The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq starts at $62,990.

The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq is a brand-new, all-electric midsize SUV/crossover. It’s built on a dedicated platform developed especially for electric vehicles (EV). This will also serve as the foundation for the GMC Hummer EV. The Lyriq is also Cadillac’s first foray into a fully electric model, just as marques like Audi and BMW are expanding their efforts to provide Tesla with some competition in the luxury EV arena.

It seems to have many of the right ingredients, from arguably stunning styling (inside and out) to up-to-the-minute technology and infotainment, plenty of convenience and safety features, plus a next-generation approach to battery construction.

A Debut Edition, which sold out quickly, is the first Lyriq we’ll see on the streets, beginning in the summer of 2022. In the fall of 2022, the standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Lyriq ($62,990) arrives. It will be followed in the spring of 2023 by an all-wheel-drive (AWD) version of the Lyriq, which has an additional motor in front and a Manufacturers’ Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $64,990.

2023 Cadillac LYRIQ Pricing
The 1SE Debut Edition of the 2023 Lyriq had a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $58,795, plus a destination charge. This Debut Edition, however, has already sold out.

In the fall of 2022, however, the Lyriq rear-drive model arrives with an MSRP of $62,990. The Cadillac Lyriq all-wheel-drive model arrives at dealers in early 2023, priced at $64,990.

Note: The new Lyriq is not eligible for a federal tax credit. But then, neither is the Tesla Model Y. Some states may still offer incentives, though, like California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate program.

On the subject of alternative choices, all-electric crossover SUVs are still a metaphorical bowl of mixed fruit, as opposed to comparing apples with apples. The Tesla Model Y Long Range starts at about $59K, has all-wheel drive as standard, and can cover 318 miles. The Audi e-tron is roughly $66K, but does qualify for the tax credit, although the range is just 222 miles.

The Jaguar I-Pace (from around $70K, credit-eligible, with a 234-mile range) and Polestar 2 (approximately $46K, credit-eligible, 265-mile range) are smaller than the Lyriq, but might suit some buyers. Even without a tax credit, the Cadillac Lyriq starts out a lot less expensive than the BMW iX ($85K, 324 miles).

Before flipping the switch, check out the KBB.com Fair Purchase Price to find out what others in your area paid for their new Lyriq. It’s too soon to talk resale values right now.

Driving The 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ
KBB’s Lyn Woodward recently drove the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq. Reports Lyn:

I’m comfortable in the Lyriq. The most impressive part of the cabin is the 33-inch LED display that houses a control panel for customizing the digital gauge cluster, your driving information, and your infotainment interface.

On the disappointing side, too many touchscreen layers make it hard to get things done quickly.
This is an issue for all manufacturers as they lean more into touchscreens and away from buttons.

Case in point, the on/off switch for the one-pedal drive: It’s two layers deep in the user interface. While engineers say they will be adding permanent controls at the bottom of the touchscreen, that won’t happen until a later Lyriq version.

Inside, Cadillac uses a lot of different materials, and I don’t think they all work well together. You’ll find brushed chrome and polished chrome around the touchscreen in a place bound to reflect the sun while you’re driving. There’s attractive open-pore wood on the doors, but on the center console, it feels like inexpensive plastic — same with the cupholder bezels. The console doesn’t have the expected premium look, and the blue bin seems flimsy. Cadillac brought too many ideas to the table and used every single one.

On a positive note, the Lyriq has a composed and comfortable ride. The Ultium platform, with one layer of batteries, feels stable and well-balanced. Thanks to all that low weight, the 5,610-lb. Cadillac EV takes turns with confidence. Overall, I enjoy the ride quality of the new Lyriq.

But is it any fun? Yes. While the acceleration may not be Tesla quick, you can have a good time in the Lyriq. It’s good.

With the Touring, Sport, and Snow driving modes, you can feel real differences in the steering, throttle, and brake response. When you dig into Sport mode, the snappier accelerator and heavier steering are much appreciated.

You can shut off regeneration for a more natural brake feel, but you also can use the paddle on the steering wheel, which basically acts like a brake. At max regen, it takes a while to get used to feathering the throttle, but it reminds me of one-pedal off-road driving. I’m a huge fan.

One nitpick: I wish the middle setting for brake regen was a little less aggressive. But each driver, I’m confident, will find a regen level that’s comfortable for them.

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