Experience the Embodiment of American Heritage: Cadillac Lyriq
Extravagantly lavish and generously stocked: The quintessential American dream on wheels resurfaces, this time as an electric five-meter SUV. Dripped in features, but in some technical aspects, the Cadillac Lyriq offers middle-of-the-road performance.
Cadillac, an automotive industry powerhouse renowned for luxury and innovative power in the United States for 120 years, is now making its return to Germany after a notable absence. Known for its post-war era tail-finned models, '70s V8 cruisers, and even the presidential limousine "The Beast," the new Cadillacs might not appear related to their predecessors at first glance. Here, the GM subsidiary, much like contemporary newcomers from the Far East, is fully invested in electric and trendy crossovers. Despite its storied past, the Americans hope to gain an edge in the competition due to its historical name. The Cadillac Lyriq, a robust five-meter SUV starting at 80,500 euros, paves the way for the brand's German debut.
In terms of aesthetics and practicality, Cadillac makes a seamless transition into modern times. The Lyriq is longer and lower than a Porsche Cayenne and boasts a nearly 3.10-meter wheelbase, offering ample interior and exterior space. The extended body lends the SUV a sleek sportiness despite its large presence. The powerful lights at the front and rear, which stretch extravagantly to the roof, are particularly striking.
Striking a balance
The balance between tradition and modernity is even more striking in the interior. Cadillac preserves many tactile controls while adhering to digital priority, making operations more comfortable and creating an appealing blend of high-tech and classic American luxury. Polished metal accents overlap with open-pore wood on door panels and the center console. A spacious storage compartment between the driver and passenger, lined with a tasteful light blue leather accent, provides ample room. Passengers will have no complaints about space, although the cargo area with around 590 liters is not as spacious as in other SUVs, and Cadillac foregoes a frunk.
Simplicity in features
The features list is commendably simple. The Lyriq is available only in the two equally priced Luxury and Sport lines, with visual distinctions in the trim, front grille, and design of the 21-inch wheels. Two interior options, featuring light brown or gray Nappa leather, combined with dark real wood inlays on the center console, are also available. The only optional accessories are select paint colors and a roof rack system.
Premium amenities
Otherwise, all the features one would expect in a luxury vehicle are included: The central 33-inch LED display sweeps across much of the dashboard. A top-notch AKG sound system with 19 speakers, including headrest speakers, supplies audiophile enjoyment. Electrically adjustable Nappa leather seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions for the front seats, a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, various warning systems, and a left-hand side steering wheel rocker switch to activate regenerative braking are also standard. Regrettably, a head-up display is lacking.
Customization options are limited when it comes to the powertrain. Every Lyriq incorporates General Motors’ proprietary Ultium platform and is equipped with a 102 kWh battery pack. It's available only as all-wheel drive with a dual motor and a combined output of 388 kW/528 hp and 610 Nm of torque. It relies on its abundant power to propel its 2.8-ton mass from 0 to 100 km/h in a sporty 5.3 seconds and reach a maximum speed of up to 210 km/h. The range is reported as 530 kilometers, with a maximum charging power of up to 190 kW, allowing for up to 120 kilometers of range to be gained in just 10 minutes.
These figures do not rank among the industry's higher echelons. However, the Lyriq delivers this performance in a softer, more relaxed manner than many competitors. It focuses on luxury rather than performance. The vehicle boasts excellent damping and offers a delightful low-noise interior. Active Noise Cancellation technology eliminates bothersome frequencies, even effectively reducing tire noise.
A novel alternative to the already fine-tuned one-pedal mode is a left-hand side steering wheel rocker switch. Pulling it gradually activates regenerative braking, decelerating differently without engaging the mechanical brake. This works surprisingly well and increases energy efficiency, especially when one-pedal mode is deactivated.
"Wealthy customers for electric cars more inclined to brand switching"
Cadillac's German market entry occurs at an inopportune moment. After the abrupt end of the electric vehicle subsidy in December 2023, manufacturers are struggling to sell their electric vehicles, turning to hefty discounts. However, Cadillac's European marketing chief, Jean-Pierre Diernaz, remains composed: "Despite the stagnating trend in electric vehicles, the growth in premium and luxury electrified SUVs is noteworthy. Affluent customers are less cost-conscious and more willing to switch brands in the electric vehicle market."
Achieving a Fresh Start Through a Blend of Personal Shops and Local Collaborators
Cadillac plans to reboot with a combination of its own stores and collaborative efforts with local businesses. The American automaker prioritizes direct sales for individual consumers, while simultaneously collaborating with recognized dealer networks for fleet operations and maintenance services. This strategy allows for a strong presence in major urban centers, extensive customer care, and an economical distribution system. Initial stores are set to open in Frankfurt and Hamburg. "We're not eyeing immediate triumph," Diernaz maintains a pragmatic outlook. "However, the game is shifting in the electric vehicle market right now. Those who fail to adapt today will trail behind in three years."
Technical Specifications - Cadillac Lyriq
- A luxury electric SUV seating five
- Dimensions: 5.01 meters length, 2.21 meters width with exterior mirrors (excluding exterior mirrors: 1.98 meters), 1.62 meters height, 3.09 meters wheelbase, 588-1,687 liters trunk space.
- All-wheel drive powered by 2 electric motors, generating a combined 388 kW/528 horsepower, maximum torque 610 Nm, 102 kWh battery, suggested range: 530 km, single-speed automatic transmission, top speed 210 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, max charging time for DC: 30 minutes to 80% from 20%, charging time for AC wallbox: 5 hours, energy consumption: 22.5 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
- Price: Starting from 80,500 euros
Given the text above, here are two sentences that contain the words 'Cadillac models':
The '70s V8 cruisers and even the presidential limousine "The Beast" are examples of historic Cadillac models.In the German market, Cadillac is debuting with the Lyriq, one of its modern electric models.
