2023 Cadillac Lyriq EV debuts foreshadowing Cadillac´s all-electric future

GM has a decent track record with production EVs that goes back years starting with the EV-1 to today's Chevy Bolt and Bolt EUV. What you see here is the Cadillac Lyriq EV crossover that will hit dealerships early next year as a 2023 model. The styling is nice if a bit overdone in the direct front and rear angles. The night-time start-up light show is fun, but could get annoying (see video). But the Lyriq is Cadillac's opening salvo in it's stated mission to become an EV-only brand. On many levels having your expensive marque lead the EV charge makes sense until the new technology's prices drop and using the popular crossover body style also makes sense. The Lyriq is a large, luxurious crossover that has all the latest tech and features that your money can buy. Prices are expected to start around $70k and jump depending on options, etc. Recently, Cadillac showed dealers their plans and some dealers refused to sell EVs, so Cadillac offered them a buyout. It's probably good that GM removed the "dead wood" cuz it's just a matter of time before all vehicles are electrically-powered. Despite what you may believe about climate change, EVs are cheaper to run and require little maintenance. As soon as there are more charging stations, folks will adopt EVs. In fact there was a published report that one of the major oil companies (who hit their max oil production level) was going to start retro-fitting their fueling stations with chargers. As the song says, get out your shades cuz your future looks bright.  Expect Lyriq's numbers to be about 340+ hp,  440 nm of torque and a 100 kwh Ultium battery pack for fast charging and more than 300 miles of range. With only 340 hp and weight approaching (or exceeding) 5,000 lbs, expect performance to be quick, but not Tesla fast. If you need super-fast wait for a possible all-wheel drive model with front and rear motors. GM's Super-Cruise and an AKG Studio 19-speaker audio system with headrest speakers will be available. This one that I can't wait to see in person. For more info, check out the media releaes, pics, video and spec charts after the "read more" jump. More to come...

Source: Media release, pics, spec charts, and video after the ¨read more" jump.

Media Release:

2023 Cadillac LYRIQ Debuts, Heralding an All-Electric Future

Production model sets a bold new course for the brand. Reservations open in September.

Today marked a pioneering moment for Cadillac that illuminates the brand’s future and resets the fundamental notions of luxury motoring. The production debut of the 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ is the culmination of a century of innovation and the beginning of a great new era. With testing of Cadillac’s inaugural electric luxury SUV running ahead of schedule, the brand announced that customers may place order reservations beginning in September 2021, with initial availability starting the first half of 2022.

“Throughout the next decade, Cadillac will define the future of luxury transportation through a series of exciting new electric vehicles, and it all begins with LYRIQ,” said Rory Harvey, vice president, Global Cadillac. “The 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ’s stunning design and artfully integrated technology combined with GM’s Ultium Platform will deliver a high-performance luxury experience unlike anything that has come before it, setting a new standard for Cadillac.”

At launch, LYRIQ will be available with premier technologies and stirring performance capabilities enabled by the vehicle’s dedicated electric architecture. A 12-module, 100 kilowatt-hour battery pack and a rear-wheel-drive Ultium Platform deliver a Cadillac-estimated 340 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque — and a Cadillac-estimated over 300 miles of range with a full charge¹.

“Thanks to the modular and highly flexible Ultium Platform that powers LYRIQ, along with advanced virtual development tools, Cadillac has been able to accelerate development and put more real-world miles on prototypes sooner than expected,” said Jamie Brewer, LYRIQ chief engineer. “It’s exciting to see our objectives realized on the road — and it means we are on track to bring this pioneering electric luxury vehicle to customers nine months earlier than originally planned.”

LYRIQ also offers high-speed DC fast charging for public stations at 190 kW, enabling customers to add an estimated 76 miles of range in about 10 minutes² of charging time. For home charging², LYRIQ offers a segment-leading 19.2 kW charging module, which can add up to 52 miles of range per hour of charge³.

To help customers take full control of their electric driving experience, LYRIQ will feature next-generation variable Regen on Demand technology⁴, along with the convenience of One-Pedal Driving⁵. With Cadillac’s new variable Regen on Demand⁴, drivers can control how quickly LYRIQ slows down or comes to a complete stop⁵ using a pressure-sensitive paddle located on the steering wheel. Both technologies make use of regenerative braking to help maximize electric driving efficiency.

Additional 2023 LYRIQ highlights include:

• Available Super Cruise⁶, the industry’s first true hands-free driver-assistance technology for compatible roads
• A stunning 33-inch-diagonal advanced LED display with the ability to emit over 1 billion colors
• Cadillac’s next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system
• Slim-line LED headlamps with choreographed lighting sequence
• AKG Studio 19-speaker audio system with headrest speakers
• Digital Key digital vehicle access
• Dual level charge cord
• Standard 20-inch split six-spoke alloy wheels or optional 22-inch dynamic split-spoke Reverse Rim alloy wheels

Customers will be able to select from Satin Steel Metallic or Stellar Black Metallic exterior colors, and Sky Cool Gray or Noir for the interior.

