The Cadillac Lyriq will spearhead the
brand’s electric vehicle push and GM’s North American President, Steve
Carlisle, has revealed the production model will cost less than US$ 60,000. That
undercuts a number of other electric crossovers including the Audi E-Tron,
Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X.
Carlisle made the announcement during the
J.P. Morgan Auto Conference and Autonews reports he said “This car will need to
be priced similar to how the industry prices midsize lux SUVs today, maybe a
slight premium at the outset.” While he wouldn’t give a specific starting
price, Carlisle hinted the Lyriq “won’t be high five digits” and “won’t start
with a seven” or a six.
The Lyriq will ride on GM’s new electric
vehicle platform and go into production in late 2022. The model will be offered
with rear- and all-wheel drive, and the latter versions will feature two
electric motors. Power will be provided by an Ultium battery pack which has a
capacity of approximately 100 kWh. It will enable the Lyriq to have a range in
excess of 483 km on a single charge. Owners can also expect fast
recharging times as the crossover will support Level 2 charging rates up to 19
kW and DC fast charging rates in excess of 150 kW.
The Lyriq promises to be high-tech as well
as it will feature Super Cruise as well as a 33-inch LED display. Other
highlights will include an advanced noise cancellation system and a 19-speaker
AKG Studio audio system that promises to deliver “exceptionally crisp and
precise sound reproduction.”
