2024 Cadillac Lyriq: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

The Lyriq is Cadillac’s first-ever fully electric car, introduced to the American market in 2022. It’s also one of the first models to employ GM’s Ultium EV platform, offering both rear- and all-wheel drivetrain options. The Lyriq is the smallest option in the brand’s EV crossover and SUV catalog, followed by the upcoming Vistiq and Escalade IQ. The Lyriq tackles a niche but competitive segment. It’s a bold strategy from the historical luxury carmaker that paid off in 2023.

The brand’s overall sales were down by seven percent in the final quarter of 2023, but the Lyriq enjoyed impressive success with over 3,500 units sold. It’s still way below the likes of the rest of its range, but its growth is a lot more noticeable. This success is sure to grow even more in 2024, as national charging infrastructure improves and consumers become more knowledgeable about electric car ownership.

This guide provides comprehensive information provided by the manufacturer. Top Speed sourced additional data for performance (from Car and Driver and MotorTrend) reliability (from J.D. Power), EPA gas mileage (Fueleconomy.gov), safety ratings (IIHS), and recalls (NHTSA). We evaluate five different metrics when determining a rating for each model. You can
read our Methodology page
for more information about how our rating system works.

What’s New For 2024

Cadillac adopts a more streamlined trim configuration for 2024. These consist of a base Tech, mid-range Luxury, and flagship Sport derivatives. Cadillac increases the specification level on the Luxury and adds more distinctive visual trimmings to the Sport, including darkened chrome elements and a 3D illuminated grille.

2024 Highlights

• Cadillac cuts its line-up to three trims
• More standard features added to the Luxury trim
• Darkened chrome elements for the Sport trim
• New Emerald Lake Metallic, Nimbus Metallic, Celestial Metallic, Radiant Red Tintcoat, and Argent Silver Metallic paint options
• New Nappa leather upholstery options: Juniper and Oxford Stone upholstery options

Exterior Dimensions

(Specs sourced from Cadillac)

Specifications And Performance

The base-level model features a single rear-mounted permanent-magnet motor producing 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet. Cadillac claims this configuration returns a modest 6.0-second 0-60 MPH time, but private tests indicate it can reach that speed in 5.7 seconds. Cadillac limits the top speed to 118 MPH.

Cadillac offers an optional dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration with 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque output for all trims. The brand claims a 4.8 0-60 MPH time, which tests confirm to be accurate. The dual-motor derivatives can reach a higher 130 MPH top speed.

All Lyriq derivatives feature a front and rear multilink suspension with Passive-Plus premium dampers for enhanced comfort and handling prowess. 17-inch front and 18-inch rear DuraLife brake rotors ensure prompt stopping characteristics.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Cadillac)

Despite the rear-wheel drive model’s lower power output and curb weight figure, the EPA estimates it to have marginally worse energy consumption returns compared to the all-wheel drive models. The 2024 model bears an 88 MPGe combined energy consumption estimate, while the EPA gives all-wheel drive units a more favorable 89 MPGe estimate.

Towing and Payload Capacities

For the time being, Cadillac only divulges the dual-motor model’s 3,500-pound towing capacity. All dual-motor cars come standard with hitch guidance with trailering assist guidelines, hitch view, and a wire harness connector. You can specify a hitch cover for $139 and a trailer hitch for $978.

(Specifications sourced from Cadillac)

Cadillac Lyriq Charging Time And Range

All Lyriq units feature GM’s 102 kWh Ultium battery. Rear-wheel drive models return a 314-mile EPA range estimate, while the all-wheel drive options cover a slightly shorter 307 miles on a single charge. This battery takes 79 hours to charge via a household Level One plug and 15 hours when using a 220-volt Level Two system at 7.7 kW. Increasing this to 11.5 kWh reduces this time to 12 hours, while 19.2 kW will take just under 10 hours to fully recharge. Level Three DC fast charging recovers 10 to 80 percent of charge in 40 minutes.

(Specs sourced from Cadillac)

Cadillac throws in a standard dual-level charging cord with every Lyriq purchased. This includes a NEMA 14-50 adapter and is rated up to 7.7 kW at 240 volts.

