[Taboleo] Cadillac's First Electric Vehicle 'Lyriq' on the Edge

Midsize Yet Sleek Appearance
SUV with Sedan-Like Ride Comfort... Reduced Regenerative Braking Discomfort

Cadillac's first electric vehicle has finally landed in Korea. Although it is an electric car, it feels like an internal combustion engine vehicle; although it is a sports utility vehicle (SUV), it feels like a sedan. This ambiguity on the boundary is resolved with luxury. This is the story of Cadillac's 'Lyriq.'

◆Is it a mid-to-large SUV?=The specifications of the Lyriq place it in the mid-to-large SUV class. Its length is 4995 mm, width 1980 mm, and height 1640 mm. It shares the same length as Hyundai's representative mid-to-large SUV, the Palisade, and is 5 mm wider. The wheelbase is 3095 mm, which is 5 mm longer than the Carnival.

However, the first impression of the Lyriq seen in person was closer to a sleek sedan than a large SUV. This is because Cadillac's distinctive straight lines were used to create a sharper shape. The relatively low height compared to the area also plays a role. The Lyriq's height is 75 mm lower than the Palisade (1975 mm). Its flat appearance relative to its size removes any dullness.

◆Is it really an electric car?=On the 11th, during a round trip of about 93 km from Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul to Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do, the energy efficiency was recorded at 4.2 km/kWh. Despite running the air conditioner strongly in hot weather, it exceeded the official energy efficiency rating of 3.9 km/kWh. With a maximum output of 500 horsepower and maximum torque of 62.2 kgf·m, it had no shortage of power.

The driving feel was similar to that of a high-end internal combustion engine sedan. There was no peculiar sensation typical of electric vehicles. When going over speed bumps, it was smooth and quiet like a flagship sedan. The ride was not overly soft. When pressing the accelerator pedal, it moved forward with a solid feel. It maintained stability even when navigating sharp curves. A Cadillac official explained, "We applied independent control suspension, placed the battery under the floor, and positioned motors at the front and rear of the vehicle to achieve nearly a 50:50 weight distribution, maintaining the vehicle's balance."

Regenerative braking, which divides opinions, can be used as much as desired. The regenerative braking function can be activated at different intensity levels. Especially notable is that even when the regenerative braking function is turned off, it can be used manually. Like the paddle shifters in internal combustion engine vehicles, there is a pressure-sensitive 'Regen on Demand' paddle on the left side behind the steering wheel. Each time it is pressed, regenerative braking activates and the rear lights turn on. This allows it to be used like a brake, enabling a different kind of 'one-pedal driving.'

Cadillac Lyriq Interior View (Photo by Cadillac)

◆Luxurious interior... disappointing driver assistance features=The interior is the epitome of a luxury car. Various premium materials such as aluminum, wood, and Nappa leather were used generously. Buttons and handles were also crafted with care. The 33-inch 9K curved LED display, which integrates the instrument cluster and infotainment system, is clear and responsive even under bright sunlight. The climate control system was not blindly swept away by touch and automatic hot air; it uses physical buttons arranged like piano keys. The column-type shifter also allows for a spacious central storage compartment.

The driver assistance system is a weak point. Cadillac's autonomous driving system, 'Super Cruise,' was not applied due to issues with exporting Google Maps. The adaptive cruise control, which only manages speed settings and maintains distance from the car ahead, is the limit. For the same reason, there is no built-in navigation system, and the head-up display (HUD) function is not equipped in the domestic release model. However, the front display shows the driving route guided by Android Auto or Apple CarPlay navigation along with the speed in real time.

Ultimately, the key is the pricing strategy. The Lyriq was launched in a single Sport trim and was priced at 106.96 million KRW (based on a 5% individual consumption tax), exceeding initial expectations. It is cheaper than the BMW iX (149.9 million KRW) and comparable to the Mercedes-Benz EQE (109.9 million KRW) and Audi Q8 e-tron (108.6 million KRW).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.