2025 Cadillac Lyriq Sport overview

An electrical Cadillac SUV? In Australia? That’s massive information, and fairly the breath of recent air in a market that’s been bursting with a sea of recent imports from China lately.

Cadillac is a reputation most Australians have heard of, however native information of the US luxurious auto model typically stops there – except you’re the information editor for CarExpert, after all.

Most at the very least realize it’s American, and that it’s owned by Common Motors (GM). It’s additionally pretty frequent to be acquainted with the colossal land boats Cadillac produced within the Seventies and ’80s, in addition to the status these vehicles garnered from their appearances in in style tradition from that point.

However there’s a major native blackspot between then and now, and whereas Cadillac has continued to be energetic with massive SUVs and iconic high-output V8 sedans in its house market, there hasn’t been fairly a lot noise in Australia.

GM’s premium model got here inside weeks of an official Australian launch in 2009 earlier than the GFC entered the image, and so some eyebrows had been raised in 2023 when Cadillac confirmed it could attempt once more – for actual, this time.

The important thing factors are that Cadillac is now positioned right here as a luxurious model in GM’s native portfolio, which is at the moment populated by Chevrolet pickups and the Corvette supercar, and shortly the GMC Yukon massive SUV, and that it’ll solely be promoting electrical autos (EVs).

Its first mannequin on sale right here is the Lyriq, a big electrical SUV that entered manufacturing in 2022. Whereas the Lyriq is produced in Shanghai for the Chinese language market, GM hasn’t adopted Tesla in sourcing Australian autos from China and as an alternative builds its Lyriq in right-hand drive for export at its Spring Hill manufacturing unit in Tennessee.

That makes it one in all solely two present Australian-market GM fashions to be inbuilt RHD ex-factory, the opposite being the primary international Corvette – at the very least till Cadillac’s upcoming Optiq and Vistiq arrive right here.

For now, nevertheless, we solely have one Cadillac to sink our enamel into, and it’s getting into a phase that we’d hardly name crowded. At greater than $120,000 earlier than on-road prices, the Lyriq is just not low cost and competes with solely a handful of EVs at an identical worth and dimension.

Key rivals embrace the Polestar 3, BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, and Audi Q8 e-tron.

Of the 4, the Mercedes leads the gross sales chart with 350 to date in 2025, with the others all discovering fewer than 100 new properties in the identical interval – and struggling to even crack 30 registrations within the case of the Polestar and Audi.

GM subsequently has a chance to prime these carmakers on this phase with Cadillac, one thing that doesn’t appear too outrageous given the Lyriq’s pricing is in direction of the cheaper finish of the dimensions, and GM is a well-established firm – albeit one which copped important flak when it killed off Holden in 2020.

On take a look at right here is the range-topping 2025 Cadillac Lyriq Sport, at the moment GM’s best providing in Australia’s EV market. Can it turn out to be a luxurious favorite?

How does the Cadillac Lyriq evaluate?

View an in depth breakdown of the Cadillac Lyriq towards equally sized autos.

Cadillac

Lyriq

How a lot does the Cadillac Lyriq value?

The Sport tops the two-variant Cadillac Lyriq vary, and is priced at $124,000 earlier than on-road prices following a $5000 worth enhance for 2025.

Although there are two distinct grades, the variations between the 2 aren’t main (see under), which is mirrored within the worth distinction of simply $2000.

By way of rivals, the Polestar 3 ranges in worth from $116,754 to $154,454 earlier than on-roads, and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV prices between $136,600 and $194,100 earlier than on-roads.

There’s additionally the Audi Q8 e-tron for both $140,090 or $166,090 earlier than on-roads, relying on the variant, and the pricier BMW iX, which ranges in worth from $136,900 to $233,400 earlier than on-roads.

To see how the Cadillac Lyriq stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device

What’s the Cadillac Lyriq like on the within?

Giant and luxe, precisely as you’d count on from a Cadillac.

