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In September, Cadillac’s new EV, the LYRIQ, became available for preorder. It took only 19 minutes for preorders of the Debut Edition LYRIQ to be completely reserved. The hype continues to build for Cadillac’s first Luxury all-electric SUV, introducing the "beginning of the end" for traditional gasoline-powered models for the brand, which they hope to achieve by 2030. With all the attention surrounding the LYRIQ and orders again opening on May 19th, it has the potential to be the top luxury EV of 2023, and here are 3 reasons why.
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The first reason LYRIQ could be the top EV is its attractive price point. When you look at the segment, which consists of being fully electric, luxury crossovers that are currently available, your options are as follows: The Tesla Model X, The Jaguar I Pace, and the Audi E-Tron. The 2022 BMW Ix will be a future competitor as well but will be taking delivery in the Summer of 2022. The 2022 Tesla Model X MSRP starts at $94,000 for the “Long Range” Model and over 114,000 for the Plaid Model, which features an absurd 1,020 horsepower and 0-60 time of 2.5 seconds. For a bit tamer option, Jaguar’s I-PACE is also the brand’s first electric vehicle. For 2022, The I PACE is only offered in the former highest HSE trim, which features adaptive cruise control, premium audio, leather upholstery, and more. The I-PACE starts at 69,000 with plenty of paint, wheel, and accessory choices to bring the price past $80k. Finally, Audi’s first all-electric SUV, the e-Tron features 6 different trim levels, with the basic premium starting at $67,000 and the top end of the spectrum, the Chronos edition which boasts a Chronos grey finish, orange calipers, 21” wheels, and S-line exterior package all for 84,995. Where does the Cadillac stack up? For the time being, it appears to be the most inexpensive out of the entire segment. Starting at $59k for the luxury base trim, it is expected to have Apple Carplay, Wifi, lane departure warning,
automated braking, and more as standard features. These are on par with those of the segment competitors.
The second reason the new LYRIQ could reign supreme is in its total range. While much discrepancy stands between the manufacturer’s published range and real-world tests, the LYRIQ should be a frontrunner next to the tesla model X which boasts 360 miles of range at a price of nearly 30,000$ more. The E-Tron and I pace only to return a manufacturer range of 222 and 253 miles. The Youtube Channel What Car? Made a video doing real-world range tests with an array of electric vehicles from 2021. The Model X’s sibling, the Model 3, returned a 284-mile range. Which is only 78% of the claimed manufacturer range. If the Cadillac can maintain a range of just 275 miles of its claimed 300-mile range, It will be a tight race with the top dog of the segment, the Tesla.
Between the LYRIQ and Tesla, Tesla has received much criticism with quality concerns. In Car & Driver’s 2021 Model X review, author Drew Dorian hits the nail on the head “considering its price can easily break the six-figure barrier, [It has] non-descript air vents, misaligned panels, and flat-backed seats that don't offer enough adjustments. Consumer Reports also reported similar findings, rating the Model X 2/5 in reliability, providing poor ratings for paint quality, body integrity, car electronics, and body hardware. Owners on a variety of Tesla Forums have reported similar findings. If GM can follow up on Tesla’s shortcomings, with regards to fit & finish, The LYRIQ could easily be the top Luxury EV of 2023.
Frank Kent Cadillac of Fort Worth & Arlington can help you get into the Cadillac of your dreams. Reservations for the Lyriq will continue May 19th, 2022, click here for your Arlington reservation and here to reserve at our Fort Worth location.