Lyriq shows the way to Cadillac's electric tomorrow

MANILA: The presentation of Cadillac’s electric portfolio started yesterday with the launch of the Lyriq show car, an all-electric, modern, and dynamic luxury crossover.

Executive Vice President and President of GM North America Steve Carlisle said, “Led by Lyriq, Cadillac will redefine American luxury over the next decade with a new portfolio of transformative EVs. We will deliver experiences that engage the senses, anticipate desires, and enable our customers to go on extraordinary journeys.”

Supporting technologies and propulsion system place Cadillac as a pioneer in automated driving, connectivity, and electrification, all provided with exciting performance and a new technology integration limit.

The Lyriq is based on the next-generation, customizable electric vehicle platform of GM and it is powered by the Ultium propulsion system. This enables Cadillac to produce different performance and range alternatives for customers.

Since range is one of the most impactful factors in terms of choosing an electric vehicle (EV), they are developing Lyriq to generate a complete charge yielding beyond 483km of range, based on internal testing.

The first electric SUV of Cadillac makes a clear design statement that incorporates a fresh look, presence, and proportion for the brand's latest generation of EVs. 

The Cadillac Lyriq, characterized by clean surfaces and taut lines, is aggressive in terms of appeal. It is also defined by a wide stance and low, fast roofline that highlights agility and confidence. Additional features like a flow-through roof spoiler demonstrate the needed attention for aerodynamics to maximize efficiency on the highway.

One of the most distinct and evocative design elements of the Lyriq is the unique "black crystal" grid in the front. It is also a dynamic element since it is part of a remarkable lighting choreography that welcomes the owner upon approaching the vehicle, aside from the bold vertical, sleek LED signature lighting.

At the back part, a split taillamp design integrates slim LEDs that are also incorporated into the lighting choreography.

Within the Lyriq, the Ultium battery system that provides power to the vehicle serves as a structural component of the design, incorporated in approaches that contribute to safety, handling, and ride. It provides around 100kWh of energy to bring forth stirring performance.

Inside, the new EV design of the Cadillac LYRIQ paves the way for prospects in vehicle configuration and spaciousness. Cadillac designers utilized this as a chance to reconsider where to look for different interior elements and how to utilize the space.

The outcome is a more minimalistic and airy design that does more to include the passengers and driver in the driving experience while providing unique functionality in terms of storage solutions. It is also overflowing with nuanced features like curved screens with hidden storage, backlit speaker grilles, and the exterior orchestrated lighting features.

Some of the technology and performance highlights of the Cadillac Lyriq include new innovations like the remote self-parking and dual-plane augmented reality-enhanced head-up display, performance all-wheel-drive (AWD) and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configurations, and charging alternatives that are suitable to various preferences for the road, workplace, and home.

Vehicles fitted with performance AWD go one step further, with a second drive unit positioned at the front of the vehicle, which enables a crucial amount of tuning flexibility. In turn, this improves driver performance and vehicle dynamics.

Another highlight is the newest version of the Super Cruise, the first hands-free driver assistance feature of the industry, which is accessible on over 321,869 km of well-suited highways and it is newly improved to cover automated lane change.

Another feature is Cadillac’s adaptive and smooth technology interaction with the passengers and driver, which includes the newest user experience. This is demonstrated in the 33-inch-diagonal advanced LED display that encompasses the whole viewing area of the driver. The LED screen integrates camera views, infotainment controls, and driver information.

Other interactive features include supervised remote parking that utilizes ultrasonic sensors to aid the Lyriq in parking itself in perpendicular and parallel parking spaces, and charging as well as battery monitoring, which is done through convenient and noticeable graphics.

The system determines the energy needs of the vehicle at home, based on owner preferences, while forecasting and keeping track of energy consumption.

For the first time, Cadillac will also launch a new road noise cancellation technology, which upgrades noise cancellation through the inclusion of more accelerometers and microphones to enhance noise cancellation capabilities.

Lyriq will also include a 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system that brings uniquely accurate and crisp sound reproduction, allowing passengers and drivers to enjoy their music playlist.

The virtual debut of the Cadillac LYRIQ can be viewed here.

Photos from Cadillac

Also read: Cadillac teases Lyriq electric luxury SUV