• Car Review

2024 Cadillac Lyriq Review

By Josh Noel | August 8, 2024

Vehicle Type: Four-door, five-seat midsize electric luxury SUV.

Price Range: $58,590 - $63,190, including destination but before options or additional packages. Pricing also does not include any factory incentives or potential EV tax credits.

Powertrain: The all-electric Cadillac Lyriq’s base powertrain comprises a single motor with 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque driving the rear wheels.

An optional dual-motor AWD model increases output to 500 horsepower via an electric motor added to the front axle.

All models get a 102 kWh battery pack.


What’s New for 2024?

Cadillac changed up the trim levels for 2024, and three are offered for the new model year. They include base Tech trim, mid-tier Luxury trim, and top-of-the-line Sport trim. It also added new wheel designs and additional color choices inside and out.

More optional equipment was made available including a Nappa Leather package, three-zone automatic climate control, heated rear outboard seats, and panoramic power sunroof.

Aside from these relatively minor changes, the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq is very similar to the debut model from the previous year.


What’s Good?

  • 300+ miles of range
  • Comfort and quality you expect from the brand
  • Whisper quiet interior
  • Relatively low base price

What’s Bad?

  • No frunk and limited cargo space
  • Unimpressive power and acceleration
  • Unknown safety and crash test ratings
  • Unique styling

Would we buy one? Yeah! It’s a Caddy of the future with the soul of a classic.


More Photos:

See more 2024 Cadillac Lyriq Photos.


Overview:

2024 Cadillac Lyriq Right Back Side (Overview)

The Cadillac Lyriq was the brand’s first foray into the luxury electric vehicle market when it launched in 2023. The Lyriq is aimed at buyers looking for a luxury SUV from an American automaker that is more blue-blood than a startup. It’s an alternative to younger and lesser-known manufacturers that often grab headlines in the electric car market. Competition from European manufacturers is also growing, but the Lyric also holds its own against those competitors.

Buyers considering the Lyriq may also be shopping for luxury models such as the Acura ZDX, the Audi Q6 e-tron, the BMW iX, the Genesis GV70, the Lexus RZ, the Mercedes-Benz EQE, the Porsche Macan EV, the Rivian R1S, and the Tesla Model X. They might also consider cheaper electric sport utility models, such as the Chevy Blazer EV, the Hyundai Ioniq5, the Kia EV6, or the Tesla Model Y.

The Cadillac Lyriq offers a relatively low entry price to the luxury crossover segment and has an old-school idea of what luxury means. The cabin is quiet, the seats are comfortable, the ride is smooth, and speed and sharp handling come second. The Lyriq is a worthy contender in an increasingly crowded segment.


Overall Score: 3.9/5 stars

Driving Experience: 3.5/5 stars

2024 Cadillac Lyriq Driving (Driving)

The base rear-wheel drive powertrain pulls the heavy SUV from 0-60 in just under six seconds. That's plenty of power for daily driving, but doesn't match the jaw-dropping numbers of some EVs.

AWD models with 500 horsepower can reach 60mph in less than five seconds.

The Lyriq feels planted and predictable. The suspension is comfortable on all but the worst roads and, while the ride is firm, you couldn't call it sporty.

The steering has little feedback and braking is also somewhat vague. This may be disappointing for those wanting an electric equivalent of the Cadillac Blackwing.

One-pedal driving engages regenerative braking to slow the vehicle to a stop. Touching the brake pedal is optional in this mode, aside from surprise, quick, or emergency braking.

Forward visibility is average and rear visibility is poor, due to the massive C-pillars and the sloping rear end.

The Lyriq's ride, comfort, and poise fit the Cadillac name. Not every luxury electric SUV needs to be a road-going rocket.


Safety Features: 3.5/5 stars

2024 Cadillac Lyriq Dashboard and Seats (Safety)

The Cadillac Lyriq had not been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) at the time of writing.

Despite the lack of safety ratings, the Lyriq's list of standard safety and driver assistance features is impressive. Base models are equipped with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, front and rear parking assist, and a teen driver mode.

Higher-end features such as GM’s Super Cruise adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving are available as options. The semi-autonomous driving system is considered to be among the best available at the moment, allowing for safe driving with hands off the steering wheel under certain circumstances.


Value: 4/5 stars

2024 Cadillac Lyriq Front (Value)

With a starting price of $58,590, the Lyriq represents good value in a category where most models start at a higher price. It's also packed with a suite of luxury and tech features, and each version feels like a fair deal.

EVs and luxury cars generally face steep depreciation. Although this model has only been on the market for a couple of years, buyers should be prepared to take a hit on the resale market if they choose to unload their Lyriq.

With a model this new, a warranty is critical, and the Lyriq offers more or less industry-standard coverage. A four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty, a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty, and one complimentary maintenance visit are included to cover any early hiccups.


Tech Features: 4.5/5 stars

2024 Cadillac Lyriq Infotainment (Tech)

The Lyriq shares a massive touchscreen with the Cadillac Escalade. The 33-inch screen stretches across about two thirds of the dash and handles both instrument cluster and infotainment duties.

The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and can be controlled via a navigation wheel on the center console. Three USB-C ports are available in the front row and two in the rear seats.