The spotlight of the Lyriq’s inside is that it’s noticeably completely different to most different electrical SUVs not too long ago launched in Australia. Fashions just like the Deepal S07, Leapmotor C10, Xpeng G6, BYD Sealion 7 and even the pioneering Tesla Mannequin Y all characteristic the identical primary setup that appears like an iPad glued to the dashboard.

Certain, these vehicles aren’t competing in the identical phase as a result of they’re drastically cheaper, however all of them really feel equivalent to at least one one other inside. That isn’t the case with the Lyriq, during which Cadillac has instilled a significant sense of id, even whether it is nonetheless a screen-heavy cockpit.

The principle attraction right here is the massive 33-inch wraparound show. It’s as massive because it appears, and is framed by distinctive pure curves that tie in with the design language seen all through the remainder of the cabin.

It’s graphically slick too, however might be considerably complicated to navigate when on the transfer. Some objects will also be blocked by the steering wheel relying on the place it’s adjusted, which is hardly unusual for such setups.

However the limitations aren’t practically as unhealthy as what you may encounter in a Kia EV9, during which the steering wheel obstructs its devoted touchscreen local weather management panel for us.

Cadillac has additionally used the curved edges of its display to good impact, specifically to the suitable of the steering wheel. This portion is definitely a touchscreen, by means of which you’ll be able to select from a collection of instrument show kinds or swipe to view journey data.

It’s a intelligent use of area, and doesn’t detract from the in any other case clear format of the instrument show. There’s not rather a lot to get tripped up by right here, because it’s only a easy readout of energy, velocity, and battery cost – although it does alter itself if you enter Sport mode, for instance, when an influence readout in kiloWatts takes centre stage.

The left half of the display is the place you’ll discover infotainment, automobile settings, and nearly every little thing else you’d think about. This portion might be considerably cumbersome, particularly as a result of the ‘house’ display is only a show of assorted shortcuts and never a nice-looking touchdown web page.

We at the very least respect that it does its job successfully. Cadillac has additionally employed a rotary management dial on the floating centre console, very like what you’d discover in a Mazda.

We didn’t discover a lot use for this, nevertheless it’s good there’s a touchscreen shortcut positioned close by that falls at hand properly. And you continue to have the choice of utilizing the infotainment’s touchscreen perform when on the transfer, in contrast to in a Mazda.

You additionally get wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as normal, which integrates into the display properly regardless of its curved edges.

Under this display is a large local weather management array, which is fortunately comprised completely of bodily switches. It’s nonetheless a easy and clean-looking setup, and the truth that these controls aren’t locked away within the infotainment display makes us respect it much more.

Additional down is a novel storage resolution within the type of a discreet drawer. It’s not enormous, however given the packaging of the remainder of the cabin and Cadillac’s obvious want to cut back muddle, it’s an honest various.

Cadillac has fitted this drawer to permit for the massive floating centre console. We might take or go away this sort of association, nevertheless it’s been executed properly within the Lyriq.

The flat floor on prime of the console is huge and homes two massive cupholders and that aforementioned rotary dial. All the pieces right here is completed in a textured chrome materials, which appears good in its subtlety however continues to be considerably chintzy, at the very least in comparison with the cleaner-look surfaces of the remainder of the cabin.

Sadly, the storage field is comparatively small and never a lot good for something aside from small odds and ends. At the very least the lid on prime is comfortable and makes for a snug armrest, and there are different storage choices like bottle holders within the doorways, a standard glovebox, and a neat little slot on your telephone.

Beneath the floating centre console is a big tray, which has a comfortable flooring and tall edges to cease issues flying out. You’ll additionally discover a USB-C port right here, proper subsequent to the delicate Cadillac debossing on that brushed metallic strip.

That delicate branding is a part of the general aura of the Lyriq’s inside, the place you’ll discover a number of such elegant touches together with the traditional Cadillac calligraphy brand on the door sills, and an illuminated Cadillac emblem behind the wraparound show.