Interior Technology, Luxury, And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The Year Make Model

• 33-inch LED infotainment system
• Seven-speaker audio system
• Power-adjustable and heated Inteluxe-upholstered front seats with memory
• Wireless smartphone charger
• Dual-zone climate control
• Universal home remote with three channels

The base Tech trim comes standard with dual-zone climate control with a cabin air filter and front bucket seats upholstered in black Inteluxe synthetic leather. The driver’s seat is eight-way electrically adjustable, while the passenger can only electrically move their seat in six directions. Both front seats have heating, memory, and four-way lumbar adjustments. The rear row benefits from a center armrest with two cup holders.

Upgrading to the Luxury adds perforated Inteluxe upholstery, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Luxury 2 package adds front-seat ventilation, lumbar massaging, and a reclining second-row bench. The Luxury 3 configuration includes tri-zone climate control with rear vents, a rear camera mirror, and a cargo cover. Interior upholstery options consist of Noir or Sky Cool Gray with Santorini blue trimmings. Sport models feature the same equipment as the Luxury models.

Optional features for all trims include an all-weather Interior Protection package for $375 and an all-weather floor liner package for $395. You can upgrade to Nappa Leather upholstery for $3,990 and fit a panoramic sunroof for $1,600.

Technology

All Cadillac Lyric models feature a 33-inch advanced LED display, consisting of an infotainment system and instrument cluster. This system includes a seven-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, a six-month trial to SiriusXM, 5G Wi-Fi hot-spotting via AT&T, and Cadillac Connected services via OnStar.

Additional technical fitments include a wireless smartphone charger and five USB ports for charging and data transfer. Luxury and Sport 2 groups add an AKG 19-speaker premium audio system with active noise control, and a 110-volt plug point.

Interior Dimensions

(Specs sourced from Cadillac)

Safety And Reliability

The Lyriq’s basic standard specifications are fairly comprehensive. All trims feature eight airbags covering the front driver and passenger, front knees, sides, and curtains. You also get a teen driver function and front and rear park assist. Unfortunately, we don’t know how well it performs in the event of a collision, because the NHTSA and IIHS have not crash-tested it.

As for its reliability, the 2024 model is subject to one recall relating to an improperly welded seat belt bracket. J.D. Power gives the Lyriq a Fair 60/100 rating for quality and reliability, which is a bit less than its main rivals.

Driver Assistance Features

Standard advanced driver assist systems include enhanced automatic emergency braking, reverse automatic braking, rear cross-traffic braking, and StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control. You also get forward collision alert, lane keep assist with departure warning, front pedestrian and cyclist braking, blind zone steering assist, an HD rear vision camera, and LED reflective windshield collision alert.

• Enhanced automatic emergency braking
• Reverse automatic braking
• Rear cross-traffic braking
• Forward collision alert
• Lane keep assist with departure warning
• Front pedestrian and cyclist braking

Adaptive cruise control is also standard across the range. Higher trims benefit from intersection automatic emergency braking and side cyclist alert. Super Cruise is currently unavailable for the 2024 model.

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

• Recalls (NHTSA): 1
• NHTSA Investigations: 0
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 12 complaints relating to the electrical system, exterior lighting, safety assists, and parking brake
• Awards: N/A

Warranties

The Cadillac Lyriq range comes standard with a 48-month or 50,000-mile basic warranty, which extends to corrosion coverage. Cadillac covers the powertrain and roadside assistance for 72 months or 70,000 miles. You also get one free scheduled maintenance visit, but only if it is conducted in the first 18 months.

(Specifications sourced from Cadillac)

2024 Cadillac Lyriq Versus Its Competitors

The Cadillac Lyriq competes in a very competitive arena that is gradually being filled by new compelling offerings from rival premium manufacturers. Its most noteworthy rivals are the Tesla Model Y and Mercedes-Benz EQB.

