The world of transportation is rapidly changing, a fact that is now as evident as ever with cars going electric and luxury auto companies driving the change. And proving that some U.S. auto brands can look forward, too, Cadillac has stepped up with the dramatic Lyriq, a car that foreshadows not merely a new-model launch but an entirely new identity for Caddy.
As 2025 models drive into showrooms around the country, people considering them are looking for real information rather than marketing hype. The Lyriq is Cadillac’s first pure electric vehicle, representing a major moment for the legendary American luxury automaker.
Table of Contents
Design and Style: A First in Breaking Grounds
The 2025 Lyriq loses no time making its presence known with an aesthetic language that is nothing like any others in Cadillac’s arsenal. Its smooth frame fuses crossover utility and coupe style, a combination that’s becoming more common but is seldom done with such confidence.
Coming at you head-on are illuminated “grilles” that are filled with illuminated, intricate geometric patterns that glow in sequence as you approach the vehicle. This dramatic lighting signature sweeps up the body sides, where refined sculpting in the metal allows subtle reflectivity in bright sunlight.
The profile shows a longer-than-expected hood, even though there’s a lack of traditional engine there, and creates proportions that make the I-Pace look both familiar and revolutionary. It’s evident the designers chose fashion over maximizing space inside — a decision that separates the Lyriq from some of the more utilitarian-looking competitors.
Effects Vertical taillamps pay homage to Cadillac’s heritage while featuring advanced LED technology. The rear glass is raked at a severe angle, for which it gives up some cargo space, to get that must-have sporty line that luxury buyers want more and more.
Inside: Digital Luxury Reimagined
Hop inside and you’re greeted by a ginormous 33-inch, curved LED display that serves as the focal point of the dashboard. Rather than settling for a tablet bolted onto the top of a dash, as some competitors seem to have, this screen is seamless within the overall design.
The level of materials within the cabin is beyond any expectations with real open-pore wood, hand-stitched leathers, and brushed metal trim baked into most surfaces. There’s no sense here of an afterthought or cost-cutting — something not all luxury EV makers can say with a straight face.
The center console rises from between the two front seats, providing space beneath while putting key controls within easy reach. That provides rear passengers with mostly flat floors thanks to the electrical architecture benefits, although stature may feel compromised for taller occupants because of the gently sloping roofline.
Ambient lighting provides a choice of colors for the interior, subtly illuminating the cockpit with a selection of 64 colors. The sound deadening is impressive — quite possibly the quietest Cadillac ever made, stamping out the road noise that afflicts some electric competitors.
Performance & Driving Dynamics
Powertrain: There are two unique powertrains in the 2025 Lyriq that have the most direct impact on the driving experience. Base models include a single-motor rear-wheel-drive arrangement with 340 horsepower, 325 lb-ft of torque, and decent performance capability with 0-60 mph times of around 6.5 seconds.
Those looking for even more exhilarating performance can choose the dual-motor all-wheel-drive model that ups output to 500 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. That setup lowers the 0-60 time to roughly 4.9 seconds — brisk enough to make the owners of sports cars blink in disbelief at stoplights.
Battery tech is focused on a 102-kWh Ultium pack under the floor, which gives the SUV an EPA-estimated range of 312 miles for rear-drive models and 307 miles for the all-wheel-drive version. These numbers place the Lyriq competitively within the segment, if not at the head of the class.
For charging, the vehicle offers 190 kW DC fast-charge (approximately 76 miles in 10 minutes under optimum conditions). At home, recharge using an 11 kW charger and you can restore full overnight through a Level 2 connection.
Ride and Handling: A Well-Composed Ride. Men and women of the UMP — that is, Unwrap My Present after you’ve finished with yours.
Cadillac engineers have done a fine job of juggling comfort and control—a rather large achievement in a vehicle that tips the scales at about 5,600 pounds. The rear five-link suspension uses passive dampers on base models, and electronically managed adaptive pieces on Platinum trim.
Steering feel is good, offering some feedback without feeling overly heavy, and during fast corners or on narrow roads the F450 is impressively easy to place. The Lyriq isn’t overtly sporty, but it can be pushed with surprising agility, keeping its cool even through rapid changes of direction.
Its braking seamlessly combines the regen and friction systems in a manner that is as good as any of the other car’s. The one-pedal driving mode is particularly useful around town, although traditionalists can dial it down to a setting that imitates a more old-fashioned driving style if they want.
From Data to Process: Technology and Integration in the Future.
The 2021 Escalade employs the same infotainment trappings as its Cadillac ilk through that aforementioned 33-inch of display technology with sharp resolution and responsive touch inputs. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, though the built-in interface is just user-friendly enough that many owners may leave it active.
The AR navigation system projects colored directional arrows on top of a feed from the live camera feed — especially useful in dense urban areas where regular maps can become disorienting. Natural language processing which allows the use of voice recognition technology to issue commands that need not to be so stilted and specifically worded.
