Cadillac has announced that the first of its electric vehicles will be the LYRIQ, a show car planned for a 2023 launch.
The car takes the current angular styling and puts it on steroids with nary a curve to be found on the entire vehicle.
Cadillac’s first electric SUV makes a bold design statement that introduces a new face, proportion and presence for the brand’s new generation of EVs. It’s a forward-looking vision unconstrained by the needs of a traditional internal combustion engine, says the company.
The face of the vehicle is undoubtedly unique. Whether it will prove too much for the buying public, or whether it will fit right in among other cars of the year 2023, remains to be seen.
“The LYRIQ represents the next iteration of the iconic brand’s styling, enabled by electrification, as only Cadillac can express,” said Andrew Smith, executive director, Global Cadillac Design. “Inside and out, LYRIQ is a thoughtful integration of design and technology and is intended to make every drive an occasion.”
The company's launch releases the LYRIQ is "assertive and modern," and they are not wrong. The vehicle is characterized by its low, fast roofline and wide stance that emphasize agility and convey confidence. Additional details such as a flow-through roof spoiler express the careful attention paid to aerodynamics to optimize efficiency on the highway.
A distinctive “black crystal” grille in the front is one of the LYRIQ’s most unique and expressive design elements. It is also a dynamic feature, as it is part of a dramatic lighting choreography that — along with bold vertical, slim LED signature lighting — greets the owner upon approach. At the rear, a split taillamp design incorporates slim LEDs that are also integrated into the lighting choreography.
Internally, the LYRIQ will be based on GM’s next-generation, modular electric vehicle platform and driven by the Ultium propulsion system, allowing Cadillac to deliver customers a variety of range and performance options.
With range being one of the biggest factors when it comes to selecting an EV, the LYRIQ will deliver over 300 miles of range on a full charge.
Squarely aimed at Tesla buyers, Cadillac EV well also offer a hands-free driver assistance feature, along with remote self parking.
Of note is the LYRIQ's Ultium battery system. The Ultium’s NCMA (nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum) chemistry uses aluminum in the cathode to help reduce the need for rare-earth materials such as cobalt. In fact, GM engineers reduced the cobalt content by more than 70 percent, compared to current GM batteries