“LYRIQ represents a clean-sheet design that sets the standard for the future of Cadillac,” said Andrew Smith, executive director of Cadillac Design. “The objective I gave my team was to design the LYRIQ with the level of detail that they would a show car. The customer should feel like they’re driving in the future.”

The interior is clean and simple with a focus on secondary and tertiary design elements, including intricate laser etched patterns through wood over metal decor, which has never been done before. The large, curved LED screen is the centerpiece and all the components are incorporated artfully, blurring the lines of separation among technology, lighting and decor.

Perhaps the most striking example of Cadillac’s next iteration of brand styling is its distinctive black crystal grille.

“We wanted to give the vehicle a face, making sure it looks distinctly Cadillac,” said Smith. The signature vertical lighting is emphasized through lighting choreography. The exterior lighting is a major technological breakthrough, allowing Cadillac to deliver on the promise of truly vertical lamps, an industry first.

The 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ is expected to go into production in the first quarter of 2022, with pricing starting at $59,990⁷. It will be produced at GM’s Spring Hill, Tennessee assembly facility, which is receiving a $2 billion investment to support electric vehicle production. An additional $2.3 billion is being invested in an all-new battery cell manufacturing plant at Spring Hill, by Ultium Cells LLC, the joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution.

A new ad campaign featuring the 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ debuts April 25, during the Oscars broadcast.

# # #

¹ Based on GM testing. EPA estimates not yet available. Actual range will vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, and vehicle loading, use and maintenance.
² Requires professionally installed 19.2 kW AC / 100A dedicated charge station.
³Actual charge times will vary based on battery condition, output of charger, vehicle settings and outside temperature.
⁴Regenerative braking performance may be limited when the battery is cold or near full charge.
⁵Always use the brake pedal when you need to stop urgently.
⁶Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Do not use a hand-held device. Visit Cadillac.com/supercruise for compatible roads and full details.
⁷MSRP includes destination, but excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees. Optional equipment is extra.

LYRIQ Preliminary Specifications

EFFICIENCY

Cadillac Estimated Driving Range^:

More than 300 miles (482.8 km) on a full charge

^{^} Based on GM testing. EPA estimates not yet available. Actual range will vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, and vehicle loading, use and maintenance.

BATTERY SYSTEM

Type:	Rechargeable energy storage system comprising multiple linked modules
Battery chemistry:	Lithium-ion NCMA cathode, blended graphite anode
Modules:	12
Energy:	100 kWh

 

ELECTRIC DRIVE

System:	1 drive unit with 1 motor
Motor:	Permanent magnet, bar wound
Power:	340hp (255 kW)
Torque: (lb-ft / Nm):	325 lb-ft. (440 Nm)
Final drive ratio (:1):	11.63:1

 

CHARGING TIMES^                                                                 

120 V:	3.5 miles of range per hour of charge time
240 V (11.5 kW AC) 240V* (19.2 kW AC)	31 miles of range per hour of charge time 52 miles of range per hour of charge time
DC Fast Charge:	Up to 76 miles of range in 10 minutes of charge time Up to 195 miles of range in 30 minutes of charge time

^{^}Actual charge times will vary based on battery condition, output of charger, vehicle settings and outside temperature.
^*Requires professionally installed 19.2 kW AC / 100A dedicated charge station.

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

Front Suspension:	5-link SLA with Passive-Plus Premium Dampers
Rear Suspension:	5-link with Passive-Plus Premium Dampers
Steering Type:	Continuously Variable Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Turning Circle (wall-wall) (ft. / m):	12.1m
Brake Type:	4 wheel disc with DuraLife Rotors
Brake Rotor Size: (in. / mm)	17” (321mm) front/18” (345 mm) Rear
Wheel Size:	Standard: 20” Split 6-spoke Alloy Optional: 22” Dynamic Split-spoke Reverse Rim Alloy
Tires:	Included with 20” wheels: 265/50R20 All Season, Self-sealing Included with 22” wheels: 275/40R22 All Season, Low profile^, Self-sealing

^{^} Lower-profile tires wear faster. Tire and wheel damage may occur on rough or damaged roads or from surfaces, curbs, debris or obstacles. This damage is not covered by the GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty. For more details, go to my.cadillac.com/learnabout/tires or see your dealer.

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS                            

Wheelbase (in. / mm):	121.8 / 3094
Overall Length (in. / mm):	196.7 / 4996
Overall Width (in. / mm):	77.8 / 1977
Overall Height (in. / mm):	63.9 / 1623

 

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS                             

Headroom (in / mm):	Front 38.6 / 980 Rear 37.7 / 957
Legroom (in. / mm):	(front - max) 41.4 / 1052 (rear) 39.6 / 1006
Shoulder Room (in. / mm):	(front) 58.9 / 1497 (rear) 58.6 / 1488
Hip Room (in. / mm):	(front) 56.5 / 1436 (rear) 54.0 / 1372

 

WEIGHTS & CAPACITIES                            

Base Curb Weight (Min) (lb. / kg):	2545 kg/5610 lbs
Passenger Volume (cu. ft. / L):	105 / 2976
Cargo Volume (cu. ft. / L) ^:	28.0 / 793 (behind rear seat) 60.8 / 1723 (rear seat folded)

^{^} Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution