Cadillac heads to NZ with electric Lyriq SUV

The Cadillac Lyriq will be produced as a right-hand-drive electric SUV. Photos: GM

General Motors has announced that New Zealand will get the all-electric right-hand-drive Cadillac Lyriq SUV in 2024.

Launched last year, the award-winning Lyriq is Cadillac’s first EV and is based on GM’s Ultium Platform. 

John Roth, Vice President, Global Cadillac, said expansion of the Cadillac EV business to Australia and New Zealand followed launches of new all-electric businesses in Switzerland and Sweden. 

The Cadillac Lyriq has GM’s Ultium battery.

“Cadillac is experiencing great sales momentum thanks to our strong product portfolio – and we are now expanding our business globally,” said Roth. 

“The introduction of a right-hand-drive Lyriq will enable new opportunities in important markets where EV adoption is strong.

“Lyriq sets the standard for the future of Cadillac. It elevates our iconic brand through artfully integrated technology, premium craftmanship and dedication to delivering spirited performance.”

GM NZ/Australia Managing Director, Jess Bala, in the RHD model.

According to Roth, GM’s investment in the flexible, modular Ultium battery platform enabled more efficient development of right-hand-drive variants, opening new markets to deliver further scale.

The recently launched all-EV businesses in Europe, Australia and New Zealand added to Cadillac’s global presence, which include markets from the Middle East to Korea, Mexico, Canada, and China.

“Cadillac’s bold innovative spirit defines the next generation of American luxury around the world,” said Roth.

The Cadillac Lyirq will be sold at an Auckland dealership

For GM Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, Jess Bala, the Cadillac brand and the Lyriq are personal passions. In her most recent role, before repatriating to Australia, she was Director of Cadillac Planning and Product Marketing.

“I have been on a journey with Lyriq since early in the program, and returning home with it, factory built in right-hand-drive for Australia and New Zealand, is an absolute dream,” said Bala.

“Today signals the arrival of an automotive masterpiece in Australia and New Zealand and I have every confidence people will share my enthusiasm for Lyriq - the first model in what promises to be a portfolio of right-hand-drive Cadillac EVs for these markets.

“We will launch our all-new Cadillac EV business in both markets focused on three capital cities – Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland – offering customers a highly personalised, luxury buying, driving, and ownership experience.”

Potential customers can visit www.cadillacanz.com/register. 

The RHD version will be built at GM’s Springhill Plant, USA plant.