The all-new 2025 Cadillac XT5 made its global debut early last month, showing off the crossover nameplate’s latest second generation, as well as a long list of updates and changes. Unfortunately, the redesigned XT5 will be exclusive to the Chinese auto market, with the U.S.-spec first-gen model soldiering on into 2025. Nevertheless, for those stateside buyers enamored by the second-gen XT5’s new interior, there’s good news, as the cabin of the Cadillac Lyriq looks quite similar to that of the new Chinese XT5.
Placing images of the two Cadillac interiors side-by-side, we find a good amount of overlap. Starting up front, we see similar styling for the seat upholstery, including the side bolsters and a prominent centerline, while the center console shows a similar armrest design and longitudinally mounted dual cupholders and controls.
Second-gen XT5
Lyriq
The dash is essentially identical between the two, with both models showing off a wide digital display that stretches from the driver’s side pillar all the way to the center of the dash. In the center of the dash, we see the same controls for the HVAC and various comfort features, while the steering wheel design is practically identical as well, showing a three-spoke layout with piano black touch controls and silver switches.
Second-gen XT5
Lyriq
Moving back, we find the rear bench is also essentially unchanged between the second-generation Cadillac XT5 and Cadillac Lyriq. The seat and upholstery design is once again quite similar, as is the layout for the door cards.
Second-gen XT5
Lyriq
There are even a few exterior design similarities, with both models adopting the latest Caddy styling cues, including slim, horizontal upper lighting signatures and vertical lighting elements in the sides of the fascia.
Of course, when it comes to the mechanical bits, the 2025 Cadillac XT5 and Cadillac Lyriq are completely different, with the second-gen XT5 powered by internal combustion, and the Cadillac Lyriq powered by GM Ultium Drive motors and GM Ultium batteries.
Second-gen XT5
Lyriq
Under the skin, the second-gen XT5 rides on an updated version of the GM C1 platform (also known as C1-2), while the Lyriq sits on the GM BEV3 platform.
Which begs the question – which model do you prefer?
Comments
I prefer the Lyriq. I have seen it up close and took pictures of it while my wife was looking inside and around it. But it is a big vehicle for her (she is only 61 inches tall). So we are waiting for the Optiq.
Optiq – xt4
Lyriq – xt5
Vistiq – xt6
Escalade iq – Escalade
Not that hard bro
I prefer the XT5 at this moment. But since GM isn’t interested in listening their customers unless they are from the mainland and would rather suggest what I want to drive I guess I will need to look elsewhere for a midsized luxury CUV when it comes time to replace my current XT5.
I currently own a 2022 XT5 Premium Luxury with a V6 and the Platinum Package ( Maple Sugar ).
I get on average 870 klms ( 540 miles ) on a tank fill and have zero worries about running out of gas on a trip or finding a place to refuel along my route. This can’t be said of the EV routes in Canada, at least not today and no worries either of losing battery power during the cold winter months here too!
EV is NOT 4 Me!
Very Sad that Cadillac is not building a Gas ( ICE ) and an Electric ( EV ) of each of their models for at least the next 10 years. The infrastructure to support all EV’s is simply not there yet and most likely won’t be for some time to come.
If no Gas XT5 … then my next vehicle will not be a Cadillac!
I keep telling people here this and none of them believe me. I have a 2022 Premium Luxury in Dark Moon Blue Metallic and the Sedona Sauvage (Saddle) colored interior (non-platinum package unfortunately) with the 2.0L Turbo. I originally wanted one in this color combination with the V6 and Platinum package and was willing to factory order it and wait on it but they happened to have the one I bought on the lot (it has everything except the cooled seats, 3-zone climate control, and V6), they weren’t charging me a markup for it, and after test driving the 2.0L, I was satisfied with it and decided to go for it. It’s those moments where I didn’t look for the car, the car found me. Its not the power the V6 has but still has enough pep for what I need. And the same. 500+ miles on a full tank of premium with 480 miles when I do more city driving (which is often here in densely populated north NJ). At this point, trading my XT5 in for a Lyriq would be an outright downgrade. I am going to hold onto her and hopefully by then Cadillac will have a comparable or better vehicle or I will have to look elsewhere for a mid-sized luxury SUV.
The 2025 XT5 is a great looking car…It sucks that it will not be available in the US. Not sure why Cadillac is ignoring its loyal customers, but I believe their China first strategy will bite them on the ass !!!
I owned a 2018 Cadillac XT5 and now own a 2023 Cadillac XT5 Platinum Sport that I build online and I love it! My daughter now has my 2018 XT5 and loves it! I hope GM and Cadillac come to their senses and listen to their customers. The EV transition will take at least a decade to become reliable transportation from the charging infrastructure and battery technology. In the meantime the automakers that fulfill the desires of their customers will profit and survive.
It’s very sad to such a storied company like GM to fall victim to government pressure and bet so heavily on EV production and not design and build ICE vehicles like they have in the past that are now classics.
Excuse me! “the redesigned XT5 will be exclusive to the Chinese auto market”, and the US market has to slog along with last years model for another year? What the hell is that? When did GM give preference of newly designed vehicles to the Chinese? Is Cadillac not an American badge? How about they introduce the 2nd generation here in the good old US of A and then maybe later exporting it elsewhere. Wow, now we are the ones waiting a year for a 2nd generation to arrive. GM is losing it, this country is losing it!
Behold the New GM !!
Buick pretty much built in China now!
Cadillac will be the next to fall.
Can’t wait for Chevrolet and GMC to leave too.
We got trucks, but that’s about it!
My wife an I currently own a 2024 XT5 sport and a 2021 CT4-V. We really enjoy both vehicles. We are both credentialed technology professionals, and so have a nuanced view of technology, while we appreciate large displays at work (my primary workstation features a 75″ 8k display and my wife enjoys here dual 4k display), that said we really don’t like the trend towards large displays in vehicles, Large displays in vehicles, serve no purpose and are a silly and unreliable gimmick, which detract from the enjoyment of the driving experience. We greatly prefer the elegant analog displays featured in our current vehicles. Furthermore, the new Lyriq is in our opinion heinously ugly and reminiscent of the Pontiac Aztec, especially when viewed from the rear. Current EV technology is not yet mature. The charging takes too long, the infrastructure is not in place, and the batteries are just no good in northern climates and will fail quickly, greatly shortening the life of and otherwise perfectly fine vehicle. We are busy professionals who are not interested in a the time consuming hassle of cruising around to find chargers or waiting in line when we do. I sincerely hope Cadillac in rethinks this a misguided attempt to force consumers into purchasing terrible electric vehicles when the technology is simply not fit for purpose.
I agree. Don’t want an EV. Not now, not ever!
I really hate that GM did not release the 2nd Generation XT5 in the USA especially after I had read about the new design it was the car I had waited on then I found out it was for China only. So disappointed. Did GM not consider us at all. I hope that you rethink your decision and bring it XT5 to the states.
Waited to order a 2025 XT5 ,,found out the revised 2025 would only be available in CHINA ,,,WHAT THE HELL MARY ,,TELL HER AMERICA COMES FIRST , GOOD BY CADILLAC ..
My guess is that it will be available in the US in 2026.
It’s not China first, it’s Federal and Cali emissions standards first. In GM’s eyes, they have to prioritize what ICE they can build under ever stricter emissions requirements. Escalade will be the last ICE standing. They don’t think they will be able to build all the ICE models as soon as 2027. There is no current plan to update the US market XT5 for this reason.