In fact, thrives like these aren’t new, however they at the very least give the impression that some care was put into how the Lyriq presents to its occupants. There are another decisions that we query although, like using gloss black plastic for the haptic steering wheel buttons, and that weird shiny insert alongside the highest of the steering wheel.

We perceive they’re there to present the impression of luxurious, however such supplies all the time get grubby, and we’d a lot moderately they had been neglected.

As for consolation and ergonomics, the Lyriq is there or thereabouts. Positives embrace the impressively comfy seats, that are excessively cushioned and completed in high-quality leather-based.

Apparently, I discovered the backrest of the entrance seats to be pushed out too far, even with lumbar assist adjusted all of the in. Most different passengers didn’t report this, nevertheless it’s one thing noticeably completely different to most different vehicles.

Seat adjustment is through switches on the doorways, very like in a Mercedes-Benz. These work properly and are straightforward to make use of, and close by you’ll discover the buttons to function seat heating and air flow.

Steering wheel adjustment can also be electrical, however its telescopic vary doesn’t attain out fairly far sufficient. It’s nonetheless sufficient to get comfy with and simple to get used to, however its top adjustment can also be restricted by what it does or doesn’t block on the instrument show.

And it’s price ensuring every little thing on the display is as seen as potential, because it’s straightforward to overlook objects just like the small indicator arrows on the prime of the show.

The second row of the Lyriq is comfortably upmarket. Extra of that high quality upholstery is seen right here, and the seats are appropriately comfortable and supportive.

The pinnacle restraints of the outboard seats are additionally sculpted in a means that may cease your head rolling round to both facet, which permits rear occupants to sleep extra comfortably in the event that they so want. There’s additionally a trio of ISOFIX baby seat anchors and top-tether factors if these sleepy passengers want devoted seats.

You additionally get a great deal of head and leg room because of the Lyriq’s beneficiant exterior proportions, a lot in order that the entrance seats are unlikely to encroach on the private area of passengers within the second row, even when they’re pushed totally rearward.

Connectivity choices embrace two USB-C ports on the again of the centre console, under one other brushed metallic piece with extra Cadillac wording. On the shelf above that could be a devoted rear local weather management panel, which operates like a mini model of what’s up entrance.

Heating for the outboard rear seats is a bonus luxurious, and there’s a becoming cohesion between what you’ll discover in the back and front. For storage, you get bottle holders within the doorways, map pockets, and cupholders within the fold-down armrest.

As anticipated, there’s loads of area within the boot. There’s a powered tailgate, which is opened by urgent the massive exterior Cadillac emblem – an almost equivalent course of to opening the cost flap on the front-left quarter panel.

As soon as in, you’ll discover a big, flat loading flooring. There’s no step down from the boot opening to the ground both, which makes it simpler to slip cargo inside utilizing the arduous plastic scuff plates on the very again. Funnily sufficient, there’s one other Cadillac brand right here too.

The boot opening can also be workable, although the tailgate’s sloped nature means you lose vertical area the additional again you go. The rear seats can fold down with a 60:40 cut up to create further room, however they don’t stow completely flat.

Below the ground is a deep cubby that’s ultimate for storing objects like cost cables or backpacks. There’s not rather a lot to complain about with the Lyriq’s inside and, regardless of being screen-heavy, it’s going to nonetheless really feel comparatively approachable to individuals unfamiliar with the automobile.

To see how the Cadillac Lyriq stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device

What’s below the bonnet?

Not a lot of something. The ‘engine bay’ is sort of completely lined by a giant piece of plastic, and there are not any motors or under-bonnet storage to be seen right here.

Our week with the automobile concerned driving totally on freeways and rural 80km/h roads, with a number of Melbourne visitors jams thrown in for a little bit of actuality.

