The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq SUV is the first fully-electric vehicle from the luxury brand, making its debut a significant move toward challenging cars like the Tesla Model Y, Jaguar I-Pace, and Audi e-tron. Cadillac has poured its heart and soul into the Lyriq, giving it standout styling, a 312-mile range, and the ability to drive itself.
In our brief drive of a 2023 Cadillac Lyriq, we found it to be composed and comfortable, with a tech-filled interior that doesn’t look quite as premium as we expected. On a positive note, the Ultium platform, which carries its heavy batteries low in the chassis, makes for a Lyriq that corners with confidence.
And acceleration? It’s good but not Tesla quick, and we’re pleased to report that the Touring, Sport, and Snow driving modes have noticeable differences in their various settings. The response to the accelerator in Sport mode is especially sweet.
There’s also a long list of standard and available features, but for now, the introductory Debut Edition comes with only a few options, rear-wheel drive, and a competitive price.
Unfortunately, as note, the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq Debut Edition has already sold out. In the fall of 2022, though, the standard Cadillac Lyriq arrives, sporting rear-wheel drive and a price tag of $62,990. Then, in early 2023, a dual-motor AWD Lyriq shows up at Cadillac dealers, sporting 500 horsepower and a starting price tag of $64,990.
2023 Cadillac Lyriq Debut Edition
(starting at $58,795)
The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq Debut Edition, already sold out, starts at $58,795.
The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq Debut Edition is the first in a series of Lyriq trims set to arrive in 2022. The Debut Edition is what some might call the base Lyriq, although its impressive list of features and capabilities is far from commonplace.
Powered by its rear wheels, the Lyriq places its charger and other components under the hood, negating the opportunity for a front trunk, a feature found on many electric rivals. However, this design translates into more interior and cargo space, which buyers may find more appealing.
The Lyriq’s electric motor produces the equivalent of 340 horsepower and has an EPA-estimated range of 312 miles. That’s better than the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace, but still a few miles short of the Tesla Model X and Model Y.
The Lyriq makes an unequivocal statement from the outside, with long lines, sharp angles, and an impressive set of LED lights programmed to put on a choreographed light show.
The Lyriq includes advanced slimline LED headlights with auto-leveling, auto on/off, and built-in cornering lights. Illuminated exterior door handles require only a slight bit of pressure to release the door latching mechanism. At the same time, a hands-free rear power liftgate can be opened or closed without the need to touch a release button physically.
The tailgate also incorporates an illuminated rear spoiler and a washer for the rear camera mirror.
The Lyriq’s heated power-folding side mirrors include integrated turn signals and a driver’s side auto-dimming feature. Standard on every model is a heated windshield for the rain-sensing wipers when they are either parked or in the driver vertical positions. Cadillac equips the Lyriq with a fixed glass panel roof with a power sunshade and massive 20-inch alloy wheels with the option to upgrade to 22s.
Gaining entry to the Lyriq couldn’t be easier, thanks to a smartphone app that operates the KeyPass digital vehicle access. The Lyriq’s interior is elegant yet highly functional, dominated by a massive curved 33-inch configurable color LED display housing both the instrument cluster and infotainment center. The ambient lighting features nearly infinite color possibilities, allowing for customer customization at levels previously unknown to Cadillac.
Haptic touch sensors operate the dual-zone automatic climate control and audio systems, as well as the controls located on the power-adjustable tilt/telescoping steering wheel. The thick-grip heated steering wheel features paddle shifters and a pressure-activated steering wheel pad for enhanced regenerative braking.
The driver can control many climate and audio features using voice commands or physically touching the desired control. A digital rearview mirror uses a rear-facing camera to give the driver an unobstructed view behind the vehicle.
The Lyriq’s front seats are power-adjustable eight ways and feature 4-way power lumbar support plus the ability to heat, cool, and massage. Two-person memory settings retain the position of the driver’s seat, steering wheel, and outside mirrors.
The rear seats are not as fancy, with a simple one-touch flat-folding 60/40 split-folding design with a folding center armrest and the ability to recline.
An impressive array of high-tech equipment makes up the infotainment and audio offerings, starting with an advanced noise cancelation system to help eliminate wind and road noise.
The Google built-in infotainment experience includes navigation capability, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a Wi-Fi hotspot, personalized profiles for each driver’s settings, and GM Connected apps (requires subscription).
SiriusXM 360L expands access to Sirius services, while the 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system incorporates speakers into the front seat head restraints for a surround sound experience that will rock your world.
The infotainment system operates one of three ways: by using the rotary control knob located on the center console, using voice commands, or via the touch screen.
The Lyriq provides three Type C USB data and charge ports up front and two Type C charge-only ports in the rear. A power-operated drawer just below the climate controls opens to reveal two wireless charging pads.
On the driver safety front, the Lyriq includes all of Cadillac’s latest assists, such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection including side cyclist detection, and blind-spot monitoring with steering assist.
Also standard is reverse automatic braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic detection and braking, a safety alert driver’s seat (vibrates the left, right, or both sides of the seat to warn the direction of a potential hazard), adaptive cruise control with following distance indicator, and a 360-degree HD camera.
But the Lyriq’s best driver-assist feature is Cadillac’s autonomous driving Super Cruise system. Super Cruise can steer, brake, change lanes, and accelerate without driver intervention when traveling on approved roads. The system still requires the driver to pay attention to the road and keep a hand near the steering wheel, but for long trips where fatigue and boredom can sometimes lead to loss of control, Super Cruise is a great companion to have along for the ride.
Finally, as the Lyriq is an electric vehicle, it can charge via various power sources. When using a DC fast charging station at 190 kW, the Lyriq can add about 76 miles of range in 10 minutes. It can also be charged at home using a 19.2 kW Level 2 charge module that allows 52 miles of range in one hour.
As for the upcoming dual-motor Lyriq with standard all-wheel drive, Cadillac has said a Level 2 charging connection will add 37 miles of range per hour. It will also have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Other technical details, including driving range and torque output, will be released closer to this variant’s arrival in early 2023.
The only colors available on the Debut Edition are Satin Steel Metallic and Stellar Black Metallic. When the standard Lyriqs arrive at their later dates, they will also be available in Opulent Blue Metallic and Crystal White Tricoat.
With the $1,195 destination fee, the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq Debut Edition costs $59,990. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to approximately $1,078.
With the same $1,195 destination fee, the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq RWD model, the one arriving this fall, costs $62,990. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment will be about $1,132.
The dual-motor 2023 Cadillac Lyriq AWD model, when it arrives in early 2023, will cost $66,185 (including destination fee). Financing that amount at 3% for 60 months with zero down means a monthly payment of about $1,168.
See 2023 Cadillac Lyriqs for sale
2023 Cadillac Lyriq Debut Edition includes:
- Super Cruise – Cadillac’s autonomous driving assistant can drive itself on designated roads, such as highways with clearly visible lane markers.
- Massaging front seats – help relieve fatigue and stiffness on long trips and is provided for both the driver and passenger.
- AKG Studio audio system – with 19 speakers, including four built into the front seat head restraints, this custom-tailored system uses minimal power to produce maximum results.
- 33-inch LED cluster – impressive in its size and ability, this fully digital screen provides clear and detailed graphics for speed, audio settings, navigation, battery monitor, and ambient color choice.
