– The Cadillac Lyriq serves as an ideal rival to the Tesla, without a doubt.
Seven years ago, General Motors (GM) withdrew from Europe. However, a possible return to the local market had long been considered. Recently, the first comeback vehicle, the Cadillac Lyriq, has returned to Germany. At first glance, some may be surprised. Few expected another SUV. However, considering the presence of the Cadillac brand, one can overlook this.
The German version of the Lyriq is produced in Spring Hill, Tennessee. At its core, the car has a decidedly American core. This is evident not only in its size, but also in minor details such as the use of an American power outlet in the rear, which Cadillac could choose to change in customer vehicles. In the test vehicle, it proved relatively useless without an adapter.
On the other hand, it is a pity that GM did not simply keep the American components. The EU version lacks several aspects that contribute to the popularity of the vehicle in its home country. For example, the “Super Cruise” driver assistance system, which significantly improves driver comfort on American highways, is missing.
In Germany, only a cruise control with distance regulation remains. Similarly, the lighting of the Lyriq is more modest: While the American version has a fully illuminated grille that distinguishes the car optically, Europeans have to make do without this visually exciting feature. Instead, they are more reserved – at least as far as this large vehicle allows.
But what is left when you decide on the Cadillac Lyriq and are willing to pay the fixed price of 80,500 euros? Fixed price, since both variants (Luxury AWD and Sport AWD) cost the same and there are only a few options (towbar and roof rack, as well as leather and exterior colour) for both models.
A Mountain of Comfort
First of all, drivers can look forward to a reliable electric vehicle with sufficient power. The motors together deliver 528 hp and 610 Nm of torque. This results in acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 216 km/h on the speedometer, after which it is locked. For a vehicle with a gross weight of 2.8 tonnes, that is quite impressive. However, there is no reason to celebrate when it comes to weight – the gross weight of 3.2 tonnes is quickly reached, and towing is temporarily prohibited for drivers with a standard licence.
The good news: While driving, the Lyriq’s weight goes unnoticed. It rides like a feather, like a typical American vehicle, offering a very comfortable and smoothly suspended ride. The car doesn’t wobble, though, unlike what you might expect from American highway cruisers. The suspension is reported to have been tuned to be slightly firmer for Europe, but the current setup is certainly adequate for the Lyriq. The one-pedal driving mode with optional extreme regeneration is also expertly implemented. Plus, there’s a paddle shifter on the steering wheel that allows for stepless regeneration, and with practice, minimal use of the brake pedal is needed.
It is best to avoid excessive speed with the vehicle, as it already consumes a lot even in normal operation. Despite the impressive battery capacity of 102 kWh, it is difficult to exceed 400 kilometers without a charging stop. In the test, the Lyriq’s consumption leveled out at around 25 kWh per 100 kilometers, but careful attention was paid to consumption and a maximum of 130 km/h was driven on the highway, while interspersed with urban traffic with corresponding regeneration.
Charging Technology Needs Improvement
At the fast-charging station, the Lyriq does not make a particularly favorable impression. The 400-volt system allows the vehicle to reach a maximum charging rate of about 190 kilowatt hours, but only for very short periods. It takes about half an hour to charge from 10 to 80 percent, which is average. The charging performance at the alternating current station is commendable, at 22 kilowatts and packs a significant punch, especially for short shopping trips or city parking. The charging port is located in front of the driver’s door, which simplifies parking in front of charging stations. The arrangement is less than perfect, however, as when using street chargers, you will inevitably be on the sidewalk and the plug will extend into traffic.
Cables are stored under the boot floor in the Cadillac. The double-deck offers plenty of room for this. Although the Lyriq is not a quintessential workhorse, it can still accommodate a decent amount. With the rear seats upright, there is about 800 litres of cargo space, and when they are folded down, it is 1722 litres. Sadly, there is no frunk, or storage space under the large bonnet, for reasons that remain unexplained.
Those concerned with safely maneuvering the colossus from point A to point B will appreciate the numerous cameras on the vehicle. While the traditional rearview is somewhat limited, the digital rearview mirror, display, and blind spot warning systems all contribute to preventing collisions. The Lyriq can park itself if it accurately identifies the desired parking space. The Cadillac alerts drivers to obstacles via seat vibrations by default, which may feel odd at first, but one quickly gets used to it. If not, it can be switched to a traditional beep.
Inside this Cadillac, it feels more like a mobile lounge than a race car. The seats are plush and comfortable, feeling more like an overstuffed armchair than a racing seat. While they may lack lateral support, they make up for it with generous padding for comfort. There’s also a subtle massage function and optional seat heating or cooling for added comfort.
The large 33-inch display keeps the driver informed throughout the journey, with the vehicle navigating using a tailored version of Google Maps by default. The software, Android Automotive, is responsive and even features an app store for downloading various programs after signing in with Google. Unlike navigation apps on a smartphone, the built-in software can calculate remaining range and estimate arrival time, planning charging stops accordingly. This feature worked well during testing.
There are numerous compartments and storage areas around the cockpit, and the audio system is of high quality. The AKG speakers produce great sound and offer a type of noise cancellation that reduces outside noise. Combined with thick windows, this creates a remarkable effect: stand next to a construction site with the Cadillac Lyriq and you can barely hear it. But as soon as you open the window, it’s like breaking a sound barrier. The outside noise seems deafening. This level of silence was last felt in the Rolls-Royce Spectre. For city dwellers, the interior of the Lyriq is a peaceful sanctuary.
Craftsmanship-wise, the Lyriq is generally well made, but there are some weaknesses. Visible surfaces are well made, but less visible areas, such as the underside of the centre console, reveal some creaking. While there are few such spots, they are hard to ignore. Some better plastic finishes could have improved this.
Conclusion: Cadillac Lyriq – A nice car with a high price tag
In the US, the Cadillac Lyriq is popular due to its base configuration, which offers a credible challenge to the beloved Tesla Model Y. Starting at $59,000, American Cadillacs offer comparable value to Tesla prices. In this situation, creaky interior finishes are not a significant concern.
In Germany, where the Lyriq starts at €80,500, it enters a different price league, competing with the BMW iX, Kia EV9 (reviewed here) or a Mercedes-Benz EQE. This is tough competition from well-established brands with a different reputation at these price points. Whether Cadillac can succeed with the Lyriq as a quasi-new among these customers remains to be seen.
Had more variants and accessories been included in the configurator, starting at around €60,000 – although this is still a significant amount – more people could have been reached. It may take some time, but in its first steps, the brand’s comeback seems tentative and out of reach for many potential customers. Perhaps the Optiq, the upcoming introduction in Europe, will change this.
In itself, the Lyriq is a good car with minor flaws. It offers a touch of American-style space that is not found in its competitors. If this is important, one might overlook the advantages of its competitors. At least it is visually distinctive, even without its front lighting.
The Cadillac Lyriq, with its American core, is poised to make a big impact on the German market, especially with its distinctive features such as the use of an American power socket in the back. Despite the absence of certain features in the EU version, such as the ‘Super Cruise’ driver assistance system, the Lyriq still offers a comfortable and smooth ride.
Cadillac’s decision to build the German version of the Lyriq in Spring Hill, Tennessee, ensures that the vehicle retains its American essence, evident in its size and small details. This American influence extends to the vehicle’s interior, offering a level of comfort and noise reduction not found in European competitors.
