2023 Cadillac LYRIQ Review Video – Is It the Future of Luxury Electric SUVs?

When Cadillac entered the electric-vehicle world with the 2023 LYRIQ, it was hard not to pay attention. Could the luxury brand that’s long been associated with flagship cruiser and American opulence compete with the likes of Tesla, BMW, Rivian, and Audi in the newly competitive electric vehicle space? Spoiler alert: It’s a strong one. We’ll get into what sets this electric luxury crossover apart and if it has what it takes to outshine the competition.

First Impressions Matter: Exterior Design

The 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ is a real sight to behold. Cadillac’s design team pulled all the stops so that the LYRIQ would be a head-turner — whether driving on city streets or sitting in a suburban driveway. The blacked-out crystal grille, bold as brass and cherry-picked imagery from a Dystopian future trailer, is flanked by slim LED headlamps for a not-so-subtle nod to what the future has in store for at least a part of the Cadillac line-up, where this edgy-as-crystal look is concerned. Sweeping lines and a sloping roofline give it an aerodynamic form that’s equally elegant and aggressive.

In an EV world where vehicles frequently look too minimalist, the LYRIQ manages to be attention-grabbing without yelling for it. Do you think this is the best-looking electric SUV available today? It’s definitely in the running.

Under the Hood (Or rather, the Floor):

The LYRIQ is the first Cadillac model to include the company’s Ultium battery technology, which is GM’s advanced modular electric vehicle platform. Here’s what’s powering this beauty:

• Battery Pack: 102 kWh Ultium battery pack
• Range: Estimated 312 miles per full charge (RWD model)
• Motor: Single-motor RWD (340 hp, 325 lb-ft torque) or Dual-motor AWD (500 hp)
• Charging:
  • 190 kW DC fast charging adds 76 miles in 10 minutes
  • 19.2 kW Level 2 home charging delivers 52 miles per hour

Ride quality is superb, despite a low center of gravity and weight distribution that’s close to 50/50. Acceleration is smooth and quick, though not quite neck-snapping as with the Tesla Model Y Performance. The LYRIQ, however, emphasizes the delivery of smooth power rather than a jolt of outright speed, which is in keeping with Cadillac’s luxury focus.

The Cabin: The Refuge of Technology

Step in, and there’s an interior full of sophistication. Cadillac did not skimp on making the LYRIQ feel like a proper luxury car:

• Display:  Humungous 33-inch curved LED screen housing the instrument cluster and infotainment system that’s as flashy as it is functional
• Sound System: AKG Studio Reference system with 19 speakers. Yes, that’s not a typo, 19
• Materials:  We also have more wood, brushed aluminum, and soft-touch leatherette than you know what to do with
• Space:  Plenty of room for passengers in terms of headroom and legroom, and 28 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat (60.8 when the seats are folded)

The cabin’s vibe is low-key and tech-forward, with details such as foot well ambient lighting and, crystal-clear voice command system. Cadillac also includes Google services natively in the infotainment system, and that means easy navigation but also smart assistant functionality.

Cadillac LYRIQ vs The Competition

Here’s where it gets interesting. The luxury EV crossover space is getting rather hot already, with some large players already making their presence felt. Where does the LYRIQ fall compared to rivals like the Tesla Model Y, Audi Q4 e-tron, or BMW iX? Let’s break it down:

Tesla Model Y

• Pros: Tesla’s Supercharger network, blistering acceleration, robust software ecosystem
• Cons:  Spartan cabin will feel sparse to some, polarizing design
• LYRIQ Advantage:  Enhanced interior craftsmanship and improved vehicle acoustics

Audi Q4 e-tron

• Pros: Slick design, well put together, posh badge
• Cons:  Lower range (up to 241 miles) and slower charging
• LYRIQ Advantage:  Improved range, more advanced tech stuff

BMW iX

• Pros:  Outstanding driving bests, high-class interior, fast tech
• Cons:  More expensive to start; polarizing grille design that looks like a beaver’s mouth
• LYRIQ Advantage: Less expensive while still offering a higher-end experience

Would you choose the LYRIQ over any of these other options? If luxurious pampering and refinement take precedence over driving pleasure, this could well be the car for you.

Pricing and Value

With the base price of $58,590, the Cadillac LYRIQ is significantly less expensive than much of the luxury EV competition. Add in federal EV tax credits (if you’re eligible), and the value case improves further still. The AWD version costs a wee bit more but offers a large improvement to performance.

For shoppers after a premium electric crossover that won’t break the bank but still comes off as luxurious and techy, the LYRIQ is tough to beat.

So, Is the LYRIQ Worth It?

The 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ is a declaration of luxury, status, and eco-consciousness in one.  Cadillac is showing that they’re not backing down in the new school of automotive design and innovation. Its gorgeous design, its peaceful cabin, and its more than adequate range make the LYRIQ a welcome whiff in the EV universe.

That being said, the competition is pretty tough. Tesla’s tech leadership, Audi’s luxury pedigree, and BMW’s performance advantage aren’t easy to beat. However, for people who actually appreciate the style, comfort, and overall well-being of a daily product package for us, the LYRIQ seems to check just about all the boxes.

So, would you choose the Cadillac LYRIQ over what the competition has to offer? Share with us in the comment section below – we want to know what you think of this game-changing addition to the EV world!