Meet the Cadillac Lyriq EV, heading to NZ soon
The Cadillac Lyric is set to compete with the likes of BMW iX and Audi Q8 E-Tron. Photos: Liz Dobson
As Cadillac prepares to launch the Lyriq Downunder, we checked out the premium EV in the metal at the prestigious Beverly Hills dealership, and it’s set to capture Kiwis’ hearts.
The Lyriq is a large SUV similar in size to the BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and Audi Q8 E-Tron with the right-hand-drive products built at its Spring Hill, Tennessee factory.
The General Motors-owned luxury brand is being imported to Australasia via GMSV and its general manager, Jess Bala, said it will only be launching electric Cadillacs Downunder.
The grille is a stand-out of the Lyriq, as seen at the Cadillac Beverly Hills dealership.
Bala said Cadillac vehicles will be priced in the same range as the "Tier 1 European brands" such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Japanese company Lexus.
“We’re not going after a mainstream play, this is a luxury play for a whole realm of reasons, one being we want to be something that’s sought-after and to be sought-after there needs to not be a tonne of them driving around,” Bala said.
“We know we’ve only announced Lyriq so far, but I can promise you there are more in the pipeline.”
It has a premium interior that gives it plenty of flair.
So, what is the Cadillac Lyriq like in the metal? Stunning.
I visited the Bevley Hills dealership on a Thursday afternoon a few months ago and realised that Bala was correct during her press briefing that the Lyriq electric SUV looked better in person.
The standout had to the grille that dominates the front of the Lyriq and is set to make the EV a head-turn when it arrives in New Zealand.
It also had a strong road stance thanks to lines running from the top of the wheel arches, making it look higher than it is. The rear of the Lyriq has more of a Lexus look due to the rear lights.
The Lyric EV SUV has a Lexus-like rear.
A rich-looking interior treatment gives the Lyriq an upscale flair. And when it comes to the inside space, there is plenty of room when the seats are down.
With All-Wheel Drive, Lyriq has two motors to power all four wheels—so you can enjoy more confidence during inclement weather. It also has an estimated 373 kW of power and 610Nm of torque.
We can expect to see the Lyriq in its only New Zealand dealership in Auckland in a few months. Rumour has it that Cadillac is taking over the Tesla space on Karangahape Road, which is very fitting.
Why? Bala said the US car maker also expects buyers from cheaper electric cars – including Teslas – to trade up into a Cadillac once they're ready to move on from their current vehicle.
There is plenty of space in the rear when the seats are down.