Cadillac LYRIQ Set to Lead GM’s New EV Offensive

While General Motors CEO Mary Barra claims that electric vehicles won’t take over combustion engines until at least 20 years from now, the automaker still plans to invest more than $20 billion over the next five years and launch 20 new EVs around the globe by 2023.

China, of course, will be the main beneficiary. In North America, we keep waiting for a second model to follow the Chevrolet Bolt, which incidentally received a few key upgrades for 2020.

On August 6, GM finally unveiled the vehicle that will lead its new electric offensive, the Cadillac LYRIQ, marking the dawn of a new era for the 118-year-old American brand.

Designers took a rather bold approach with this burly yet low-slung midsize crossover, starting with a commanding front fascia featuring a wide, gloss black panel that contrasts with the rest of the body. There are illuminated badges at both ends and sleek taillights that evoke Cadillac’s signature tailfins of the past.

Inside, the dashboard incorporates a gigantic 33-inch curved display similar to the 38-inch interface in the new 2021 Cadillac Escalade. There are very few physical buttons; instead, you’ll find touch-sensitive controls. Also, materials were carefully selected and finished to raise the bar in the luxury EV segment.

What about performance? We’re still missing a few important specs, like output. It’s expected that the Cadillac LYRIQ will come standard with all-wheel drive in Canada. Thanks to the new Ultium battery, the vehicle will be able to travel “beyond 485 kilometres” with a full charge. Also, charging options will include DC fast charging rates over 150 kilowatts and Level 2 charging rates up to 19 kW.

Furthermore, the LYRIQ will stand out as the most technologically advanced vehicle ever produced by GM. The package starts with the latest version of Super Cruise, the hands-free driver assistance system that now includes automated lane change. Next, supervised remote parking will use ultrasonic sensors to help the LYRIQ park itself in parallel or perpendicular parking spaces, even when the driver is outside of the vehicle. And for music lovers, a 19-speaker AKG Acoustics sound system is included.

“Led by LYRIQ, Cadillac will redefine American luxury over the next decade with a new portfolio of transformative EVs,” said Steve Carlisle, executive vice president and president, GM North America. “We will deliver experiences that engage the senses, anticipate desires and enable our customers to go on extraordinary journeys.”

The bad news is that we’ll have to be very patient as the Cadillac LYRIQ will not hit the market until the second half of 2022.

Auto Guide article