How The Cadillac Lyriq Compares To The Tesla Model Y

• 2024 Cadillac Lyriq

  Model

  Cadillac Lyriq

  Engine

  SIngle- or dual-permanent-magnet motors

  Transmission

  Single-speed automatic

  Horsepower

  340-500 HP

  Torque

  325-450 LB-FT

  Driveline

  Rear- or all-wheel drive

  Range

  307-314 miles

  MSRP

  $58,590

  Fuel Economy

  88 MPGe

  Charge Time

  6.5 hours @ 240V

  0-60 MPH

  4.8-6.0 seconds

• 2024 Tesla Model Y

  Model

  Tesla Model Y

  Engine

  Single- or dual permanent-magnet motors

  Transmission

  Single-speed automatic

  Horsepower

  295-456 HP

  Torque

  310-487 LB-FT

  Driveline

  Rear- or all-wheel drive

  Range

  260-330 miles

  MSRP

  $43,990

  Fuel Economy

  111-123 MPGe

  Charge Time

  8-10 hours @ 240V

  0-60 MPH

  6.6-3.5 seconds

The Tesla Model Y has been the king of the global mid-size EV crossover segment as it continually outsells its rivals across all regions. Looking at performance abilities, the Lyriq has more of an advantage when we compare rear-wheel drive models. The Cadillac produces more power, resulting in better acceleration times, and its bigger battery affords it better range. Unfortunately, its EPA-estimated energy consumption figures aren’t as impressive as Tesla’s.

The Lyriq’s Dual-Motor option fares well against the Model Y’s base all-wheel drive option, but pails in comparison to the top-of-the-range Performance trim. This model features substantially better claimed acceleration times thanks to its slightly more powerful configuration. The Lyriq benefits from a more diverse range with better comfort, convenience, entertainment, and safety features, but it’s also much more expensive.

How The Cadillac Lyriq Compares To The Mercedes-Benz EQB

• 2024 Cadillac Lyriq

  Model

  Cadillac Lyriq

  Engine

  SIngle- or dual-permanent-magnet motors

  Transmission

  Single-speed automatic

  Horsepower

  340-500 HP

  Torque

  325-450 LB-FT

  Driveline

  Rear- or all-wheel drive

  Range

  307-314 miles

  MSRP

  $58,590

  Fuel Economy

  88 MPGe

  Charge Time

  6.5 hours @ 240V

  0-60 MPH

  4.8-6.0 seconds

• 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB

  Model

  Mercedes-Benz EQB

  Engine

  Single- or dual-permanent-magnet motors

  Transmission

  Single-speed automatic

  Horsepower

  188-288 horsepower

  Torque

  284-384 horsepower

  Driveline

  front- or all-wheel drive

  Range

  221-245 miles

  MSRP

  $52,750

  Fuel Economy

  96 MPGe

  Charge Time

  36 minutes @ 440-volts

  0-60 MPH

  8.0-6.0 seconds

The Mercedes-Benz EQB is a lackluster EV crossover with few redeemable qualities when you take performance into consideration. All drivetrain derivatives are comparatively under-powered next when compared to the Lyriq, which means it is laden with poor claimed acceleration times. The EQB’s smaller battery means that it also means that it struggles with inferior EPA-estimated range figures. It gains some ground against the American SUV when comparing estimated energy consumption figures.

The EQB costs a bit less than the Lyriq and has the benefit of being a three-row seater, making it a slightly more practical EV. It becomes a bit less appealing when you try to specify it to the same level as the Cadillac. The EQB ticks a lot of boxes, but it it ultimately a less-appealing product next to the Lyriq due to its interior performance claims and lower range returns.

How Much A 2024 Cadillac Lyriq Costs

The Lyriq range starts at $58,590 for the base Tech trim, $62,690 for the Luxury, and $63,190 for the Sport. The dual-motor option increases the price by $3,500. The Luxury and Sport’s second tier adds $4,300 to the cost, while the flagship third tier makes the models $7,900 more expensive. Cadillac charges a $1,395 destination cost for all of its cars.

(Pricing sourced from Cadillac)

Is It Worth Buying The Cadillac Lyriq?

The Cadillac Lyriq is a well-priced and luxurious electric car option. It’s one of the better-priced alternatives in its class, with the base level benefitting from generous specification. Leveraging the Ultium platform means it offers good performance, efficiency, and safety. An attractive and distinctive exterior design with a broad array of colors also means you can craft a unique-looking EV crossover that is sure to turn a few heads.

The Lyriq falls short in a few areas, such as ongoing quality issues, a reportedly dull chassis, and an overwhelming digital system, but these are minor flaws that do little to detract from the Lyriq’s overall impressive proposition.