Introduced for the 2024 model year as the entry-level trim level of the Cadillac Lyriq, the Tech trim was the most affordable model by offering fewer features and technologies than its higher-spec counterparts. That said, it now appears that the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq will be dropping the “base” Tech trim level.
For the upcoming 2025 model year, the Cadillac Lyriq lineup will consist of the Luxury 1, Sport 1, Luxury 2, Sport 2, Luxury 3 and Sport 3 models. As for what likely led to this decision, removing the Tech trim level from the lineup reduces the all-electric luxury crossover’s part count, which in turn helps to lower costs. Beyond that, the Cadillac Optiq is set to go on sale in the U.S. market soon and will boast a starting price in the $54,000 ballpark, or just a few thousand less than outgoing Lyriq Tech examples.
Of course, as the entry-level model, the Tech trim was missing a number of notable goodies found on higher trim levels, including:
- GM Super Cruise
- Active Noise Cancellation
- AKG Studio 19-speaker audio system
- Multi-color ambient lighting
- Heated steering wheel and ventilated seats
- Front-seat massage
- Slimline LED headlights and taillamps with choreography
- Rainsense wipers
- Black roof option
- Hands-free power liftgate
Interestingly, the above list is just a small snapshot of all the features the Lyriq Tech model doesn’t get.
As a reminder, the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq will ride on the GM BEV3 platform – the same architecture that underpins the Chevy Blazer EV, Chevy Equinox EV, Cadillac Optiq, and Cadillac Celestiq – while its all-electric propulsion will be developed from GM Ultium battery and GM Ultium Drive motor technologies. Production of the upcoming 2025 model year is currently scheduled to get underway on September 9th, 2024 at the the GM Spring Hill plant in Tennessee.
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Comments
Wasn’t the Tech trim specifically created so the Lyriq could qualify for government EV subsidies? As I recall, originally the Caddy EV was a bit too expensive to meet the requirements for the government assistance money. Therefore GM created the cheaper Tech model which met the price threshold and put Lyriq on the government’s list of qualifying vehicles. Theoretically then, the vehicle may no longer be eligible.
It will still qualify if under $80k
Per the IRA law, trucks, SUVs, and vans have an $80k MSRP limit. And other passenger vehicles the limit is $55k.
Originally, the IRS was using the CFR definition of “SUV” to base the limits from. And very few “crossovers” actually meet the legal definition of “SUV”.
So the Lyriq would only have qualified if under $55k.
A lot people freaked out, because the EPA, while supposed to follow the CFR definitions for their classifications, has a caveat in their rules that allows them to classify a vehicle in the category that they think most people would put it in. (Or rather whatever the automakers marketing departments tell them it is).
There was some pressure applied to the IRS and they changed their guidance to follow EPA classifications. But it took some time to change.
So GM might have introduced the Tech trim to qualify during that period. Honestly not sure. But the rules have changed and as long as it’s under $80k it will qualify.
You’re partial correct. Originally the Lyriq was classified as a wagon which had a sale price cap of $60k to be eligible for the $7500 tax rebate. The Lyriq was reclassified as a SUV which has a $80k sales price cap. The Tech edition only existed initially to get the tax credit. After the sales price cap was changed to $80k cap all Lyriqs except Lux/Sport 3’s are eligible, so the Tech edition is no longer needed.
I am confused. How does dropping a trim level that lacked those listed features reducing the price?
It reduces production costs for GM, they no longer have to produce Tech trim specific parts.
So is this a sugar coated way of saying they are eliminating the entry level model or by “reducing the cost” of eliminating the base model they will raise the entry price but not as much?
The entry level is now the Cadillac Optiq.
But the Optiq is a much smaller model isn’t it? IDK I could be wrong. The other day I saw its Chevrolet sibling (Equinox EV) in person for the first time and was pleasantly surprised at how large it was. Definitely looks larger in person than it looks in photos.
That being said I am still failing to see the supposed drop in prices the leftist media keeps promising us. We were supposed to see price parity with ICEs at some point. A base ICE Equinox is still $12,000 less than the EV version. I am still paying a premium for less convenience.
Your statement above : “I am still failing to see the supposed drop in prices the leftist media keeps promising us.” What is the other side of the media promising us and how you see them keeping their promises? Maybe “Drill Baby drill” would be your answer.
EV prices are continuing to come down as lower prices models are introduced.
A luxury model like a Cadillac isn’t likely to see a lot of price reductions except maybe in offered discounts or deals. Or the automakers increase profitability by lowering their costs. Welcome to capitalism.
In an effort to reduce costs…while further gouging the customer. Bunch of horshetta.
1. Cadillac Lyric.
You don’t get more.
You just pay more.
Or.
2. Cadillac Lyric.
You get less for more.
Vote below.
Eliminating a trim isn’t raising prices, it’s reducing consumer options.
This is probably also to create more distance between the Lyriq and the Blazer EV.
GM also introduced the Cadillac Optiq and it’s priced between 54K to 60K right where the Tech trim used to live.
I said months ago they would drop it after the optiq came out. Price was too low compared to optiq. And I’ll say again, Vistiq is going to start around 80 and break 100k in top trims. Lyriq prices are going to go up too I expect maybe 5K.
Still no HUD in Lyriq, but it’s there in the Optiq and the Acura ZDX, among others… If Gm continues a ‘luxury” vehicles without segment leading tech, can it really be considered a luxury vehicle… the price point vs the specs are miles apart.
I called this in a previous article about the Debut Editions. The “cost-cutting” is with the introduction of the OPTIQ. It’s 3k less than what a LYRIQ starts at, and it comes with Super Cruise & AWD(all while sacrificing performance with 300hp vs 500hp in the name of efficiency).
The Tech trim served its purpose as a new car(making it somewhat attainable) and will be a great pre-owned or certified bargain in the future, replacing the Chevy Volt.
By cutting the Tech trim, they can finally introduce the “V” although, my source is telling me it may not see the light of day. I suspect that is possibly because we’re getting the Chinese XT5… It wouldn’t be typical GM without at least making a blunder.