Our test vehicle, which cost a cool CAD 93,234.00, was assembled at the Spring Hill, Tennessee, plant.
Fun Factor: 9
So, let's get one thing straight: the Cadillac Lyriq is more like a wagon than an SUV. It's like Cadillac said, "Hey, let's build a beautiful, massive yet sleek electric car." And you know what? It works! While not towering over other SUVs, you'll sure make an impression. This thing houses a massive 102 kWh battery based on GM's Ultium tech, but surprisingly, that doesn't make it sluggish. The long wheelbase gives you that "I got this" vibe, which you'll appreciate when unleashing its 500 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. It's fast—like, "this doesn't feel like a Cadillac" fast, 4.9 seconds to be precise. And if you have ever wondered what that 600 meant on the badge, that's for Nm (Newton Meter) instead of lb/ft to designate the torque figure, a metric measure on an American vehicle, as strange as it may sound.
Can it Family: 9
Ah, the family factor. Cadillac knows its audience, and this interior proves it. Comfy seats? Check. Automatic heated or cooled seats based on the outside temperature? Double check. The car basically thinks for you—set and forget. Plus, there's tons of room. Each row feels like it belongs in a luxury lounge, and the trunk? Yeah, it's got that covered too. It's perfect for those Costco hauls or packing the entire family for a weekend getaway.
Fuel-Friendly: 10
Cadillac makes you rethink "electric economy." The Lyriq calculates energy used in km/kWh instead of the usual kWh/100km. Why? Good question. But let's roll with it. After a week of mixed driving, we averaged 4.5 km/kWh, or about 22.2 kWh/100km. Not bad at all, especially when Cadillac's estimates suggest 23.6 kWh/100km combined. The gorgeous weather we had during our test week helped improve the numbers. As per the NRC (Natural Resources Canada), the electric consumption is 21.8 kWh/100km for city driving and 25.8 kWh/100km for the Hwy driving.
Highway Warrior: 9
The AWD Lyriq boasts a range of 494 km, while the RWD stretches it to 505 km. But let's be honest—if you're in Canada, you'll probably fork over the extra $3,995 for AWD. It's the smart choice when winter rolls around. And the Super Cruise? It's a game-changer. We're talking hands-off, lane-changing on its own kind of driving. It's like having a chill co-pilot who drives like a human, not a robot. The system doesn't just slam on the brakes; it slows down like a human driver. It feels oddly reassuring.
Karaoke Friendly: 3
Now, let's talk sound. And, uh, it's not pretty. The AKG sound system was disappointing, especially in a vehicle with a price tag like this. The sound was flat, the bass uninspiring, and overall, it just didn't live up to premium standards. What's weird is that the Acura ZDX, which shares much of the Lyriq's DNA (and is also built by GM), gets a Bang & Olufsen system out of this world. Cadillac, what gives? Adjusting the sound is a headache, too—hidden deep in the radio menu. And don't get me started on Apple CarPlay crashing repeatedly. The Google-based infotainment system works better, so you might want to stick with that.
Baby-Friendly: 8
Parents, rejoice! The doors open wide, making it easy for your little ones to hop in and out—though the handles are pointed out awkwardly and are hard to operate, so you might need to help them. Are you installing car seats? Super easy. The ISOFIX ports are easily accessible, and with the car's generous width, you can fit up to three booster seats (if they're not too chunky). Even with a rear-facing seat, the front passengers didn't feel cramped.
City Cruising: 10
The Lyriq shines in the city. We managed to get 5.2 km/kWh, which is around 19.23 kWh/100km. It's a big vehicle, so tight & short parking spots might be tricky, but hey, no emissions while driving! You'll feel like a green hero navigating the urban jungle in this thing.
Pros of Buying:
Stunning range and performance for an EV of its size.
Luxurious, family-friendly interior with loads of space.
Super Cruise makes highway driving effortless.
We love station wagons; the Lyriq is pretty close.
Cons of Buying:
That unimpressive AKG sound system.
The infotainment system can be glitchy, especially with Apple CarPlay.
Should You Buy It?
If you want a luxurious, family-friendly electric vehicle that doesn't skimp on performance, the Cadillac Lyriq Sport 3 AWD is a solid choice. Just be prepared to overlook the sound system flaws—or maybe bring your speaker for those karaoke moments.
Cadillac has lent us this vehicle for two weeks as a press vehicle. We have no affiliation with Cadillac Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.
