On Thursday, Cadillac debuted its long-awaited Lyriq SUV, an all-electric crossover that's not just a new model, but the cornerstone of the brand's future tech game. While the new crossover promises impressive battery, chassis, automation and connectivity functions, it can't promise to be at dealerships anytime soon: the model won't be due until late 2022. Understandably, there is still a lot going on for a vehicle that is so far from the hands of consumers, but at least we now have a better idea of pricing. According to WardsAuto, the Cadillac Lyriq will launch under $ 75,000 in 2023. The auto industry publication learned this number from Cadillac President Steve Carlisle during a briefing, and brand spokeswoman Katie Minter confirmed that number to Roadshow on Friday.
That MSRP of under $ 75,000 suggests the Lyriq can more easily compete with it Tesla's Model X. than with its newer, more affordable Model Y SUV, along with other luxury brand name e-SUVs like the Audi E-Tron and Jaguar I-Pace. Today's Tesla Model X Long Range Plus, the entry-level spec, offers a range of 351 miles and a speed of 4.4 seconds between 0 and 60 mph in exchange for $ 79,990 plus a delivery fee of $ 1,200. As such, the Cadillac Lyriq could be a bit cheaper than the X due to its pricing, although the range of this upcoming model is currently only listed as "at least 300 miles".
The electric SUV Cadillac Lyriq heralds a new era at GM
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There are some additional restrictions to be observed. First, it should be noted that Tesla's model price and performance attributes fluctuate almost with the season. Hence, it's hard to guess where Model X prices will be when the Cadillac hits the market (when Tesla is actually still selling the same vehicle). Additionally, the aforementioned Model X's performance data will be realized with standard all-wheel drive, and according to WardsAuto, Cadillac officials believe AWD on the Lyriq could reduce range by 20-30 miles. In more than two years to the time GM ships that new Cadillac, it's impossible to know how the Lyriq's numbers will hold up against competition from Tesla or other vendors.
According to Minter, Cadillac's promising-looking new addition is currently only "80%" complete. Further prices and vehicle specifications are likely to become known in the next year. Production is scheduled to begin in China, with US assembly going online soon after.
Take that away? Just as your mileage can vary, so can the possible performance and price figures of the Lyriq EV.
