action

2023 Cadillac Lyriq 450E front three-quarter remote generator

Cadillac Lyriq 450E Price and Market Positioning

The Cadillac Lyriq 450E price starts at a base MSRP of $59,990. This positions the Lyriq aggressively within the luxury electric SUV market, undercutting many of its direct competitors and making it an attractive option for buyers considering their first EV or those seeking a premium electric SUV without an exorbitant price tag. Compared to other luxury EVs in its class, the Lyriq offers a compelling combination of range, features, and brand prestige at its price point. The upcoming all-wheel-drive variant, expected to be priced at $64,990, provides even more performance while remaining competitively priced.

While the 2023 Lyriq 450E models are sold out, the 2024 models are highly anticipated. The Lyriq represents a significant value proposition in the luxury EV segment, offering a blend of innovative technology, striking design, and a comfortable driving experience, all at a competitive Cadillac Lyriq 450E price. For consumers considering a luxury electric SUV, the Lyriq warrants serious consideration, especially given its balance of features and price.

2023 Cadillac Lyriq 450E rear action

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Lyriq 450E

Pros:

Competitive Cadillac Lyriq 450E Price: Starting under $60,000, it offers strong value in the luxury EV SUV segment.
Striking and Modern Design: The Lyriq’s exterior is a head-turner, blending futuristic elements with Cadillac DNA.
Impressive Range: EPA-estimated 312 miles of range is competitive and practical for daily use and longer journeys.
Quiet and Comfortable Ride: Exceptional sound insulation and well-tuned suspension provide a serene driving experience.
Advanced Technology: Features a massive 33-inch display, Ultium platform, and flexible charging options.

Cons:

Interior Material Inconsistencies: Some areas of the interior exhibit cost-saving measures and less cohesive material choices.
Unconventional Door Handles: Touch-sensitive door handles are less user-friendly than traditional designs.
Weight: The Lyriq is a heavy vehicle, which impacts handling and agility to some extent.
Availability: Initial models were quickly sold out, and wait times for new orders may be considerable.

Conclusion: A New Standard for Cadillac and Electric SUVs

The Cadillac Lyriq 450E is more than just Cadillac’s first all-electric SUV; it’s a statement of intent. It signifies Cadillac’s commitment to leading the electric vehicle revolution while retaining its core values of luxury and innovation. While it’s not without minor flaws, the Lyriq’s strengths – its compelling design, impressive technology, comfortable driving experience, and competitive Cadillac Lyriq 450E price – make it a significant contender in the burgeoning luxury electric SUV market. For those seeking a premium EV that breaks the mold and offers a glimpse into the future of Cadillac, the Lyriq 450E is undoubtedly worth a closer look.

2023 Cadillac Lyriq 450E front three-quarter wide