Cadillac Lyriq: Car and Driver Review – Is This the EV to Revive Cadillac?

Cadillac, once synonymous with American luxury, is currently navigating an identity crossroads. Caught between the performance-oriented Blackwing sedans and the fleet-favorite Escalade, the brand’s direction has seemed unclear. A lineup of forgettable crossovers further blurred the picture. However, the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq crossover, alongside the forthcoming Celestiq flagship sedan, emerges as a significant reset, injecting a dose of modern luxury and innovation into the Cadillac narrative.

As Cadillac’s inaugural foray into the electric vehicle market, the Lyriq shoulders considerable expectations. Its arrival coincides with a challenging period for EVs, marked by rising interest rates and fluctuating consumer demand, prompting automakers to reassess their electrification strategies. Yet, despite its somewhat unconventional name, the Cadillac Lyriq is undeniably impressive. It’s a vehicle that champions luxury and substance, prioritizing these qualities over fleeting trends or mere acceleration statistics, effectively placing Cadillac back on the map as a serious contender in the luxury EV space.

While not without minor imperfections, and with the long-term viability of the Ultium platform still to be fully determined, the Cadillac Lyriq distinguishes itself as one of the most compelling and intriguing luxury electric vehicles available today.

Cadillac Lyriq front exterior design showcasing its sleek lines and signature grille

The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq Basics

The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq is a newly introduced, two-row, midsize electric crossover that leverages GM’s advanced modular Ultium EV platform and battery architecture. Every Lyriq is equipped with a substantial 102-kWh battery pack, delivering a range exceeding 300 miles and supporting rapid charging up to 190 kW. The standard single-motor rear-wheel-drive configuration produces 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant, which was the model tested, elevates performance to 500 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, and adds a 3,500-pound towing capacity. Considering its considerable weight of nearly three tons with a driver, the Lyriq’s range figures are quite commendable, balancing performance with efficiency.

Unlike many crossovers that often appear bulky, the Cadillac Lyriq boasts a streamlined and elegant profile. Its 16.5-foot length is sculpted with flowing lines and precise creases, culminating in an elongated tail and a gracefully sloping roofline. This design results in a vehicle that is only three inches longer and five and a half inches shorter in height than a BMW X5, yet presents a more sophisticated and refined silhouette. The aesthetic of the Cadillac Lyriq is a significant departure from traditional crossover designs, emphasizing aerodynamic efficiency and visual appeal.

Cadillac Lyriq side profile highlighting its elegant roofline and wheel design

Cadillac Lyriq interior showcasing the 33-inch display and luxurious cabin appointments

Cadillac Lyriq rear three-quarter view emphasizing its distinctive taillight design

Cadillac Lyriq front grille and headlight detail emphasizing its futuristic lighting signature

Cadillac Lyriq driver's seat and door controls showing Mercedes-style seat adjustments

Cadillac Lyriq steering wheel with audio controls and Super Cruise activation

The interior of the Lyriq is dominated by a vast 33-inch display, serving as the central hub for all infotainment functions, crucially excluding climate controls which retain physical buttons. The steering wheel incorporates traditional hard audio controls alongside touch-capacitive buttons for managing GM’s Super Cruise hands-free highway driving system. Interestingly, the seat adjustment controls are located on the door panels, a design choice reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz, which might require a brief period of familiarization for drivers accustomed to more conventional placement.

Driving Experience: Cadillac Lyriq on the Road

The Cadillac Lyriq excels as a laid-back cruiser. While its 500 horsepower output is certainly ample for a vehicle of its size and weight, the driving experience encourages a more relaxed and composed style. Unlike performance-oriented SUVs such as the BMW XM or Audi RS Q8, the Lyriq doesn’t attempt to masquerade as a sports car. It firmly establishes itself as a luxury vehicle, prioritizing passenger comfort and a refined driving experience. This is evident in its exceptionally comfortable seating, a premium sound system, and an almost complete absence of road noise, creating a serene cabin environment.

However, this focus on luxury doesn’t compromise the Lyriq’s handling capabilities. When pushed, it exhibits controlled body movements, maintains a supple ride even with the optional 22-inch wheels, and delivers brisk acceleration. The overall driving character aligns more closely with “grand touring” than outright “sport,” characterized by light and moderately paced steering—a deliberate and appropriate choice for its intended purpose. This refined approach requires a confident and deliberate hand, reinforcing its identity as a luxury vehicle designed for comfortable and composed journeys.

Cadillac Lyriq driving on a scenic road showcasing its smooth ride and handling

The review also highlighted a first experience with GM’s Super Cruise, a Level 2 semi-autonomous highway driving aid. A distinguishing feature of GM vehicles equipped with Super Cruise is an illuminated black strip at the top of the steering wheel, signaling system activation. Comparisons were drawn to Ford’s BlueCruise system, with Super Cruise being noted as more decisive and confidence-inspiring. Super Cruise effectively manages speed, lane changes, overtaking, and maintaining position within lanes. The reviewer suggests that widespread adoption of Super Cruise could significantly improve highway traffic flow in the U.S.

A minor drawback identified with Super Cruise is its reliance on GM’s integrated Google Maps for navigation. When using smartphone-based navigation apps like CarPlay, Super Cruise lacks awareness of upcoming exits, potentially leading to unintended lane changes and overtaking maneuvers even when they are not desired by the driver. This integration limitation could be a point of consideration for users heavily reliant on external navigation systems.