Safety technology is the usual, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and blind-spot monitoring. Even more impressive is the Ultra Cruise system that’s available on Platinum models and which provides hands-free driving on some 400,000 miles or so of mapped North American roads—a huge leap from what the vast majority of competitor systems offer.
Also Read: Ford Ranger Super Duty 2025 Revealed, A Rugged Aussie 4×4
Pricing and Trim Levels: Premium Priced
Cadillac will sell the 2025 Lyriq in three unique trims, each coming with more gear and luxury sprinkles. The range starts with the Luxury trim, which is priced at $58,590 – an amount that places you firmly below some of the main competitors while providing similar levels of equipment.
Mid-range Premium trim that begins at $62,690, and includes niceties like panoramic sunroof, head-up display, and enhanced seating surfaces. And for those seeking the full luxury angle, Platinum models ring in at $70,590 rear-wheel drive or $75,590 with all-wheel drive.
All prices do not include possible federal tax credits, which may be available to many buyers depending on income limits and where the vehicle is manufactured. That potential $7,500 cut to your check makes the Lyriq something of a no-brainer in terms of value.
Competitive Landscape: Where the Lyriq Stacks Up
Model Base Price Range 0-60 mph Max Charging Battery Size Cadillac Lyriq RWD $58,590 312 6.5 102 kW 190 kWh Cadillac Lyriq AWD $63,590 307 4.9 102 kWh 190 kW Tesla Model Y Long Range $55,990 330 4.8 82 kWh 250 kW Audi e-tron Sportback $71,200 225 5.1 95 kWh 150 kW BMW iX xDrive50 $87,100 324 4.4 111.5 kWh 200 kW Genesis GV60 Performance $69,550 235 3.7 77.4 kWh 235 kW Mercedes EQE SUV 350+ $79,050 305 6.3 90.6 kWh 170 kW
Where the Lyriq comes strong is in its competitive set: value. And it undercuts European competitors substantially, even as it comes with comparable, if not better, range and technology features.
The Model Y is the efficiency king, though, getting more range from a smaller battery. But the Lyriq fights back with more traditional luxury details and a build quality some say the Tesla lacks.
The Investigative EDITORS’ PICK Genesis has quicker acceleration available in its GV60 Performance, although at the cost of much lower range. Mercedes delivers the usual Germanathon solidity, but expects wheelloads of premium to be paid for the pleasure.
Real World Ownership: More Than Just the Numbers
Maintenance: The Lyriq gets a nod here, and for EVs in general, which require much less servicing. Cadillac takes care of the basics with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain coverage, along with 8 years or 100,000 miles on battery components.
Charging infrastructure continues to be a concern for prospective purchasers. While rival Tesla owners get the benefits of a robust Supercharger network, Cadillac collaborates with EVgo to offer straightforward access to public charging, and there are rumors of dealer-based fast-charging stations.
Residual value is likely to be the biggest question mark. Without much of a track record in the electric car world, Cadillac does not have any established information as to how well its electric vehicles will hold their value, something that will have a definite impact on lease rates and long-term cost of ownership.
American Luxury Electrified
The 2025 Cadillac Lyriq is an appealing mix of distinctive-looking design, competitive technology and relatively affordable pricing in the luxury field of electric SUVs. It’s everything at above average but nothing exceptional; it’s one of the most balanced watches out there.
For buyers looking for an electric luxury vehicle with an American flavor, the Lyriq is a welcome change of pace from the European rivals and ubiquitous Tesla. The designers and engineers at Cadillac have quite plainly focused on building a car with character, not simply ticking boxes on a spec-sheet.
Lyriq marks the first-ever all-electric vehicle by Cadillac and is a sneak peek into the future of the brand. If this is any indication of what’s in store, imitation luxury manufacturers genuinely have reason to fret this reborn American icon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get a tax break if I buy the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq?
A: Yes, and most Bikee Bike configurations are eligible for a federal tax credit of as much as $7,500. Factors include the purchaser’s income limits and the location of final assembly.
Q: How long does it take to charge the Lyriq at home?
A: With a Level 2 (240V) home charger, Lyriq usually takes 6-7 hours for a full charge from zero.
Q: Is there a trailer hitch on the Lyriq?
A: Correctly equipped, Lyriq models can tow 3,500 pounds, but when fully loaded range will be impacted significantly.
Q: How does Lyriq’s warranty compare with that of competitors?
A: The 8-year/100,000-mile battery-pack warranty is in line with the industry standard, and the 4-year/50,000-mile basic coverage is reasonable for the luxury market.
Q: Is the Lyriq made in America?
A: That’s right! The Cadillac Lyriq is built at GM’s Spring Hill Manufacturing plant in Tennessee.
