The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq will represent the first model year of the upcoming electric crossover utility vehicle (CUV), and is the brand’s first all-electric vehicle. As such, it introduces a new era in luxury, technology and electrification.
Notably, the vehicle is centered around GM’s Ultium battery platform, which utilizes Ultium drive technology.
| Model years | |
| Assembly location | GM Spring Hill Plant, Tennessee, USA |
| Platform | BEV3 |
| Layout | Skateboard-type |
| Battery | Ultium (102 kWh) |
| Horsepower | 340 (RWD) |
| Torque | 325 pound-feet (RWD) |
| Transmission | Ultium Drive |
| Drive wheels | RWD or AWD |
| Availability | U.S.A., Canada |
| Predecessor | No Direct Predecessor |
| Successor | No Direct Successor |
Exterior
The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq will be the first vehicle to flaunt the brand’s next-generation styling.
“We wanted to give the vehicle a face, making sure it looks distinctly Cadillac,” said Smith. The signature vertical lighting is emphasized through lighting choreography. The exterior lighting is a major technological breakthrough, allowing Cadillac to deliver on the promise of truly vertical lamps, an industry first.
One prominent example of Cadillac’s next iteration of brand styling is its distinctive ‘black crystal’ grille.
As reported by our sister-sister, Cadillac Society, the Lyriq will be slightly larger than the current Cadillac XT5. It will also have a profile reminiscent of a shooting brake, with sources describing it as being similar to the Audi Q8, Porsche Macan and Jaguar e-Pace.
As GM Authority exclusively reported, the Cadillac Lyriq will only be offered with two wheel types and in two exterior colors: Satin Steel Metallic or Stellar Black Metallic.
Interior
Cadillac has iterated that the Lyriq’s interior is clean and simple with a focus on secondary and tertiary design elements, including intricate laser etched patterns through wood over metal decor, which has never been done before. The 33-inch-diagonal, curved, advanced LED screen is the centerpiece and all the components are incorporated artfully, blurring the lines of separation among technology, lighting and decor.
Notably, interior color options will also be limited to Sky Cool Gray and Noir.
Other highlights include Cadillac’s next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system and an AKG Studio 19-speaker audio system with headrest speakers.
Technology
Of course, the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq will offer Super Cruise, which the automaker says is the industry’s first-ever true, hands-free driver-assistance technology (for compatible roads).
The 2023 Lyriq will also offer a new, dual-plane augmented reality-enhanced head-up display, which employs two planes: a near plane indicating speed, direction and other parameters, plus a far plane displaying transparent navigation signals and other important alerts.
Another next-gen technological feature is supervised remote parking, which uses ultrasonic sensors to help the Lyriq park itself in parallel or perpendicular parking spaces regardless of whether the driver is inside or outside of the vehicle.
Powertrain
The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq will come standard with a 102 kWh GM Ultium lithium-ion battery pack and a single Ultium Drive electric motor producing 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque.
The setup will provide a GM-estimated driving range of roughly 300 miles or 480 kilometers. Charging at a rate of 190 kW at a DC fast-charging station adds an estimated 76 miles of range every 10 minutes. An available 19.2 kW onboard charging module will allow owners to charge up at home at a rate of 52 miles of range per hour.
Efficiency technologies, such as Regenerative Braking, help to maximize driving miles in between charges. Additionally, the 2023 Lyriq will offer next-generation Regen On Demand and a One-Pedal driving system.
Performance
The Lyriq’s lower center of gravity and near 50/50 weight distribution enabled by the placement of the battery pack results in a vehicle that’s sporty, responsive and allows for spirited driving. Additionally, the rear placement of the drive motor provides an even greater feeling of balance and agility and enables the system to channel more torque to the pavement without wheelspin while improving cornering capability.
A performance all-wheel drive configuration is also available, and adds a second drive unit placed at the front of the vehicle, which allows for a significant amount of tuning flexibility, thereby enhancing vehicle dynamics and performance for drivers.
