Used 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq is a brand-new, all-electric midsize SUV/crossover. It’s built on a dedicated platform developed especially for electric vehicles (EV). This will also serve as the foundation for the GMC Hummer EV. The Lyriq is also Cadillac’s first foray into a fully electric model, just as marques like Audi and BMW are expanding their efforts to provide Tesla with some competition in the luxury EV arena.

It seems to have many of the right ingredients, from arguably stunning styling (inside and out) to up-to-the-minute technology and infotainment, plenty of convenience and safety features, plus a next-generation approach to battery construction.

A Debut Edition, which sold out quickly and was priced at $58,795, is the first Lyriq we’ll see on the streets, beginning in the summer of 2022. In the fall of 2022, the standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Lyriq ($61,795) arrives. It will be followed in the spring of 2023 by an all-wheel-drive (AWD) version of the Lyriq, which has an additional motor in front and a Manufacturers’ Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $63,795.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of electric luxury SUVs, including the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq seen here in single-motor, rear-drive Luxury trim.

Considering alternatives, all-electric crossover SUVs are still a metaphorical bowl of mixed fruit, as opposed to comparing apples with apples. The Tesla Model Y Long Range starts at about $59K, has all-wheel drive as standard, and can cover 318 miles. The Audi e-tron is roughly $66K, but does qualify for the tax credit, although the range is just 222 miles.

The Jaguar I-Pace (from around $70K, credit-eligible, with a 234-mile range) and Polestar 2 (approximately $46K, credit-eligible, 265-mile range) are smaller than the Lyriq, but might suit some buyers. Even without a tax credit, the Cadillac Lyriq starts out a lot less expensive than the BMW iX ($85K, 324 miles).

Before flipping the switch, check out the KBB.com Fair Purchase Price to see what you should really pay for a new Lyriq. Resale values are better than average among electric vehicles so far. Remember, recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

KBB’s Lyn Woodward recently drove the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq. Reports Lyn:

I’m comfortable in the Lyriq. The most impressive part of the cabin is the 33-inch LED display that houses a control panel for customizing the digital gauge cluster, your driving information, and your infotainment interface.

On the disappointing side, too many touchscreen layers make it hard to get things done quickly.
This is an issue for all manufacturers as they lean more into touchscreens and away from buttons.

Case in point, the on/off switch for the one-pedal drive: It’s two layers deep in the user interface. While engineers say they will be adding permanent controls at the bottom of the touchscreen, that won’t happen until a later Lyriq version.

Inside, Cadillac uses a lot of different materials, and I don’t think they all work well together. You’ll find brushed chrome and polished chrome around the touchscreen in a place bound to reflect the sun while you’re driving. There’s attractive open-pore wood on the doors, but on the center console, it feels like inexpensive plastic — same with the cupholder bezels. The console doesn’t have the expected premium look, and the blue bin seems flimsy. Cadillac brought too many ideas to the table and used every single one.

On a positive note, the Lyriq has a composed and comfortable ride. The Ultium platform, with one layer of batteries, feels stable and well-balanced. Thanks to all that low weight, the 5,610-lb. Cadillac EV takes turns with confidence. Overall, I enjoy the ride quality of the new Lyriq.

But is it any fun? Yes. While the acceleration may not be Tesla quick, you can have a good time in the Lyriq. It’s good.

With the Touring, Sport, and Snow driving modes, you can feel real differences in the steering, throttle, and brake response. When you dig into Sport mode, the snappier accelerator and heavier steering are much appreciated.

You can shut off regeneration for a more natural brake feel, but you also can use the paddle on the steering wheel, which basically acts like a brake. At max regen, it takes a while to get used to feathering the throttle, but it reminds me of one-pedal off-road driving. I’m a huge fan.

One nitpick: I wish the middle setting for brake regen was a little less aggressive. But each driver, I’m confident, will find a regen level that’s comfortable for them.

Cadillac has gone the extra mile with sound-damping materials. The interior of the Lyriq is super quiet, with little or no wind noise. To reduce road noise, Cadillac collaborated with AKG, who measures the sound at all four tires and sends a canceling frequency throughout the cabin.

Cadillac also teamed with Michelin for a Lyriq-specific tire that’s both quiet and efficient. Also notable: Thanks to aero from the roof going under the rear spoiler, the Lyriq does not need a rear windshield wiper.

