Cadillac, known for its luxurious gas-powered vehicles, took its time entering the electric vehicle (EV) market. The Lyriq, introduced in 2020 as a 2023 model, marked Cadillac’s first foray into the EV landscape, and it represented more than just a new powertrain. It signaled a new design language and a more modern driving experience for the brand. But how does the Lyriq hold up in the increasingly competitive EV market? This review explores the Cadillac Lyriq Sport 3 after a week of driving, delving into its design, technology, performance, and overall value.
Rear and side of the Cadillac LyriqImage: The Cadillac Lyriq’s sleek profile and distinctive rear lighting design.
Design and Interior: A Modern Take on Cadillac Luxury
The Lyriq’s design retains classic Cadillac elements, like the large front grille (albeit a faux grille in this EV) and vertically aligned headlights, while introducing a fresh, modern aesthetic. The black and white color scheme of the reviewed model adds a touch of elegance. The rear of the vehicle is equally striking, with angled taillights that sweep down from the roofline, creating a sleek and contemporary look.
Inside, the Lyriq boasts a luxurious and modern cabin without being overly ostentatious. High-quality leather upholstery, heated and cooled seats with massage functionality, and ample space contribute to a comfortable and refined experience. The second-row seating offers decent legroom, and the trunk provides a generous 28 cubic feet of cargo space, easily accommodating larger items.
Front of the Cadillac LyriqImage: The Cadillac Lyriq’s front showcases its modern interpretation of classic Cadillac design elements.
Technology and Infotainment: A Mixed Bag
The Lyriq’s technological centerpiece is the expansive dashboard display that seamlessly integrates the instrument cluster and infotainment screen. A touch panel on the left allows the driver to customize the instrument panel display, toggling between map views, driver-assist information, and traditional gauges. While innovative, this feature might be underutilized after the initial novelty wears off.
Steering wheel of the Cadillac LyriqImage: The Cadillac Lyriq’s steering wheel provides access to various controls, including driver-assist features.
The infotainment software, while decent, isn’t as intuitive or responsive as systems found in competitors like Tesla or Rivian. Fortunately, essential climate controls are still managed with physical buttons, prioritizing safety and ease of use. A notable feature is GM’s Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system that enables automated lane changes and adaptive cruise control on compatible highways. This system performed well during the review, though its availability is limited to specific roads. Additional driver-assist features include a bird’s-eye parking view and traditional adaptive cruise control for non-Super Cruise situations.
Instrument controls on the Cadillac LyriqImage: A close-up view of the Cadillac Lyriq’s instrument controls and dashboard display.
Driving Experience: Smooth and Powerful
The all-wheel-drive (AWD) Lyriq Sport 3 delivers an exhilarating driving experience with its dual-motor setup generating 500 horsepower and achieving 0-60 mph in approximately 4.6 seconds. While not the fastest EV on the market, the Lyriq’s instant acceleration and responsive handling provide an engaging ride. The effective single-pedal driving mode simplifies operation, and the system thoughtfully remembers the driver’s preferred settings.
DriverImage: The driver’s perspective within the Cadillac Lyriq.
The Lyriq’s steering is precise, and the vehicle feels surprisingly nimble for its size. The suspension balances comfort and responsiveness, absorbing most road imperfections while still providing feedback to the driver.
Controls and cupholder on the Cadillac LyriqImage: Detail view of the Cadillac Lyriq’s interior controls and cupholder.
Range and Charging: Respectable Range, Moderate Charging Speed
The Lyriq offers an impressive range, exceeding 300 miles in both rear-wheel drive (314 miles) and AWD (307 miles) configurations. While it supports DC fast charging up to 190kW, the charging curve is not as efficient as some competitors, taking over 40 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. Home charging overnight remains the most convenient option.
Side of the Cadillac LyriqImage: The Cadillac Lyriq’s side profile emphasizes its aerodynamic design.
Conclusion: A Worthy Contender in the Luxury EV Segment
The Cadillac Lyriq is a compelling luxury EV with a stylish design, comfortable interior, and impressive range. Starting at $58,590, it’s not inexpensive, but it offers a premium driving experience. While the infotainment system could be improved and charging speeds aren’t class-leading, the Lyriq’s overall performance, technology, and luxury features make it a strong contender in the luxury EV segment. The Lyriq Luxury trim, with its added Super Cruise and other enhancements, represents a worthwhile upgrade for those seeking a more feature-rich experience.