Audiophiles can opt for a premium AKG sound system with 19 speakers, which is available across trims and standard on top-tier models.

Overall, the tech features are impressive, but reviewers were split on the intuitiveness of the Google-based infotainment system. Some found it easy to use and others said it would take time to get used to it.


Practicality: 3/5 stars

2024 Cadillac Lyriq Trunk (Practicality)

The Lyriq offers comfortable seating for four adults with a smaller central seat in the back row, which would be good for children or adults on short journeys.

Storage behind the rear seat is limited due to the sloped roof and Many electric and traditional SUVs in the midsized segment have more cargo space.

The lack of a front trunk – or 'frunk' – is disappointing. Many EVs have additional storage under the hood, but the Lyriq uses that space for vehicle components. Those coming from combustion-powered vehicles won’t miss the extra space, but it might be noticed by those more familiar with EVs.

All-wheel drive models can tow up to 3,500 pounds, although the electric range will be greatly diminished when hauling a trailer.


Styling & Design: 4/5 stars

2024 Cadillac Lyriq Front Left Side (Styling)

Overall the Lyriq delivers a compelling package with a good mix of luxury, comfort, and functionality.

With the battery pack under the floor and the wheels pushed out to the corners of the car, the Lyriq had a very spacious interior. Seating in the front and rear rows is comfortable and roomy.

The quality is pure Cadillac with an interior finished with appropriately plush materials and excellent build quality.

Cadillac Lyriq reviews have been mixed when it comes to the vehicle’s looks. Some critics find the model attractive and futuristic, while others are turned off by the massive fake grille and unusual rear styling. We’ll stay out of the hubbub and simply say that the Lyriq’s appearance makes a statement.

It is a solid first entry for Cadillac into the EV market, and the Ultium platform has been adapted well to a luxury crossover.


Fuel Efficiency: 4.5/5 stars

2024 Cadillac Lyriq Speedmeter (Efficiency)

The Lyriq gets an EPA-estimated range of 314 miles for RWD models and 307 when equipped with AWD.

The class-leading Tesla Model X has a maximum range of 348 miles, while the Genesis Electrified GV70 gets an estimated range of just 236 miles. The Lyriq is squarely in the upper half of the pack when it comes to range.

In MPG equivalent the Lyriq is rated at 92 MPGe city and 82 MPGe in the city in its most efficient RWD configuration.

Included 190 kW fast charging can add up to 77 miles of range in just 10 minutes from an appropriate charger. Level two charging can deliver up to 51 miles of range per hour of charging, depending on the charger.

DC fast charging and 300-plus miles of range make the Lyriq a very realistic option both for daily driving and for road trips. Be sure to start each day with a full charge and plan longer trips around high-speed chargers.


What’s it Going to Cost Me?

2024 Cadillac Lyriq Profile (Cost)

In base Tech trim the Lyriq has an MSRP of $58,590. Power comes from a 102 kWh battery pack and a single electric motor with 340 horsepower driving the rear wheels. RWD models get an EPA estimated range of 314 miles. Standout features include a 33.0-inch diagonal LED display, Cadillac Smart System safety suite, 11.5 kW AC charging, one-pedal driving with regenerative braking, a wireless device charger, and a fixed glass roof. Exterior features include 20-inch alloy wheels, an illuminated grille, and Slimline LED headlights. Only a single paint color – Argent Silver Metallic – is available without paying an additional sum. Inside, leatherette upholstery with cloth accents, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and metallic brightwork present an upscale environment.

Notable optional packages for Tech trim include a $2,400 Driver Assist package which adds adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, rear pedestrian alert, side bicycle alert, enhanced automatic parking assist, and intersection emergency braking. Opting for all-wheel drive adds $3,500 to the price.

In mid-tier Cadillac Lyriq Luxury trim the starting price rises to $62,290. Confusingly, Luxury trim is broken into three tiers: Luxury 1 includes the Driver Assist package, adaptive headlights, and built-in navigation. The interior is upgraded with perforated leatherette seats with blue trim. Front seats are heated and ventilated and the fixed glass roof is replaced with a power sunroof. Charging is upgraded to 19.2 kW AC. Luxury 2 trim starts at $66,990 and adds Super Cruise advanced adaptive cruise control and the AKG 19-speaker sound system. Luxury 3 trim raises the price to $70,590 and adds heated rear seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, rear cargo cover, interior movement sensor, vehicle inclination sensor, 22-inch wheels with wheel locks, advanced alarm system, and an automatic power liftgate.

Cadillac Lyriq Sport trim rounds out the lineup and starts at $63,190. Visually, Sport trim is differentiated by dark trim exterior trim, body-color door handles, and a unique grille. Sport trim features a fixed glass roof rather than a power panoramic sunroof. Sport is also available in the tiers which largely mirror those offered for the Luxury trim. Sport 2 starts at $67,490 and Sport 3 costs a minimum of $71,090. A Nappa Leather package is available for an additional $3,990.

For an idea of what a well-optioned version of the top trim would cost, a fully loaded Sport 3 trim with Nappa Leather package, panoramic sunroof, special 22-inch black wheels, Radiant Red Tintcoat exterior paint, and 19.2 kW capable onboard charging module comes out to a total MSRP of $85,965.


More Photos:

See more 2024 Cadillac Lyriq Photos.