The overall feel of this car is quite good and it represents a significant departure from Cadillac’s style of the past decade.
The model I acquired is the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive, long-range luxury version. It comes standard with a large curved 33.0-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charging pad, non-openable panoramic sunroof, 20-inch wheels, leatherette seats, interior ambient lighting, wood trim, heated steering wheel, and heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. It also boasts Level 2 adaptive cruise control.
In terms of the electric motor, power, and performance, the rear-wheel-drive motor offers 340 horsepower, providing sufficient acceleration. The official claim is that the rear-wheel-drive Lyriq can go from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 5.7 seconds. While still quite fast by midsize SUV standards, it lags behind pure electric vehicle manufacturers like NIO and Tesla.
The suspension feels relatively smooth, providing a comfortable driving experience on flat roads. However, on rougher roads, it can feel a bit stiff.
In terms of range, the Lyriq’s battery capacity is 96 kilowatt-hours, and its CLTC range is 653 kilometers. Under normal driving conditions without using a single-pedal mode and driving conservatively, it achieves around 17 to 18 kilometers per kilowatt-hour, which is decent.
Regarding the infotainment system, it is powered by the common 8155 chip. There is a 33-inch touchscreen in the front, serving as both the infotainment system and the driver’s instrument cluster display. The infotainment system can also be controlled via a rotary knob on the center console, providing an alternative to touchscreen control for drivers who prefer it. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi hotspot are all standard features.
All models come with AKG’s 19-speaker sound system, which offers a good audio experience. It is on par with the top-of-the-line Bowers & Wilkins system in my previous XC60. However, I find that the high frequencies lack clarity and brightness, and the overall soundstage density is somewhat weaker, albeit compared to my extensively upgraded Q5.
In terms of safety and driver assistance features, it comes standard with Level 2 driver-assist functions such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping, and adaptive cruise control.
Overall, the Lyriq represents a breakthrough in design, and its sound system and battery range are quite impressive. For users looking for a luxurious electric vehicle, the Lyriq is a solid choice.