“Lyriq was conceived to make every journey exhilarating and leverages more than a century of innovation to drive the brand into a new era, while rewarding passengers with a more personal, connected and immersive experience,” said Jamie Brewer, Cadillac Lyriq chief engineer. “To do this we developed an architecture specifically for EVs. It is not only an exceptional EV, but first and foremost a Cadillac.”
A high-performance version, similar to the V-Series and Blackwing variants of the 2022 Cadillac CT4 and 2022 Cadillac CT5 luxury sedans, has not been ruled out.
Platform
The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq will be built upon the BEV3 platform, which is a skateboard-type architecture that will be utilized by multiple EVs. Fittingly, the BEV3 stands for “Battery Electric Vehicle 3” and the architecture replaces the BEV2 platform.
Notably, the BEV3 is also expected to underpin the upcoming Cadillac Celestiq.
Availability
The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq made its debut in late April of 2021, bearing a starting price of less than $60,000 USD. Reservations are set to open in September of 2021.
Canadian customers can expect a price tag of $69,898 CAD, destination freight charge included.
Cadillac has announced that thee Lyriq is also set to make its way overseas, including the Middle Eastern and Chinese markets.
Specs
Drivetrain
| Electric Motor | 1 (rear-mounted) |
| Power (hp / kW) | 340 / 255 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm) | 325 / 440 |
| Drive Wheels | Rear-wheel drive |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable energy storage system comprising multiple linked modules |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium-ion NCMA cathode, blended graphite mode |
| Battery Modules | 12 |
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | 102 |
| Estimated Range On a Full Charge (miles / km) | 300+ / 483+ |
| Charge Time, 120V Outlet (miles of range per hour) | 3.5 |
| Charge Time, 240V (11.5 kW AC) Outlet (miles of range per hour) | 31 |
| Charge Time, 240V (19.2 kW AC) Outlet (miles of range per hour) | 52 |
| Charge Time, DC Fast Charge (10 minutes) | Up to 76 |
| Charge Time, DC Fast Charge (30 minutes) | Up to 195 |
Chassis and Suspension
| Front Suspension | 5-link SLA with Passive-Plus Premium Dampers |
| Rear Suspension | 5-link with Passive-Plus Premium Dampers |
| Steering Type | Continuously Variable Electric Power Steering |
| Turning Circle Wall-to-Wall (ft. / m) | 12.1 |
| Brake Type | 4-wheel disc with DuraLife rotors |
| Front Brake Rotor Size (in. / mm) | 17.0 / 321 |
| Rear Brake Rotor Size (in. / mm) | 18.0 / 345 |
| Wheel Size, Standard | 20" Split 6-spoke alloy |
| Wheel Size, Optional | 22" Dynamic Split-spoke Reverse Rim alloy |
| Tires, Standard | 265/50R20 All Season, Self-sealing |
| Tires, Optional | 275/40R22 All Season, Low profile, Self-sealing |
Exterior Dimensions
| Wheelbase (in. / mm) | 121.8 / 3,094 |
| Length (in. / mm) | 196.7 / 4,996 |
| Width (in. / mm) | 77.8 / 1,977 |
| Height (in. / mm) | 63.9 / 1,623 |
| Base Curb Weight (lbs. / kg) | 5,610 / 2,545 |
Interior Dimensions
| Front Headroom (in. / mm) | 38.6 / 980 |
| Front Legroom (in. / mm) | 41.4 / 1,052 |
| Front Shoulder Room (in. / mm) | 58.9 / 1,497 |
| Front Hip Room (in. / mm) | 56.5 / 1,436 |
| Passenger Volume (cu. ft. / L) | 105 / 2,976 |
Cargo Volume
| Cargo Volume Behind First-Row Seats (cu. ft. / L) | 68.0 / 1,723 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Second-Row Seats (cu. ft. / L) | 28.0 / 793 |
Gallery
Sales
See Cadillac Lyriq sales numbers for all markets.
Discussion
Discuss the Cadillac Lyriq in our Cadillac forum.
