The switch to an electric vehicle future is going to be expensive for early adopters. And troublesome. And expensive. But at least it is going to look good. Take Cadillac as an example. They create show-stopping concepts every year but end up selling boredom on 4-wheels. The pathway to electric cars is forcing boring and expensive manufactures to think outside of their normal comfort zones. To get up and off the couch and actually take this car business seriously for once instead of relying on the marketing department and actuaries. Well, car manufacturers will always rely on actuarial professionals to get them out of future tight spots. But for now, we can focus our attention on the all-new Cadillac Lyriq electric SUV.

Finally, after all these years, Cadillac has done something interesting. They have used a dictionary to find out what style actually means. Then they used this newfound knowledge to apply style into what is often referred to as the design process. Outrageous! And hey presto we have the Lyriq. This is no concept, it is intended to be, it is, a full-blooded production-ready pure electric SUV. The Cadillac Lyric is powered by GM’s newly developed Ultium battery. GM says that Ultium batteries will offer better efficiencies, requires less wiring and therefore will achieve a better overall range compared to Lithium-ion batteries.

But at the moment Ultium technology is an unproven existential theory. Nevertheless, Cadillac Lyriq will have a 100kWh setup which equals the energy density of the Tesla Model S Long Range. This equates 340hp,  440NM of torque, and a claimed range of 300 miles. The Lyriq will be offered in RWD as standard and 4WD will be available as an option, or standard depending on trim levels. And, yes there will be a performance edition at a later date.

With DC fast charging, the Lyriq is able to add 76 miles within 10 minutes. The optional 19.2kW home charger allows for a gain of 52 miles for every hour that passes. As you can see from the interior, the Lyriq finally expresses Cadillac’s founding principles of luxury motoring. And with prices starting at $60,000 you better expect luxury in addition to a fully digital driver and infotainment system and generous standard kit. Just as long as it has heated (comfortable) seats, Apple CarPlay, and ambient lighting, then I am good to go.

The Cadillac Lyric will be retail-ready in 2023, impatient early adopters can order First Edition models right now.