The ‘Lyriq’ has arrived. It is Cadillac’s first electric SUV.
Driving the Lyriq, I traveled a round trip of 88km from Seoul Olympic Park to Cafe Sume in Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do on the 11th.
The Lyriq is the first model to apply General Motors’ dedicated electric vehicle platform, ‘Ultium’, and was first launched in the North American market in 2022. It achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the best-selling single model in the North American EV market in the first quarter of this year. Its popularity delayed its launch in Korea. After two years, it finally made its way into the Korean market.
The Lyriq signifies Cadillac’s full-scale electrification. The traditional chrome grille has been removed from the front, replaced by a black crystal panel that showcases Cadillac’s future design. The straight headlights, starting from below the rear windshield and extending along the C-pillar to the roof, highlight the uniqueness of the Lyriq.
With dimensions of 4,995 x 1,980 x 1,645mm. The roofline slopes from the A-pillar towards the C-pillar, demonstrating the Lyriq’s dynamism. It boasts a 3,095mm wheelbase, and there is no need to worry about knee space in the front; there is enough headroom for two fists above.
A 33-inch curved advanced LED display seamlessly connects the driver’s dashboard and center display, mounted above the dashboard. This display allows for easy monitoring of the vehicle’s condition while driving.
Due to domestic regulations, the Lyriq cannot utilize GAS (Google Auto System), hence the absence of built-in navigation. Instead, it offers wireless connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There is no head-up display.
The Lyriq comes equipped with a 102kWh high-capacity battery, allowing for a range of up to 465km. There is not much difference from the American standard of 307 miles (494km). With a fully charged battery, it can travel from Seoul’s Meeting Plaza to Haenam’s Daejeong Village (404km) or to Haeundae (393km) without needing additional charging.
Equipped with front and rear motors, it showcases a combined maximum output of 500 horsepower and a combined maximum torque of 62.2 kg.m.
It has a lock-to-lock steering ratio of 3.4 turns. Despite being a luxury electric vehicle, the steering response feels relatively light. There are four driving modes: Tour, Sport, Snow, and My Mode. I started with the Tour mode to warm up. Only the residual vibrations from the road were felt. No surface noise or outside sounds were noticeable, thanks to the next-generation active noise cancellation of the Lyriq. Active noise cancellation analyzes and monitors internal sounds with microphones inside the vehicle to generate sound waves that offset external noise. This creates sound waves that counteract noise, allowing passengers to enjoy a comfortable ride without exposure to outside noise.
On the rear left side of the steering wheel, there is a regenerative braking system called ‘Variable Regen On Demand’. When pulling on the pressure-sensitive paddle switch firmly, regenerative braking engages strongly, and a light pull engages it slightly. This differs from the typical regenerative braking systems found in standard electric vehicles. As a result, there is a smooth driving experience akin to that of internal combustion vehicles. It’s like walking softly on a plush carpet.
I switched from Tour mode to Sport mode after enjoying a smooth ride in Tour mode. The previously light steering response becomes slightly heavier and smoother.
If the Tour mode feels like walking slowly on a carpet in the city, Sport mode at high speed feels like dancing to a lively waltz. Even at fierce speeds, thanks to the next-generation active noise cancellation, there was absolutely no external noise. Occasionally, the vibrations and slight road noise blended like a light banter together.
The Lyriq is packed with Cadillac’s advanced driving assistance systems. The streets of Seoul are always congested with traffic, making it a common occurrence not to gain speed. The adaptive cruise control reduces driver fatigue, moving at a slow pace similar to a toddler’s step amid the traffic flow.
Moreover, while changing lanes in slow traffic, if a car approaches from the rear, the seat vibrates to help keep the driver’s focus heightened.
The Lyriq showcases a pleasant ride, robust performance, and versatility as it makes its debut in the domestic market. Having recorded the number one sales position in the North American electric vehicle market, it is expected to garner popularity in the Korean market as well.
The Cadillac Lyriq is priced at 100,696,000 won.
Lee Sang-Jin daedusj@autodiary.kr
