Lyriq

Make
Cadillac
Segment
SUV

The Cadillac Lyriq hasn't even reached dealerships yet and it's already proving to be a massive hit with consumers. Last year, every single example of the Debut Edition was reserved in under 20 minutes. Now making its way down the production line, the all-electric SUV is set to be a game-changer for the Michigan-based brand. Stirring up further excitement around the battery-powered Caddy is the announcement of a 500-horsepower all-wheel-drive variant.

On an Instagram Q&A, Cadillac revealed that the all-paw derivative will boast a heady 500 hp, allowing the newcomer to take the fight to the 516-hp BMW iX. These figures are notably stronger than the more affordable rear-wheel-drive Lyriq. Priced from $59,990, the entry-level derivative sports 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, along with an estimated driving range of 300 miles.

What the all-wheel-drive derivative gains in power it will most likely lose in range. We can't imagine Cadillac sacrificing too much range in the pursuit of outright performance. With such strong demand for the two-wheel-drive Lyriq, the AWD derivative will certainly bolster Cadillac's order books. General Motors has said RWD models are expected to reach customers by summer, so we expect all-wheel-drive production to kick off shortly afterward.

As for pricing, we anticipate the more powerful derivative will be attached to a heavier price tag. After all, the similarly potent iX xDrive50 retails from $83,200 before options. We wouldn't be surprised if the range-topping Lyriq arrives with pricing more in line with its rival from Bavaria. Luxury buyers have a lot to look forward to, though - the Lyriq is packed with tech.

Buyers will be able to select from an assortment of appealing luxury features, including a 19-speaker audio system, Super Cruise, clever Active Noise Cancellation, and, for tech lovers, the gorgeous 33-inch LED display that nearly spans the width of the dashboard. But, if Lincoln has anything to do with it, the Lyriq won't have its way with the market for much longer.

Ford's luxury division recently unveiled the striking Star Concept which, it says, represents Lincoln's electrified future. Designed to look unlike anything the brand has ever revealed, the large SUV places a massive focus on the interior ambiance which rethinks what luxury is. Said to inspire the design of upcoming Lincoln SUVs (the first of which we'll see in 2025), the Lyriq may have a serious threat to contend with in the coming years.