2024 Cadillac Lyriq

The Lyriq is Cadillac's first attempt to make a fully electric midsize SUV, and after the automaker proved what it is capable of with the latest-gen Escalade, the world is expecting a lot from the EV. In terms of looks, the Lyriq doesn't disappoint; it's a very attractive vehicle that merges the futuristic elements of many current electric cars with the rugged design philosophy of the all-American brand. However, with 340 horsepower in its base guise, Caddy fanboys may not be all that impressed. This can be bumped up to a more impressive 500 hp if you opt for the all-wheel-drive version, and you only lose one mile of range over the RWD variant, leaving you with 307 miles on a full charge. Direct competitors to the Cadillac Lyriq are also fairly diverse, and buyers will want to look at the BMW iX or the Audi e-tron, and may even consider the Genesis GV60. Considering its pricing, spacious and stylish interior, and strong list of features, the Lyriq may just be another big win for Cadillac.

Considering everything it brings to the table, the new Cadillac Lyriq has a reasonable price tag. The starting Tech trim will cost you just $57,195. The Luxury and Sport trim levels add a few nice features with their base '1' sub-trims and only increase the price marginally to $61,295 and $61,795, respectively. Opting for the Luxury 2 or Sport 2 sub-trims sees the price increase to $65,595 and $66,095. Luxury 3 models retail for $69,195, while Sport 3 models are priced at $69, 695. Each of these configurations can be outfitted with all-wheel drive, with additional power, by paying an extra $3,500. These prices are MSRP and do not include tax, registration, or the $1,395 destination. However, like many EVs, buyers in the USA may be eligible for rebates.

Cadillac had one thing in mind when it built the new Lyric electric SUV, and that was comfort. And with that in mind, the automaker did a great job. There is some room for improvement, of course, and adaptive dampers would not go amiss. Nevertheless, it takes a rather large bump to upset this composed cruiser and driving it feels just as effortless as the ride quality is smooth. There are a few modes on the drive selector, including tour, snow/ice, sporty, and a customizable my mode. However, it is the base tour setup that capitalizes on the car's strong points, as the Lyriq is definitely not made to take corners with any gusto. It accelerates quite quickly in base guise, and the stronger AWD has even more kick, but the steering lacks the feeling needed to inspire the driver to attempt spirited maneuvers.

Once you get going, the active noise cancellation does an excellent job of cutting you off from the noise of the highway, and you can even rely on the Super Cruise function to do a lot of the work for you if you so choose. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, driving this EV could not be easier, as the powerful regenerative braking system allows you to accelerate or stop using just one pedal, once you get the feel for it. Caddy fans who want something with a bit more sizzle can wait for a V Series model, but as it stands, the Lyric is a very comfortable driver and extremely easy to live with on a daily basis.

The 2024 Lyriq definitely feels like a natural step forward as Cadillac tries to return to its luxury roots. It has the look and feel of a high-class SUV, but instead of being overly floaty, it remains composed and grounded when driving. It's not athletic by any means, but it has more than enough power for getting around town or cruising down the highway, and a long list of standard comfort and convenience features ensures that every trip is effortless and restful. Considering that it is aimed at more affluent and discerning consumers, the Lyriq is very competitively priced, being cheaper than the Tesla Model Y, while providing much higher levels of luxury. When you review more everyday concerns, the Lyriq is spacious, both for passengers and cargo, and it has a competitive maximum range, despite having any rivals that directly compete with it in terms of size and luxury. It may be dislodged as the top choice somewhere down the line, but right now, the Caddy Lyriq is proof that the American automaker has the ability to make great cars without compromise and that the brand is right on track to return to the glory of its heydays.

While the Lyriq may not be the cheapest EV out there, is extremely well-priced for what it offers. How much you get is, of course, dependent on what you're willing to spend, but the Tech trim with the Driver-assistance Package probably balances price with value the best.

If you have a little extra spare cash, the Luxury 2 with the noise cancellation tech and premium sound system is extremely hard to pass up. These models get a sunroof as standard as well.