During the 2019 North American Auto Show that GM CEO, Mary Barra revealed several details about GM's upcoming series of EVs based on its third-generation global EV platform. They included cars like the GM Hummer EV and the Lyriq, an EV crossover that will mark Cadillac's entry into the EV market. It joins a rapidly growing list of EVs from major carmakers and it will be interesting to see how the market responds.

The Lyriq will usher in a new era of luxury and technology as Cadillac seeks to completely transition to EVs following an announcement in April 2021 that going forward, every new vehicle from the brand will be all-electric. It is an ambitious move but one that will undoubtedly be quite interesting if the Cadillac Lyriq is the sign of things to come.

A Statement Of Intent

Cadillac-Lyriq Cadillac is not joking about its first foray into the EV market and the available information has got us rubbing our hands with glee at the imminent arrival of the Lyriq EV. Cadillac is expected to form the spear tip of a $27 billion investment plan by General Motors to offer about 30 new EVs by the end of 2025. Cadillac-Lyriq The Lyriq is going to be one of the first fruits of that massive investment and you can be sure the carmaker is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the Lyriq makes a big enough splash when it finally hits the market sometime in 2022.

Competitive Price Point

Cadillac-Lyriq The Cadillac Lyriq will be going head-to-head with the likes of the Tesla Model X, Audi E-Tron, and the Mercedes-Benz EQC. It will be an interesting match-up, and the Lyriq will be counting on its pricing package to give it something of a competitive edge. Cadillac-Lyriq Full pricing details for all the model trims have not been released but Cadillac has confirmed that the base model will start at about $60,000. That should put it below the $66,000 Audi, $69,000 Mercedes Benz, and the $80,000 Tesla.

Impressive EV Range

Cadillac-Lyriq Real-world figures are not yet available but Cadillac has stated that the Lyriq will be able to cover more than 300 miles on a single charge. This figure was obtained after several rounds of in-house tests and the Lyriq should be right up there with the mainstream rivals if the figure remains the same in the production version. Cadillac-Lyriq It is one of the most important statistics used to measure the performance of any EV and the Lyriq already looks like a pretty decent bargain. Related: 10 Brand-New 2021 EVs With The Longest Ranges, Ranked

Noise Cancellation Technology

Cadillac-Lyriq The Lyriq will be introducing an innovative noise cancellation technology to the market when it becomes available for sale sometime in 2022. Cadillac-Lyriq The system will make use of several microphones and accelerometers to improve the noise cancellation abilities of the car. It is a clever technology that among other things, targets the frequency range of tire cavity noise, reducing the noise level in the vehicle, ultimately resulting in a quieter experience for the passengers.

Super Cruise

Cadillac-Lyriq The stylish Cadillac EV will be fitted with Super Cruise; a driver assistance system that Cadillac claims is the industry's first truly hands-free driving-assistance feature for compatible roads. Super Cruise is paired with the vehicle's adaptive cruise control and can take over acceleration and braking for the driver. Cadillac-Lyriq The system also uses real-time precise positioning, cameras, sensors, and LiDAR map data to help detect every curve and plot the vehicle's route accordingly. One should add that Cadillac still stresses the importance of having an attentive driver behind the wheel even while the system is in operation. Related: Here’s Why EVs Aren’t The ‘Only’ Solution For A Sustainable Future

Infotainment Display

Cadillac-Lyriq The 33-inch infotainment display on the Lyriq has to be one of the largest screens ever fitted on a production vehicle. The curved screen is the dominant feature on the dash, covering a huge chunk of the available surface area. Cadillac-Lyriq The advanced LED display will serve various functions ranging from an infotainment display and instrument gauge to a control unit for the car's lighting. The screen can function as a single display but according to Cadillac, it can also be split into 3 different units, each with different information to display.

The All-New Ultium Battery System

Cadillac-Lyriq In March 2020, GM revealed a new modular propulsion system and a highly flexible, third-generation global EV platform powered by proprietary Ultium batteries. Cadillac-Lyriq It is the same revolutionary system that will be at the heart of the new Lyriq. The Ultium battery system will offer as much as 100KwH of energy for a truly engaging driving experience. It will also support DC fast charging at rates up to 190 KW, adding about 76 miles of range in as little as 10 minutes.

Lyriq Party Tricks

Cadillac-Lyriq The Lyriq boasts some neat features that perfectly complement its stylish appearance. As you approach the car, it recognizes you and 'welcomes' you by way of a choreographed lighting sequence that trumps anything currently seen in the industry. Cadillac-Lyriq The drama does not stop there. On the inside, various changes also take place as the car prepares the cabin for the trip. The seats can adjust to the driver's preferred position; side mirrors open up to the optimum angles and the climate system can also change even before the driver gets into the car. Related: 10 Awesome EVs That We'd Buy Over A Tesla

Ahead of Schedule

Cadillac-Lyriq When Cadillac first introduced the Lyriq in 2020, it set a target date of late 2022 for the first deliveries. However, things have progressed quite smoothly for the EV since then and it will now launch 9 months ahead of schedule. US buyers can expect to start taking deliveries in the first quarter of 2022 for the 2023 model year. Cadillac-Lyriq The reasons for this have been attributed to factors including the highly flexible qualities of the Ultium battery system, the use of virtual development tools, and lessons learned during the Hummer EV development process.

Futuristic Design

Cadillac-Lyriq One of the best aspects of the Lyriq is that the production version will only show slight deviations from the wild concept that's been shown to the public. Among other things, this means the car will retain the vertical signature lighting and transparent crystal black pseudo grille design with pinstriping and a Cadillac crest logo that lights up. Cadillac-Lyriq The only notable changes in the production version are smaller wheels and doors and a 5-passenger two-row seating instead of the concept car's 4-chair setup.