The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Spectacular shape
- High-tech features
- Good range
- Big interior
Dislikes
- Some interface quirks
- Rear seat isn’t that comfy
- AWD model doesn’t charge as quickly
- Pricey
Buying tip
features & specs
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade is a fine styling and tech choice for EV adopters.
What kind of vehicle is the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq? What does it compare to?
The 2025 Cadillac Lyriq is a luxury EV with an SUV-ish body. Compare it to the Audi Q8 E-Tron, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, and Tesla Model X.
Is the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq a good SUV?
Absolutely, and in many ways it is the brand’s best overall model. It scores highly for its design, features, technology, and range. It’s an 8.3 on the TCC scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq?
The Lyriq sees a few minor feature tweaks for 2025, including standard two-position memory for the front passenger seat and more ambient interior color options.
Now in its third model year, the Lyriq is a stylish electric car with SUV-esque proportions and a wagon-like body. It’s pretty inside and out, blending classic Cadillac cues like vertical taillights with a decidedly modern, unique profile. It’s not as overtly minimalist as some rivals that have tried to emulate pace-setter Tesla, though. If you’re a fan of old-school luxury, you’ll find more than a bit of it inside the Lyriq.
Rear-wheel-drive Lyriqs have 340 hp from one electric motor, while all-wheel-drive models slap on another electric motor to boost that to a hearty 500 hp. We’ve only driven the single-motor version, which accelerates smartly and features several one-pedal driving modes accessed via a convenient paddle on the steering wheel.
This heavy, large vehicle—it weighs about 6,000 pounds once you’ve loaded a few passengers onboard—smothers the road below. It’s not exactly nimble, but it steers well enough to be somewhat entertaining, and it is a true mile-eater at highway speeds.
Both rear- and all-wheel-drive versions of the Lyriq boast range estimates of more than 300 miles and an efficiency of 2.6 miles/kwh.
Inside, the Lyriq is spacious and comfortable, with supportive front seats and a reasonably spacious rear bench. Its cargo area isn’t as big as its exterior suggestions might suggest, though it’s fine by big car standards.
Materials and fit and finish are in line with the Lyriq’s price tag and positioning, though leather is a fairly costly option.
The sheer amount of driver-assistance tech that’s standard or optional also fits with the class. It includes the high-tech Super Cruise system that allows for eyes-on, hands-off driving on hundreds of thousands of miles of mapped highways across the U.S.
How much does the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq cost?
The 2025 Cadillac Lyriq starts at about $60,000 in base Tech trim, which is hardly basic with its synthetic leather seats that are heated and cooled up front, wireless device charging pad, panoramic sunroof, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Where is the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq made?
In Spring Hill, Tennessee.
2025 Cadillac Lyriq Styling
Three years on, the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq remains an eye-catching luxury vehicle for the future.
Is the Cadillac Lyriq a good-looking SUV?
Absolutely. When it debuted, it marked a new direction for Cadillac, which we’re starting to see with the brand’s other -IQ electric vehicles. Its svelte but practical profile gets two points above average, while its cabin nets another. It’s an 8.
The Lyriq wears plenty of classic Cadillac cues, but it’s no mere gas model with an electric engine. You’ll find commonality with its vertical headlights and taillights, plus its edgy details. There’s even a hint of brightwork across the top of its front fascia. Head rearward and you’ll find a roofline that cascades downward like a wagon, albeit with one of the most unique rear roof pillars we’ve encountered. Vertical taillights serve as something of a grounding effect; yes, this is indeed a Cadillac, even if it is a bit fussier than the smaller Optiq
The cabin is modern, elegant, and rather conventional, at least compared to Mercedes-Benz’s screen walls and Tesla’s minimalism. Both the instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen sit under a pane of glass that’s angled slightly toward the driver. A line of controls sits below. The gear shifter is on a column stalk and the seat controls are on the doors, a la Mercedes. For the most part, it’s all pleasantly familiar.
2025 Cadillac Lyriq Performance
With its quick acceleration and fantastic ride quality, the Lyriq feels like a proper luxury EV.
Cadillac cuts no corners when it comes to the way the 2025 Lyriq drives. This model is quick and comfortable, earning it a 7 on the TCC scale.
Is the Cadillac Lyriq 4WD?
The single-motor version is rear-wheel drive, while the dual-motor model sends power to all four corners.
How fast is the Cadillac Lyriq?
With rear-wheel drive, the Lyriq features a 102-kwh battery pack paired with a single, rear-mounted electric motor for a combined 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Dual-motor versions add extra propulsion up front for a total of 500 hp.
We’ve only driven the single-motor, rear-drive version, though we have high hopes for the dual-motor Lyriq based on just how quick the base model is. It scoots to 60 mph in under six seconds with little in the way of fuss and drama.
Cadillac offers three one-pedal driving modes accessed via a paddle on the left side of the steering wheel with up to 0.3 g of regen braking to juice up the battery. The system works well, and even left in the least aggressive mode it provides good braking feel.
