2023 Cadillac Lyriq Review: Enough To Wax Lyri(cal) About?
A first for the Cadillac brand, the 2023 Lyriq has finally made it to US shores, despite some challenges and delays. It comes to do battle with the Audi e-tron, BMW iX, and Tesla Model X wearing a sharp and very futuristic suit, unlike any we've seen on a Caddy thus far. It's available as a single-motor rear-wheel drive model or a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant, and promises a range of 312 miles in the RWD configuration. A RWD Debut Edition was available at launch, but that sold out very quickly, leaving the remaining single Luxury trim for the 2023 model year, in either RWD or AWD. The focus of the innovative SUV is on paving the way for an all-electric future for brand, so there's a lot riding on the 2023 Cadillact Lyriq. While the RWD model makes 340 horsepower, two motors in the AWD version provide up to 500 hp. This is no performance SUV, though, and the focus is clearly on providing a soft and cosetting ride, as evidenced by the quiet and opulent interior. Has the wait been worth it?
2023 Lyriq Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 196.7 in | 121.8 in | 63.9 in | 77.8 in | 65.9 in | 65.9 in | 5,688.0 lbs |
2023 Lyriq Performance
2023 Cadillac Lyriq Handling and Driving Impressions
If you've hyped up the Caddy to be a performance masterpiece, you'll be disappointed. It's no sprinter and it won't be the SUV that thrills you through tight corners. So while it can get to 60 mph in the mid-five-second range in RWD configuration, we praise it more for the ability to soak up larger bumps in the road, isolate passengers from road noise, and comfortably cruise through traffic. It handles well and doesn't second-guess anything it does, but it's far from engaging so don't expect it to spike your heart rate. Still, the suspension retains some firmness to aid in that sense of composure, and it feels a little jittery over road abrasions.
One-pedal driving is possible and that will be something to get used to for most Caddilac fans moving over to the EV side of things with the Lyriq. On the plus side, it's not difficult to adjust, and if you can avoid getting distracted by the monstrous screen, it'll be a good shift to greener motoring for many.
2023 Lyriq Interior
2023 Lyriq Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Warranty Note | Basic | Rust-Through | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Maintenance Note | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary 2023 Warranty | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 6 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles | 1 Year/1 Visit | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq A Good SUV?
The much-anticipated Lyriq isn't a let-down, and its striking looks both inside and out are outright captivating. Most people will love the interior, although many may need to adjust to the excessively tech-rich setup, and it's quiet and comfortable for the daily run as well as longer trips. As far as its EV DNA goes, the Lyriq's claimed 312-mile range is impressive and competitive, while EPA figures put it at 97/82/89 MPGe - this beats the Audi e-tron's claimed figures by some margin and it's even slightly better than those of the BMW iX. There is no safety review for the Cadillac Lyriq from either the NHTSA or IIHS to take into account yet, but the features and driver assists are plentiful, so it should be a safe people carrier. The main competitors of the Cadillac Lyriq are quite a bit more expensive, so while there aren't any over-the-top ultra-luxurious trims for its debut year, no one would blame you for springing for one of these.