AutoTrader SCORE
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STYLING9.0/10
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Safety7.0/10
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PRACTICALITY8.0/10
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USER-FRIENDLINESS7.5/10
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FEATURES7.0/10
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POWER7.5/10
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COMFORT9.0/10
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DRIVING FEEL7.0/10
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FUEL ECONOMY8.0/10
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VALUE10.0/10
The Lyriq is Cadillac’s first production electric vehicle (EV) and carries with it the hopes of the brand’s transition to an emissions-free lineup – even if that transition isn’t going as quickly as planned.
It rides on the Ultium platform developed by General Motors (GM), which means it shares hardware and technology with the GMC Hummer and the Chevrolet Blazer EV. But what sets the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq apart is its distinctive design and luxurious interior, as well as the surprising value it offers.
Styling 9/10
As the brand’s first of many planned EVs, the Lyriq bears the burden of establishing Cadillac’s new look. Making matters more complicated is the need for it to also be recognizable as a Cadillac.
Consider its mission accomplished on both fronts, with attention-grabbing looks from all angles. Designers paid particular attention to the front end, where the faux grille is framed by Cadillac’s signature vertical lighting signatures.
Inside, a massive 33-inch screen curves its way across the dash and incorporates instrumentation and the Google-based infotainment system. Cadillac’s familiar array of hard buttons for the climate system lies just below, and it’s all accented by expensive-looking aluminum and wood trim. Meanwhile, optional Nappa leather ($4,695) elevates the look and feel of the space even further.
Power: 7.5/10
Every trim is available with the choice of one or two electric motors, the latter of which brings with it all-wheel drive. Compared to the rear-wheel-drive version that generates 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, output registers at a hefty 500 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque.
Power delivery is linear and easy to modulate. The Lyriq might be a big and heavy EV, but it can move in a hurry while remaining just as capable of casually crawling around town.
Driving Feel: 7/10
The steering offers little meaningful feedback, the brake pedal is mushy, and the body moves around too much in the corners. Drive it at a more relaxed pace, however, and everything starts to feel right. It will glide down the road in perfect silence with the suspension shrugging off even the worst pavement.
The Lyriq features multiple levels of regenerative braking, including a one-pedal drive mode that uses the system to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. It also has a paddle on the steering wheel that allows for more regenerative force to be applied in an on-demand fashion.
Fuel Economy 8/10
Even with a pair of powerful motors, the Lyriq remains efficient. It has a 102-kWh battery pack that provides an estimated 494 km on a full charge. (The rear-wheel-drive version is good for a supposed 505 km.) Electrical consumption during this week-long test was less than the combined 23.6 kWh/100 km it’s rated for, registering from 21.0 to 22.0.
The Lyriq can charge at speeds of 190 kW using a DC fast-charger. It comes with an 11.5-kW onboard charger, while an upgraded 19.2-kW unit is optional ($1,795).
Features 7/10
The Lyriq has a lot going for it with a starting price of less than $70,000. It’s split into three trims: Tech, Luxury, and Sport, the biggest differences between them being cosmetic. A few additional items get added to each, while there are different equipment levels that see the feature count expand alongside the price tag.
All Lyriqs come with a curved 33-inch screen and Google-based infotainment. A full suite of driver assistance systems is standard, but adaptive cruise isn’t part of that deal, and neither are some of the more advanced features like rear pedestrian detection.
Practicality 8/10
There’s ample room inside the Lyriq, and the cabin feels open and airy – especially with the optional panoramic sunroof added ($1,895). Rear-seat legroom is generous, and three adults could sit across the bench seat during short drives thanks to the flat floor.
There’s 723 L behind the back seat, while folding it sees that number hit 1,772 L. There are also generous door pockets, a large centre console bin, and an additional storage area below.
Comfort 9/10
One of the best parts of the Lyriq is its serene ride and whisper-quiet interior. The optional Nappa leather is soft and inviting, and the available massage function for the front seats works well. It’s a properly luxurious Cadillac that doesn’t cloud its mission of comfort by trying to be sporty in any way, and it’s a better vehicle for it.
User-friendliness 7.5/10
The Google-based infotainment system uses Google Maps for navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity is included, too.
It’s an easy system to use, without too much menu hunting, and there’s a full array of proper climate controls. However, oddities include rear child door locks that are activated via the infotainment system.
Safety 7/10
The Lyriq has a full package of driver assists and aids that includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors, and more. Rear pedestrian and side cyclist detection, and even adaptive cruise control, cost extra.
Value 10/10
For a little less than $70,000 before freight and tax, you get a bona-fide electric luxury SUV with a nicely trimmed interior and a compelling design. Contrast this with the Chevrolet Blazer EV that rides on the same platform but has less power – and less luxury – and starts north of $60,000. The BMW iX starts at more than $80,000 and some trims have more power and more tech, but the Cadillac is the far more attractive vehicle. If you order one with all the options, the Lyriq will touch six-figure territory, but only just. For the power, space, luxury, and style it offers, the Lyriq is easily one of the best values in the EV space right now.
The Verdict
Rather than trying to do too much at once, the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq is singularly focused. It does luxury, and it does it well. Ultimately, it feels like a bespoke product at a bargain basement price.
| Engine Displacement | 368 kW |
|---|---|
| Engine Cylinders | Dual electric motors |
| Peak Horsepower | 500 hp |
| Peak Torque | 450 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | 2.4 / 2.9 / 2.7 Le/100 km city, hwy, cmb, 21.8 / 25.8 / 23.6 kWh/100 km; 494 km est. range |
| Cargo Space | 723 / 1,722 L seats up/down |
| Model Tested | 2024 Cadillac Lyriq Sport |
| Base Price | $81,199 |
| A/C Tax | $100 |
| Destination Fee | $2,300 |
| Price as Tested | $97,374 |
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Optional Equipment
$13,775 — Nappa leather package, $4,695; Dual-motor AWD, $3,995; Panoramic sunroof, $1,895; 19.2-kW onboard charger, $1,795; Radiant Red paint, $1,395
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