This probably helped us to greatest Cadillac’s vitality consumption declare, which is kind of substantial. It’s 0.7kWh/100km greater than what BMW claims for the iX, however 1.4kWh/100km higher than probably the most environment friendly Audi Q8 e-tron.

The Lyriq’s claimed driving vary can also be aggressive, and whereas it appeared to drop shortly in the actual world, it really caught shut sufficient to its phrase.

To see how the Cadillac Lyriq stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device

How does the Cadillac Lyriq drive?

Although the Cadillac title is a rarity on Australian roads, many people have preconceptions as to how a Cadillac ought to drive.

Put merely, it must be quiet, supremely comfy, and assured over bumps and imperfections, whereas additionally feeling impossibly massive. Thankfully, you’ll discover the Lyriq nails that temporary as soon as you choose Drive on the column shifter.

Although there’s no high-displacement engine to be heard rumbling away below the bonnet, the Lyriq nonetheless presents a commanding driving expertise. You’re feeling completely accountable for your area on the street and, regardless of not having a excessive seating place, you continue to really feel such as you’re above most different vehicles.

Then there’s the cabin refinement, which even after per week of driving the automobile on coarse-chip rural roads was nonetheless spectacular. That is particularly essential in an EV the place there’s no engine noise to masks the tyre roar.

We’d cease wanting calling it silent, however there’s a definite premium subtlety to the quantity of noise that’s allowed inside. Wind noise can also be acceptably muted, which we’d count on is a product of its considerably smooth nostril – it’s sleeker than the Lyriq’s physique form suggests, anyway.

These items aren’t not possible for acoustic engineers to dial in although, and also you’d count on a excessive normal of refinement given how a lot cash you’re paying. What’s more durable to nail is journey high quality, nevertheless it appears Cadillac has given it some critical consideration for Australian autos.

In our abroad overview of the US-market Lyriq, we identified that Cadillac was giving the automobile completely different suspension tunes for every wheel dimension.

As a result of Australian autos are solely out there with 21-inch alloys and never the 20- and 22-inch choices provided within the US, our Lyriq has the identical suspension tune as European examples. Meaning our Lyriq is ready as much as have a a lot much less ‘floaty’ journey than US fashions.

Actually, there aren’t many boat-like tendencies evident in the way in which our Lyriq drives. That’s in distinction to Cadillac’s stereotypical Coupe de Ville land boats of previous, which some could have assumed could be translated into the fashionable age.

Sadly, there’s no adaptive suspension, corresponding to Cadillac’s superior Magnetic Experience Management system. Coil springs don’t detract from the expertise, however having that further degree of sophistication would elevate the Lyriq’s journey consolation even additional – although it could even have elevated its worth.

Our Lyriqs do at the very least get so-called Passive Plus dampers, which Cadillac says can differentiate between small impacts and bigger undulations and react accordingly, and the seat of our pants suggests the Lyriq’s journey is nice as is.

That’s essential as a result of if you’re coping with a automobile as heavy because the Lyriq, springs and dampers that may comfortably harness its mass are must-haves. At practically 2.7 tonnes, this automobile is not any light-weight.

Thankfully, that weight helps generate assured on-road behaviour. The Lyriq isn’t unsettled by wind like a lighter automobile might be, and it feels considerably like a tank when cruising at freeway speeds.

Backing it up is a weighty steering really feel, which appears applicable for a contemporary Cadillac. You can even select from two settings to regulate how heavy the steering is, very like you’ll be able to in a Polestar, as an example.

Throw it right into a flip and also you’ll be shocked at how well-balanced the Lyriq feels. It’s removed from sporty, nevertheless it doesn’t look like it’s about to roll over when you’re too keen with the tiller at both low or excessive speeds.

Extra aggressive driving and tighter turns will naturally invoke some understeer and tyre squeal, although the Continental rubber does properly to maintain this behemoth pointing in the suitable path.

