Cadillac has just revealed its first all-electric model. Called the Lyriq, the automaker expects the production version to be able to make it from Edmundston to Moncton on a single charge. Or Halifax to almost Woodstock, if you’d rather look at it that way.
A new design direction for Cadillac
The brand has designed a crossover that will stand out. Looking much like the concept car teaser it showed us more than a year ago, this represents a new design direction for Caddy.
While it has the automaker’s now-signature (and fin-inspired) vertical front accent lights, it has some of the narrowest headlights we’ve ever seen. Plus the cool wrap-around taillights and the tiny mirrors (though don’t expect those to make production).
Highest pixel density in the industry on the 33-inch LED display makes for a techie interior
On the inside, GM has gone all-out starting with the massive piece of glass that is the 33-inch LED display. Spanning half the width of the car, it houses driver info, camera views, infotainment, and more, and GM says it has the highest pixel density in the industry to help it look extra sharp.
Above that is a dual-plane head-up display that can show you directions and accident avoidance information that looks like it’s in the real world. The turn arrow looks like its actually on the street you need to turn onto.
It will also have the latest version of Cadillac’s Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance and can park itself even if you’re not inside.
New Ultium battery from GM; Cadillac expects 500-km range
The first model to use GM’s new Ultium battery and powertrain tech, it has a battery pack mounted in the floor using a new chemistry that cuts cobalt use by 70 percent.
No power figures were given, but Cadillac expects a near-500-kilometre range and 150 kW ultra-fast charging to let you travel the Maritimes with as little time spent plugged in as possible. That’s a much longer range than the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace, though it can’t match a Tesla Model X Long Range.
Both rear and all-wheel drive options will be available.
To complement the quiet power, Cadillac has a new noise cancellation system with more microphones and accelerometers to target tire noise and make the interior more silent. A 19-speaker AKG audio system will deliver the sounds that you want tluo hear when inside.
The only thing missing is a date.
Cadillac said only that production will start in 2022, which means that it may not make it to market here until 2023. And that’s a long time to wait in a market that’s changing by the month.
Cadillac LYRIQ’s new electric vehicle architecture opens up possibilities in vehicle spaciousness and design. Images display show car, not for sale. Some features shown may not be available on actual production model.
