Cadillac is making its first entry in the luxury EV market with the Lyriq SUV. This vehicle comes with a modern interior and bold design. According to the manufacturer, both dual motor all wheel drive and single motor rear wheel drive will be given. It’s latest driving range will be above 300 miles.
The vehicle has been styled from the ground up and will drive on General Motors scalable battery architecture. A huge interior and a low center of gravity are given which are a part of EV architecture. The vehicle will go on sale in the beginning of 2022 as a 2023 model. Lyriq is the latest nameplate for the American luxurious brand. Moreover, it is also the first ever all electric model by the brand.
Engine and Performance
The SUV will have a standard rear wheel drive and an electronic motor on the rear axle. As options, all wheel drive and a second motor are provided. Although the automaker has not shared anything regarding the all wheel drive powertrain and it’s power output, we do know that the rear wheel drive will generate 340 horsepower.
But it is obvious that acceleration will be fast at least at slow speed all due to the quick nature of the electric motor’s power output. For instance, the I-Pace jumps to 60 mph in only 4.3 seconds. Therefore, it is expected that the Lyriq will offer the same performance. Till yet, no information has been shared from the EPA about the fuel economy of Lyriq. They will be available as the SUV on sale date approaches.
Speaking of driver assistance functions, there are high expectations for Cadillac to offer as many as possible. According to the automaker, the Super Cruise semi autonomous driving technology will be added too. Some of the key safety features are listed below:
- Standard adaptive cruise control with semi autonomous driving mode
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane departure warning with lane keeping assistance
Battery and charging
General Motors is releasing a new line for EV battery technology and it calls Lyriq as Ultium. It’s scalable innovation permits the manufacturer to generate batteries having a range in size from 50 kWh to 200 kWh.
However, the biggest size is allowed only for big EV pickup trucks. For instance, the upcoming GMC Hummer EV SUV. According to Cadillac, the Lyriq will provide a battery with 100 kWh capacity and it is capable of driving more than 300 miles on each charge. The DC fast charging will be standard. However, there is a choice to charge on home power outlets as well.
Cabin and comfort
Even though in the concept vehicle, only 4 seats and a center console which divides the front and rear seats is shown, with a touchscreen in the back seat occupants, it’s production model has taken a more conventional back bench seat.
Cadillac is of the opinion that by utilizing the EV architecture, a roomy and open interior with lots of space for occupants is obtained. An updated noise cancellation technology is meant to lower the noise inside the interior. In the pictures thus far, the cabin seems to be spacious.
The dashboard of Lyriq, similar to the new 2021 Escalade, has a dominant 33 inches curved advanced LED display. This display serves the purpose of both the driver’s gauge display and infotainment system.
In the Escalade, the infotainment system can be monitored with a click wheel at the center console which is an advantage for drivers who do not fancy touchscreens. When the Lyriq arrives in the Cadillac showrooms, it is expected to have Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a WiFi hotspot as the standard gear. Moreover, a 19 speakers stereo system sourced from the top rated audio experts in AKG will be given.
Warranty and maintenance perks
Lyriq will be given a powertrain warranty which will be better than all the other rivals. Presently, the manufacturer offers the first dealer maintenance visit. Some of the main warranty coverages are given below:
- Powertrain warranty which covers 70,000 miles or 6 years
- Limited warranty which covers 50,000 miles or 4 years
- Complimentary maintenance on the first visit