In fact, a big SUV that weighs greater than a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Collection is sure to be unsettling for some, particularly when you think about how fast the Lyriq actually is.

A claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.3 seconds is correctly quick, however its energy isn’t delivered in fairly the identical neck-breaking vogue as many EVs. The hotted-up Lyriq-V might change that, however that received’t arrive right here till subsequent yr.

As we mentioned in our abroad drive overview, Cadillac’s progressive tune for the Lyriq’s acceleration is completely intentional.

Throttle response is sharp, however mashing it from a standstill sees the automobile take off in a subdued huff earlier than winding up the facility as velocity will increase.

It doesn’t get extra aggressive in Sport mode both, which we discover fascinating. You do get a harsher hit below arduous acceleration when you’re already rolling at round 50km/h, which feels a bit extra prefer it ought to for a automobile with practically 380kW of energy.

We additionally like that you just get a precise readout of the facility output when in Sport mode – seeing 380kW written on the sprint is kind of enjoyable.

The Lyriq has no hassle slowing down both, thanks partially to its colossal Brembo brake calipers, but additionally its distinctive association with vitality administration.

There’s a one-pedal driving mode, however you can even management regenerative braking utilizing ‘Regen on Demand’ along with your left hand.

There’s a sole paddle fitted on the left of the steering wheel, which can be utilized to progressively apply extra braking energy.

It’s fairly intelligent, and I like with the ability to decelerate with out having to maneuver my foot in any respect. Contrived as it could appear, the paddle is simple to get used to, and you may claw a little bit of cost again when you’re at it.

There are some flaws although, and most are to do with security tech. For one, there’s no lane-centring perform out there when utilizing adaptive cruise management, which is a serious omission within the context of the competitors.

Abroad, the Lyriq will get GM’s Tremendous Cruise Degree 2 autonomous driving system, which helps hands-free driving. We perceive that characteristic isn’t but allowed right here, nevertheless it’s disappointing that we don’t get something in any respect. Neither is there any type of native satellite tv for pc navigation.

The adaptive cruise by itself works reliably, although we did discover the passive lane-keeping was typically just a little extra energetic than we’d’ve favored. Equally, the motive force monitoring system was a contact too delicate to go actions and mirror checks.

One other quirk of the Lyriq is the way in which it alerts you. As a substitute of beeping, the motive force consideration system vibrates the motive force’s seat at progressive ranges of depth relying on how lengthy you’ve been distracted.

It’s a artistic concept, however not one which we essentially like. The reversing sensors may even trigger the seat to vibrate fairly strongly as you strategy objects, which feels mildly invasive if nothing else.

These minor bugbears apart, on the transfer is the place the Lyriq hits its stride. Regardless of being a comparatively unconventional Cadillac within the eyes of most Aussies, it’s arduous to argue there’s not one thing vaguely boss-like about driving round on this automobile.

It feels massive, it appears massive, and it instructions street presence. And supreme cabin consolation and journey high quality make it a simple long-distance cruiser, supplied you could find chargers at common intervals.

The Lyriq is definitely thirsty, and Cadillac’s vitality consumption declare isn’t attempting to cover that. There have been intelligent concerns although, like the way in which the automobile will deactivate its entrance motors to save lots of cost the place potential.

When it comes time to park the beast, you even have a complete array of cameras and sensors to depend on, that are all high-quality and work as they need to.

Put merely, the Lyriq is fairly near what a contemporary Cadillac needs to be, and fancy bits like adaptive suspension would plant it firmly within the realm of the Polestar 3 and the trio of Germans.

To see how the Cadillac Lyriq stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device

What do you get?

Two grades of Lyriq are at the moment out there in Australia, and the Sport is the dearer choice.