The Lyriq has a relatively simple suspension layout, and yet it rides brilliantly. Its dual-tube shocks soak up bumps so nicely that we can’t blame Cadillac for not including an air suspension. It doesn’t need one, even with the available 22-inch alloy wheels.
At 5,600 pounds, the Lyriq is rather heavy, but it mostly drives like a lighter car. Its steering is fairly light and exceptionally quick at speed. Body lean in corners is well controlled. That said, the electric power steering tightens up perhaps too much for in-town use. It’s also a bit slow, which makes the Lyriq feel less nimble than some other EVs.
2025 Cadillac Lyriq Comfort & Quality
The Lyriq is spacious and sports high-quality materials.
The 2025 Cadillac Lyriq boasts a spacious cabin with decent cargo space and well chosen materials. It’s an 8 here.
We’re not surprised that the Lyriq is so spacious, though. It stretches a hefty 196.7 inches long and it rides on a massive 121.8-inch wheelbase. That would make a proper full-size car or a midsize SUV. It seats five in comfort, with the best seats reserved for front-row occupants. Those thrones are nicely padded and offer lots of adjustments. The rear seat holds two, but three is wishful thinking due to the wide center console up front that digs into the rear area.
Behind the rear seats, you’ll find a decent 28.0 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s not much for something this large, but it’s sufficient for anyone not planning to take their entire family to Costco every Saturday morning. The cargo space grows to about 60.8 cubic feet with the second-row seat backs flopped downward.
The interior ambiance is quite nice. Even the synthetic leather feels properly high-end, and the Lyriq is downright silent thanks to ample sound deadening and active noise cancellation. That said, we’ve noticed some minor quality issues on early production Lyriqs we’ve driven, including door handles that were reluctant to extend when tapped.
2025 Cadillac Lyriq Safety
Cadillac offers a lot of safety and assistance tech in the 2025 Lyriq.
How safe is the Cadillac Lyriq?
It’s well equipped with crash-avoidance tech, but the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq has yet to be tested by either the IIHS or the NHTSA. It’s not eligible for a TCC score until then.
All Lyriqs have automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitors, a surround-view camera system, active lane control, and automatic high-beam headlights. Adaptive cruise control is also available, and Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance tech is included on about half of the Lyriq’s myriad trim levels, as is a better surround-view camera system. The latter is a useful upgrade since over-the-shoulder vision is not impressive.
2025 Cadillac Lyriq Features
The 2025 Cadillac Lyriq comes in many configurations.
The 2025 Lyriq should start around $59,000 when it goes on sale, though we’re basing our 9 out of 10 score here on the 2024 model. It earned points for standard features, optional extras, a good infotainment system, and an impressive warranty that runs four years/50,000 miles and includes a free maintenance visit.
The base Lyriq Tech has a big 33-inch digital display that handles both instrument cluster and infotainment functions, plus synthetic leather upholstery, a power liftgate, a glass panoramic roof, and a wireless device charging pad. Its Google built-in infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, something we shouldn’t grow used to in future GM electric cars.
The dual-motor version is a reasonable $3,500 more.
Which Cadillac Lyriq should I buy?
The base model is hardly roughing it, but the Luxury trim’s adaptive cruise control, heated steering wheel, surround-view camera system, and handful of other features are worth the extra $4,000. The Luxury 2 trim level is another $4,000 for AKG audio and Super Cruise; it’s a good buy if you plan to do a lot of highway driving or commuting. The Luxury 3 trim tosses in heated rear seats, three-zone automatic climate control, a hands-free power tailgate, and 22-inch alloy wheels.
We find the base model more compelling than the three Sport versions, which start at $500 more and can work their way into the mid-$70,000 range.
How much is a fully loaded Cadillac Lyriq?
A Sport 3 with two motors starts at about $75,000, and it’s possible to spend about $2,000 more on paint alone. Toss in nappa leather seats, the fanciest wheel option, and a few other items, and the Lyriq can easily top $80,000.
2025 Cadillac Lyriq Fuel Economy
The 2025 Cadillac Lyriq has good range estimates and quick charging times.
Is the Cadillac Lyriq good on energy?
It’s very good, at least based on last year’s estimates. We’ll update this space when the EPA posts figures for the 2025 Lyriq.
The 2024 rear-drive version is estimated to deliver up to 314 miles on a full charge, while the all-wheel-drive version’s extra motor dents that estimate to 307 miles. With an efficiency rating of 2.6 miles/kwh, the Lyriq could go easier on energy. It still earns a 9 on the TCC scale.
The Lyriq can charge at up to 190 kw using a CCS DC fast-charging connector, which can add 77 miles of range in 10 minutes under ideal conditions. Rear-drive versions can be fitted with a 19.2-kw onboard AC charger for up to 52 miles of range per hour on a Level 2 charger.
