Sponsored by Cadillac New Zealand
From the moment you walk through the doors of the new Cadillac Experience Centre on Auckland’s Karangahape Road you get an idea of what this new generation of American luxury cars are all about.
The design is unmistakably modern but with an air of sophistication that pays homage to Cadillac’s storied legacy, while the materials used throughout are top-tier: polished stone, sleek metals, and fine leathers, all working together to create a tactile experience of luxury.
Open and airy, the Experience Centre oozes restrained luxury, with a minimalist approach that highlights the cars themselves, making them feel like pieces of art rather than just vehicles.
Which, as it happens, is also a rather good description of those vehicles, as the Cadillac LYRIQ’s exterior immediately commands attention with its sleek silhouette, smooth, flowing lines and an athletic stance that hints at both luxury and performance.
The front features Cadillac’s signature vertical lighting elements, now reimagined in high-tech LED strips, while the large, gloss-black grille with its illuminated Cadillac crest gives it a modern, almost sci-fi vibe. It’s a car that stands out in a world where many EVs are starting to look alike.
Climb inside, and the LYRIQ’s cabin envelopes you in a world of cutting-edge technology and premium materials. The dashboard is dominated by a 33-inch curved OLED touchscreen that spans nearly the entire width of the cabin. This is one of the standout features of the LYRIQ and offers sharp resolution, intuitive controls, and a user-friendly interface.
Materials throughout the cabin feel luxurious but not over-the-top. Soft-touch leather, subtle chrome accents, ambient lighting and just a touch of wood bring a sophisticated ambience. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and there’s plenty of legroom in both the front and rear.
Cargo space is generous, with a big 793 litre boot that increases to offer a cavernous 1722 litre space with the rear seats folded down.
The LYRIQ is available in New Zealand in either Sport or Luxury models, with both powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, delivering a total of 388kW and 610Nm. This electric drivetrain provides instant torque that makes motorway on-ramps and passing other vehicles feel effortless, while on the road the LYRIQ is smooth and refined, with a ride that is everything you would expect from something wearing the Cadillac badge.
Its “Passive-Plus Premium Dampers” and multi-link suspension absorb bumps and rough road surfaces with an almost arrogant disregard to their existence, and the ride is plush without being overly soft or disconnected from the road. It feels substantial, but not too floaty.
It is also easily one of the quietest cars on the road, and not just because it is electric – there is also some very clever noise-cancelling technology at work in the LYRIQ, and as a result wind and road noise are kept to a minimum, and cabin remains utterly serene at open road speeds.
The LYRIQ packs a big 102 kWh battery that offers a range of up to 530 kilometres on the WLTP combined cycle. The charging experience is also convenient, with the ability to charge from 0 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes using a DC fast charger, while a quick 10 minute charge will add up to 128km of range.
The LYRIQ comes with a full suite of safety features, including forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. These features are standard, along with Cadillac’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which is genuinely one of the best in the business and has one feature that puts it head and shoulders above the competition – the use of haptic feedback in the driver’s seat for alerts, as opposed to annoying beeps and electronic squeals.
The infotainment system is intuitive, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, and the big touchscreen is intuitive and nicely responsive.
The Cadillac LYRIQ Luxury AWD is a bold step forward for the American luxury carmaker and makes a remarkably strong and convincing entry into the New Zealand market. It’s a luxurious, and stylish electric vehicle that balances futuristic technology with traditional Cadillac refinement.
If you’re looking for an electric SUV with a premium driving experience, solid range, and a high-tech interior, the LYRIQ is one of the most compelling options out there. It’s comfortable, powerful, and most importantly, it feels like the future of Cadillac has finally arrived – electric, but still very much a Cadillac.
For more information visit cadillacanz.com