2025 Cadillac Lyriq Luxurious tools highlights:

• Semi-automatic parking help
• Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors with puddle lights
• Panoramic sunroof
• Arms-free energy tailgate
• 33-inch show
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Lively noise cancellation
• AKG Studio 19-speaker sound system (incl. entrance headrest audio system)
• 126-colour ambient lighting
• Heated and ventilated entrance seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Energy-adjustable entrance seats with energy lumbar
• Heated outboard second-row seats
• Tri-zone local weather management

The Sport provides:

• Darkish grille end
• Distinctive wheels
• Obsidian Chrome finishes and darkish exterior accents
• Physique-colour door handles

To see how the Cadillac Lyriq stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device

Choices

A Nappa leather-based package deal ($3000) is non-obligatory, out there solely with the Oxford Stone or Juniper colourways.

Extras embrace:

• Nappa leather-based upholstery for all seats
• Nappa leather-based armrests
• Mushy-wrapped higher instrument panel
• Darkish Ash wooden trim with backlit door accents

To see how the Cadillac Lyriq stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device

Is the Cadillac Lyriq protected?

The Lyriq has but to be examined by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.

Normal security tools consists of:

• Adaptive cruise management
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Intersection help
• Blind-spot help
• Entrance, front-side, front-knee and entrance curtain airbags
• Rear curtain airbags
• Encompass-view digicam

To see how the Cadillac Lyriq stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device

How a lot does the Cadillac Lyriq value to run?

The Lyriq is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre automobile guarantee, an eight-year/160,000km battery guarantee, and 5 years of roadside help. Cadillac can also be providing 5 years of free servicing.

To see how the Cadillac Lyriq stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device

CarExpert’s Tackle the Cadillac Lyriq

The Lyriq is as spectacular as it’s imposing, and strikes us as a automobile that needs to be greater than able to sticking it to Polestar and the Germans.

Presentation is top-notch inside and outside, and whereas its design is probably not everybody’s cup of tea, it’s arduous to argue that there isn’t one thing distinctive concerning the Lyriq. It’s definitely extra imposing within the metallic than in photographs, the place it masks its true dimension higher.

Inside, it’s comfy and well-appointed, and regardless of complaints abroad we have now no main points with its construct high quality other than the odd inconsistent panel hole. Certain, there have been some peculiar materials decisions, however nothing that may get in the way in which of utilizing the automobile as supposed.

We will’t complain concerning the journey high quality both, and the additional sound deadening mentioned to have been utilized in comparison with EVs primarily based on the identical platform just like the Chevrolet Blazer appears to have performed a giant position in its first-class refinement. We’d nonetheless prefer to see adaptive suspension for the cash, however the Lyriq nonetheless has a number of the best-sorted passive dampers in any EV.

We’d additionally prefer to see a few of that lacking tech, like a lane-centring perform that works with adaptive cruise management, as you’ll discover that in most direct rivals. The shortage of native satellite tv for pc navigation can also be a disappointment, however wi-fi smartphone mirroring stays a snug various if in case you have cell reception.

When you think about the Lyriq’s rivals, it appears Cadillac has discovered an applicable area to face in. The Germans typically combat amongst themselves, with their steep worth tags and typically questionable designs.

We think about the Polestar 3 to be the Lyriq’s closest competitor, however each SUVs provide very completely different cabin and driving experiences. The Polestar is Chinese language-built however feels far more European, with edgier styling and sportier pretensions accompanied by a clear and straight-to-the-point inside.

In the meantime, the Lyriq is undoubtedly American, however nonetheless exudes fairly a classy presence and boasts a correctly plush inside. It’s cheaper than all however one model of the Polestar too, which implies these available in the market for a big luxurious electrical SUV with a distinct flavour needs to be inserting the Lyriq in direction of the highest of their buying lists.

It’s a robust debut for the fashionable Cadillac in Australia, however getting potential consumers to understand that would be the subsequent important hurdle to beat.

Enthusiastic about shopping for a Cadillac Lyriq? Get in contact with one in all CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

Click on the pictures for the total gallery

MORE: All the pieces Cadillac Lyriq