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The highly anticipated 2023 Cadillac Lyriq’s launch date is quickly approaching, with the electric SUVs launch date being pushed up nine months to the first quarter of 2022. And we got our first chance to see the first of what will surely be a wave of Cadillac electric vehicles in Los Angeles.
The battery-electric crossover was first teased last summer in concept form, and we’re glad to report the production version looks almost identical to the striking show car. On display was a “first edition” Lyriq (though that name is not yet finalized), when it debuts the SUV will only be offered in this configuration. One of the only options will be the 22-inch wheels shown here ($1,550) and it will only come with a Sky Cool gray interior at launch (a black option will follow later in the year).
2023 Cadillac Lyriq
2023 Cadillac Lyriq
There’s a glow to the Lyriq, a byproduct of the 736 LEDs that grace the exterior of the vehicle. Everywhere you look something is lit up, from the cool minimal version of the Cadillac badge with the color removed in favor of light, to the polycarbonate black grille with numerous slivers of light that ring the sides and bottom edge. The taillights wrap far around the rear of the Lyriq, creeping up to the D-pillar and giving it a visual signature even from the side. Instead of traditional headlight, nine individual LEDs are stacked up the Lyriq’s fascia, the top three on each side form the high beams and the bottom six the low beams. Colors will be limited, Satin Steel Metallic or Stellar Black Metallic will be the only two colors available at launch.
The Lyriq is a preview of what’s to come, its design language with taut lines, clean surfaces, and distinctive grille is destined for future Cadillac EVs coming very soon. A flagship electric sedan to be called the Celestiq is in the works, and we also know of three more electric Caddies in the pipeline including an Escalade-inspired model.
2023 Cadillac Lyriq
Cadillac also confirmed powertrain details. The Lyriq will only be offered with rear-wheel drive and the 12-module 100-kilowatt-hour battery for most of its first year run. The single rear motor will produce 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque and Cadillac estimated range will come in above 300 miles. With high-speed charging owners should be able to add 76 miles of range in 10 minutes (at 190 kilowatts) and charge up to 80% of the battery in 30 minutes (at 150 kw). All-wheel drive will be offered late in 2022 and will feature a dual-motor system.
The Lyriq’s showpiece is a 33-inch curved display combining the instrument cluster and infotainment screen. Unlike other large screens in other models (Mercedes), this is all one screen behind a single pane of glass. Functionality is similar to what is found in the Cadillac Escalade, but the presentation here is much cleaner and more futuristic with its seamless look.
2023 Cadillac Lyriq
2023 Cadillac Lyriq
Instead of leather, the Lyriq’s upholstery uses Cadillac’s Inteluxe synthetic upholstery and whether you opt for the gray or the forthcoming black interior, they’ll both use this fabric. The seats themselves are very comfortable, with plenty of support for both backs and legs. Seat adjustment controls have moved up to the doors (a la Mercedes), which Cadillac said allowed for larger storage pockets in the doors. Below where a traditional shifter would sit is also a large storage area that can fit a large purse easily.
In terms of size, the Lyriq falls somewhere between the XT5 and three-row XT6. The backseat feels especially spacious, with plentiful legroom and headroom. Behind the rear seats is 28.0 cubic feet of cargo room, which expands to 60.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Two buttons in the cargo area will lower the seats, but they must be raised manually.
The latest version of General Motors’ Super Cruise hands-free driver-assist feature will be standard. A 19-speaker AKG sounds system should please audiophiles, while a new road noise cancellation system will help ensure a serene driving experience.
The Lyriq is based on GM’s third-generation electric-vehicle platform, known as Ultium. The platform will spawn dozens of EVs spanning GM’s portfolio of brands, with the first, the 2022 GMC Hummer EV, starting production this fall. The Lyriq was originally slated to start production in late 2022 but it will arrive early due to the flexible nature of the Ultium platform, as well as new virtual testing. Production will be handled at a plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
2023 Cadillac Lyriq
2023 Cadillac Lyriq
2023 Cadillac Lyriq
2023 Cadillac Lyriq
Cadillac has confirmed pricing will start at $59,990, including destination, which is in keeping with former brand boss Steve Carlisle’s promise at the concept’s reveal of a starting price below $60,000. Even without a federal tax credit, this gives the Lyriq excellent value. The 2021 Audi E-Tron starts from $66,995 and doesn’t offer nearly the same comfortable cabin size or interior technology, while the 2021 Tesla Model X, which we wouldn’t really call a luxury vehicle, starts from $91,190.
Cadillac will start accepting reservations for the 2023 Lyriq on September 18, 4:00 PM ET.