2023 Cadillac Lyriq Specs Released, Brand Pledges All-Electric Lineup
By Edward A. Sanchez – April 21, 2021
Cadillac released detailed specifications this week on its upcoming Lyriq crossover EV, but the bigger surprise came with the announcement by Cadillac brand vice president Rory Harvey, in which he pledged the brand’s commitment to new models from the brand being EV-only going forward. To be clear, Cadillac just recently redesigned the Escalade, the CT4, and CT5, so there are a few years left until Cadillac showrooms are ICE-free, but the statement was clear: Cadillac is all-in on EVs.
Getting back to the Lyriq, the crossover is coming in at a relatively competitive price point, at $59,990, including destination. This puts it in a space where it will compete with higher-trim versions of the Tesla Model Y, and undercuts offerings from several key rivals, including the Jaguar I-Pace, the Audi e-tron SUV, and the forthcoming BMW iX. To be clear, that price is for the introductory rear-wheel-drive, single-motor version. All-wheel-drive versions will follow later and will be priced higher.
So what do the specs look like for the rear-drive Lyriq? The battery is a 100 kWh pack consisting of 12 modules, offering a 482.8 km (300 mile) estimated range. The motor produces 340 hp (255 kW) and 325 lb-ft of torque (440 Nm). Acceleration and top speed figures were not released, but based on the Lyriq’s ample 5,600-pound weight, we’re going to guess a 0-60 mph time in the 5.5 to 6-flat range. Top speed will likely be limited to 120-130 mph.
Charging speed is competitive, with a home AC charging rate of up to 52 miles per hour of charging thanks to a 19.2 kW charging module, with 190 kW DC fast charging capability, allowing for the addition of up to 76 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes.
Wheelbase, overall length, width, and other dimensions of the Lyriq hew closely to the unspoken yardstick for the segment, the Tesla Model X, at 121.8 in, 196.7 in, and 77.8 in, respectively. Brakes are massive 17-inch discs in the front and 18-inch discs in the rear.
Overall styling doesn’t deviate that far from the concept shown in the Super Bowl commercials. Interior styling strikes a tasteful balance between futurism and tradition, with cues such as a 33-inch display reminiscent of that in the current-generation Escalade, as well as knurled knobs to give an upscale touch to interior controls.
The 2023 Lyriq will enter production in the first quarter or 2022, with reservations opening in September 2021. The Lyriq will be built at GM’s plant in Spring Hill, Tenn. An ad campaign highlighting the Lyriq will debut on April 21, 2021 during the Oscars broadcast.
The Lyriq represents a stylish, compelling value in an increasingly crowded premium crossover EV space. We look forward to seeing – and driving – one ourselves next year.
(Images courtesy Cadillac)
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