One last observation: The Lyriq’s glass roof looks great, and you can close the power sunshade on a hot day.

Thanks to the battery being in the floor, there’s no transmission tunnel, which helps to give the 2023 Lyriq a spacious feel. It doesn’t just feel roomy, though — it really is.

The wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) is slightly longer than the Escalade full-size SUV. This translates to plenty of legroom in both rows. Rear passengers enjoy a generous 39.6 inches of stretching-out space. A fixed glass roof adds to the overall airiness.

Up front, the jewel in the Lyriq’s crown is a relatively huge 33-inch touchscreen set horizontally. The entire unit also houses the driver information display.

In the Debut Edition, dark ash wood trim is standard, enlivened by backlit door panels.

Cargo space behind the 60/40 split/folding rear seats runs to 28 cubic feet. This expands to 60.8 cubic feet with the seats down. These figures aren’t impressive for a midsize SUV/crossover, but could well be sufficient for many people.

It looks like Cadillac’s designers drew the roof line of the new Lyriq as low as it could go without the company having to call it a “fastback” or some other nonsense. This approach does have an impact on rear headroom and cargo space, however, compared with the BMW X5 as a prime example of a successful midsize SUV/crossover.

Nevertheless, it’s the front end that’s way more dramatic — clean and cutting-edge simultaneously. The shape of the usual Cadillac grille is there, but disguised among a complex arrangement of fine lines.

Interestingly, the flap covering the charge socket (located just behind the drivers-side front wheel) folds out and down, rather than just flipping sideways. It opens by pressing the Cadillac crest.

Available paint colors include Satin Steel Metallic, Stellar Black Metallic, Opulent Blue Metallic, and Crystal White Tricoat.

SUPER CRUISE
We’re already familiar with Super Cruise in other Cadillac vehicles. It’s a hands-free (but not eyes-free) partial self-driving system that works on certain highways. It will even change lanes automatically (and safely) once a turn signal has been activated. One surprising thing is that it really doesn’t take long to get used to.

INFOTAINMENT TOUCHSCREEN
Stretching from behind the steering wheel to the far end of the center console, this unit measures 33 inches on the diagonal and allows control of many functions. The quality of the images is exceptionally crisp, thanks to what Cadillac claims is the highest pixel count of any such display currently in production.

Virtually everything is standard in the 2023 Lyriq Debut Edition.

This includes 20-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, powered liftgate, smartphone-enabled entry/start, heated/ventilated/massaging/8-way power-adjustable front seats, heated steering wheel, power-adjustable steering column, multi-colored ambient cabin lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 120-volt outlet.

A huge 33-inch touchscreen controls an infotainment system that comes with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, wireless charging, five USB-C ports (three up front, two in the back), Wi-Fi, satellite radio, over-the-air updates, and a 19-speaker (including speakers in the front headrests) sound system from AKG. This company is a well-known and highly respected microphone maker whose products can be found in recording studios and on concert stages around the world.

Driver assistance features include the expected forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, but also Side Bicyclist Alert, Blind Zone Steering Assist, automatic parking, high-definition 360-degree camera setup, and Super Cruise — Cadillac’s hands-free driving system for certain roads.

The main options for the Debut Edition are 22-inch alloy wheels and premium paint. In the future, we expect to see an adaptive suspension offered.

The Debut Edition of the 2023 Lyriq has a single permanent magnet electric motor and rear-wheel drive. Output is 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque.

The battery has a new lithium-ion chemistry, with the trade name of Ultium. It’s particularly low in cobalt, a problematic element in terms of sourcing.

Cadillac pegs max range at an EPA-estimated 312 miles. Using a public DC fast charger, 76 miles of range can be uploaded in roughly 10 minutes. When connected to a 240-volt supply at home, every hour brings 52 miles of range.

Coming in early 2023 is a 500-horsepower dual-motor version of the Lyriq with all-wheel drive as standard. Details such as driving range and torque output remain undisclosed ahead of its arrival, though Cadillac has said this version of the Lyriq can tow a maximum of 3,500 pounds. It can also add 37 miles of range every hour when using a 240-volt outlet.

All 2023 Cadillac Lyriq customers can choose either two years of unlimited public charging credits at EVgo charging stations or credit of up to $1,500 toward home charger installation through Qmerit.