First Look: 2023 Cadillac Lyriq

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Here it is, the Cadillac of EVs. The luxury brand’s first-ever all-electric is called the Lyriq, and it was revealed to the world this evening during a virtual presentation from General Motors’ headquarters in Michigan. It’s also the first GM model utilizing the BEV3, the third-generation EV platform that features the automaker’s all-new Ultium batteries that support 800-volt technology and allow for charging up to 350 kilowatts.

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You won’t quite get to that level of charging in the Lyriq, however there are a few charging options, including Level 1 and Level 2 up to 19 kilowatts and DC fast charging at over 150 kilowatts. Two drivetrains will be available: a base rear-wheel drive model and an all-wheel drive performance model.

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The Lyriq’s full-charge range is expected in the vicinity of 480 kilometres (or 300 miles). That new Ultium battery system will offers approximately 100 kilowatt-hours of energy, and features a unique battery chemistry utilizing nickel, cobalt, manganese and aluminum, that latter metal used in the cathode to help reduce the need for rare-earth materials such as cobalt. According to GM, the cobalt content is reduced by more than 70 per cent compared to current GM batteries.

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Further, the battery is packed in large, flat pouch cells that enable smart module construction to reduce complexity and simplify cooling needs. Additionally, the battery electronics are built into the modules, eliminating nearly 90 per cent of the battery pack wiring compared to GM’s current electric vehicles. The platform also allows for a very low centre of gravity, and the Lyriq is well balanced with a 50/50 weight distribution, according to Cadillac.

Just as the drivetrain technology is a first for a Cadillac, there are a number of onboard technological firsts in the Lyriq, most notably a 33-inch diagonal LED display that spans the driver’s field of sight and provides driver information, infotainment controls and camera views. According to Cadillac it features the highest pixel density in the automotive industry and can display over one billion colours, 64 times more than its closest competitor.

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There’s also what Cadillac is referring to as a ‘dual-plane augmented reality enhanced heads-up display.’ In layman’s terms, that would be a two level HUD with the near level showing typical HUD info (speed, direction etc.) and a further away level that displays transparent navigation signals and other alerts. And the Lyriq will come with the latest version of Cadillac’s Super Cruise, a hands-free assistance feature that will have automated lane change ability. And in keeping with the theme of its name, the Lyriq will have a ‘qick’ ass sound system — a 19-speaker AKG Studio audio set up.

Just as Nissan did with it’s coming soon all-electric Ariya , Cadillac re-imagined its exterior design language with the Lyriq, signaling what future Caddy EVs will look like. Most notable are a ‘black crystal’ grille and vertical, slim LED signature lighting up front, and at the rear a split taillamp design incorporating slim LEDs. Another interesting design feature that is both artful and functional is the vented roof spoiler, another first for a Cadillac.

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The Lyriq is the first of a number of ‘coming soon’ Cadillac EVs, all part of parent company General Motors’ lofty promise of no less than 20 all-electrics for sale globally by 2023. As of today, they have one: the Chevrolet Bolt. Next up for Caddy will be the Celestiq flagship sedan, and though unnamed, we do know there are three SUVs/CUVs following that halo vehicle: a compact similar in size to the XT4; a three-row mid-size along the XT6 lines; and an Escalade-sized EV. We also know that Cadillac has made two name trademark filings — Optiq and Symboliq —presumably as part of its ‘iq’ naming convention EV stable. Speaking of names, there are also rumours going around that GM is considering breaking away its entire EV lineup to create a new brand around those zero emission vehicles.

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The Lyriq joins a growing number of all-new, all-electric SUVs/CUVs coming soon to Canada, a list that includes the already here Tesla Model Y, the Ford Mustang Mach-e (coming early next year), the Polestar 2 (available in the coming months), the Volvo XC40 Recharge (expected by the end of the year), the recently revealed Nissan Ariya (coming later next year) and the Mazda MX-3 (sometime next year).

Cadillac’s first EV is set to launch in the U.S. in late 2022 as a 2023 model. Canadian pricing and availability will be released at a later date.

Plugged In Podcast

Electrify Canada is opening 32 public fast-charging stations in four provinces by the end of 2020. In our final episode of Season 2, we talk with company COO Robert Barrosa.

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