Cadillac Lyriq: Highs and Lows

The Cadillac Lyriq’s design is arguably one of its strongest attributes, frequently drawing public admiration. Interestingly, it garnered more compliments than a Maserati Gran Turismo driven the preceding week, appealing to a diverse demographic from younger individuals to professionals. The striking Celestial Metallic paint undoubtedly contributes to its appeal, as does the unique front fascia design that resembles a collar and bowtie, adding a touch of distinctive elegance.

Cadillac Lyriq front three-quarter view accentuating its Celestial Metallic paint and grille design

The interior of the Lyriq is equally impressive, featuring high-quality materials and supportive seats. Eschewing artificial carbon fiber, the cabin is adorned with genuine leather, layered wood, and metal accents. The user interfaces are intuitive, complemented by the inclusion of physical buttons for essential functions. The parking sensors and cross-traffic alerts, which use seat vibrations to indicate the direction of nearby vehicles or pedestrians, are a notable feature. While initially unusual, this haptic feedback system quickly becomes a natural and effective aid.

However, the Lyriq is not without its shortcomings. The sloping roofline, while stylish, does compromise outward visibility, although a digital rear-view mirror is included to mitigate this. Parking, particularly parallel parking, is made challenging by the vehicle’s length, slow steering response, and limited sightlines. Additionally, the lack of forward creep and a somewhat unresponsive accelerator pedal can complicate fine adjustments when maneuvering in tight spaces. The implementation of CarPlay also has limitations, utilizing only a portion of the expansive 33-inch screen due to ongoing disputes between GM and Apple, which may frustrate users of Apple’s ecosystem.

Lastly, the “Sport” designation for the top trim level is considered somewhat misapplied. While the chassis and powertrain are well-tuned, the “Sport” moniker seems incongruous with the vehicle’s overall character, with “Platinum” or a similar luxury-oriented name being suggested as more fitting.

Features, Options, and Competition: Cadillac Lyriq vs. Rivals

The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq starts at a base price of $58,590, including destination charges. This entry-level Tech trim includes the 33-inch display but omits Super Cruise. Upgrading to the Luxury trim at $62,690 adds Super Cruise, enhanced 19.2-kW AC charging capabilities, and a panoramic moonroof. All-wheel drive is available as a standalone $3,500 option. The fully-equipped Sport 3 AWD model tested in the review carried a sticker price of $78,895, inclusive of $625 for the Celestial Metallic paint and $600 for a black roof.

Cadillac Lyriq charging port detail emphasizing its EV capabilities

Cadillac Lyriq rear cargo space showcasing its practicality and storage capacity

While approaching $80,000, the Cadillac Lyriq remains competitively priced within the luxury EV segment. The BMW iX, with comparable power and range, starts at $87,250, while the Mercedes EQE SUV begins at $74,900, and the Audi Q8 E-Tron at $75,595. The Lexus RZ and Genesis GV70 Electrified, though similarly priced to lower Lyriq trims, lack the size and range to be direct competitors. The Ultium-based Acura ZDX, positioned with a sportier emphasis in its $74,850 Type S guise, is a closer relative. The Audi Q6 E-Tron coupe-SUV is also anticipated as a strong competitor upon its arrival next year.

Currently, GM is offering a $7,500 discount on Lyriq and Blazer EV purchases, termed “Ultium Promise Bonus Cash,” designed to offset potential ineligibility for the full federal tax credit. This incentive is not applicable to leases, which already qualify for federal credits. Given the broader trend of incentives on EVs to stimulate sales, potential buyers are advised to explore available offers.

Range, Charging, and Efficiency of the Cadillac Lyriq

The all-wheel-drive Cadillac Lyriq achieves an EPA-estimated range of 307 miles, with rear-drive models rated slightly higher at 314 miles per charge. All Lyriq variants support DC fast charging up to 190 kW. Standard models offer 11.5 kW Level 2 AC charging, with an upgrade to 19.2 kW available, which GM claims can add up to 51 miles of range per hour when paired with a compatible charger.

Cadillac Lyriq dashboard and infotainment system display during driving

Cadillac Lyriq center console and gear selector detail

During testing, limited to local trips, the Lyriq demonstrated energy efficiency consistent with its range claims, using only 30% of its battery capacity over 100 miles of driving. However, real-world EV charging experiences can vary significantly due to factors like charging infrastructure availability, station occupancy, and network reliability. While the Lyriq’s technical charging capabilities are robust, external factors also play a crucial role in the overall charging experience.

Value and Verdict: Is the Cadillac Lyriq Worth It?

The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq delivers on the expectations of range, style, and luxury commensurate with its price point, especially in the nearly $80,000 configuration tested. It projects and embodies luxury, and it is indeed a premium vehicle. Its appeal lies in its emphasis on comfort and distinctive character, setting it apart from EVs that prioritize sportiness above all else.

While the long-term success of the Ultium platform remains to be seen, the Cadillac Lyriq represents the most persuasive application of this technology within GM’s EV lineup to date. If the Lyriq’s approach signifies Cadillac’s future direction, it signals a promising and compelling trajectory for the brand.

Cadillac Lyriq front seats showcasing the interior design and comfort

Cadillac Lyriq rear seats and spacious legroom for passengers

Cadillac Lyriq dashboard and steering wheel view from the driver's perspective

Cadillac Lyriq side mirror and door panel design detail