General Motors seems to have been shaken up and is rapidly coming up with various EVs. In addition to a future electric Hummer, Cadillacs are also filled with electric motors and batteries. This fully electric Lyriq concept car is the starting signal for the electric path that Cadillac will walk.
Earlier it was announced that Cadillac would become the electric showpiece of General Motors (GM). A tough task for the iconic American brand, especially considering that no model was fitted with a plug yet. With this voluptuous Lyriq concept car, Cadillac shows what it has to offer in the field of EVs. As is often the case with electric cars, the eyes are mainly focused on technology, so let’s explain that first. The Lyriq is built on GM’s new-generation modular platform, created specifically for electric cars. The power of the electric motors is not mentioned, but the brand new battery system should be good for 100 kWh. Cadillac promises a range of “over 300 miles” (482 km) for the basic rear-wheel drive SUV. A sportier all-wheel drive configuration is optionally available with the promised production version.
The Cadillac can handle a DC fast charger up to 150 kW. Up to 19 kW can be charged on a regular charger. Furthermore, in the field of autonomous techniques, Cadillac will stop the Super Cruise system in the Lyriq. With this piece of autonomous technology, the driver can keep his hands free from the steering wheel on more than 320,000 highway kilometers that have been found suitable.
Those who feel quite watched by the nose with the immense grille, better get used to the image quickly. Cadillac is proud to say this will be the new face for the next generation of EVs. In a way, it is a further development of the current nose parts, as it appears on the last renewed Escalade. The upright light bar with LED daytime running lights, for example, is common on both cars. However, the size of the striped grille is much larger than that of Cadillacs we know so far. With the concept car, LED lighting is also being used there, just as with the central logo, for example, but it is not yet clear whether this will reach the production line. The Lyriq’s carriage is further streamlined and ends up with a beautiful butt with remarkable lighting. The light bar that serves as a rear light begins already far into the C-pillar on the side. With right angles and folds, it extends all the way across the Lyriq’s tailgate. Slightly lower and on either side of the back there is an extra light bar that is again drawn upright. The charging point is hidden behind a large panel near the front wheels.
As a concept, the Lyriq offers space for four occupants. The four luxury seats are finished with wood at the back and are further provided with leather. Between the rear seats is an elevation containing a screen with which rear passengers can operate all kinds of facilities. The driver has a wide 33-inch screen in front of him. With a central rotary knob between the front passengers, everything can be set. The car is further finished, like the steering wheel, with luxurious materials.
Cadillac does not yet know when it will come with the production version of the Lyriq. If the car actually appears, this could also be interesting for Europe, as Cadillac is still formally present here.