LUXURY automotive model Cadillac is getting ready to open the native order books this month for its Lyriq electrical massive SUV with a $117,000 (earlier than on-road prices) beginning worth that undercuts European rivals just like the Audi Q8 E-Tron, BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.
Cadillac has flat-out undercut the German trio, providing a US-built luxurious SUV that presents a compelling various to the German ‘huge three’ on paper.
An Audi Q8 E-Tron begins at $140,600 + ORC, the least-expensive BMW iX is $130,900 + ORC and Mercedes opens EQE proceedings at $134,900 + ORC.
Initially, the Lyriq can be supplied in Luxurious and Sport trim ranges. The Luxurious is priced from $117,000 and the Sport is priced at $119,000, each earlier than on-road prices.
Each share a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain producing 373kW/610Nm, underpinned by a 102kWh battery for a claimed WLTP vary of 530km. In line with Cadillac, DC fast-charging on the most price of 190kW will present an extra 128km in simply 10 minutes.
For comparability an Audi E-Tron 50 Quattro develops 250kW/664Nm with AWD, the BMW iX xDrive40 sends 240kW/630Nm to all 4 wheels and the EQE 300 SUV’s comparatively weedy 180kW/550Nm goes to the rear wheels solely.
Regardless of its energy and torque benefit, the Cadillac doesn’t, nonetheless, provide the vendor footprint of its European rivals and it was disclosed earlier this yr that the model will undertake a direct-to-consumer mannequin – just like the method taken by Genesis and Tesla – with orders positioned on its web site or at ‘expertise centres’ in Sydney and Melbourne.
Past its restricted retail presence, Cadillac has outlined plans to open licensed service centres in main cities round Australia – additionally suggesting cellular servicing for purchasers unable to make it to a brick-and-mortar location.
Throughout a media roundtable earlier this yr, GM Australia and New Zealand managing director Jess Bala stated Cadillac will compete with European luxurious manufacturers when it arrives Down Below.
“We’re focusing on these tier-one European luxurious manufacturers,” she stated, chatting with a presentation slide that cited Land Rover, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Volvo.
“We’re focusing on the European luxurious manufacturers and our worth can be proper within the realm of the place their entries, or equal entries are.”
The 2 Lyriq variants are separated by aesthetic options, for essentially the most half, with the Sport mannequin providing darker trim and extra ‘efficiency oriented’ styling. At their core, although, the 2 fashions share the identical options.
Each grades characteristic a premium exterior end with options like a glass roof that extends to a spoiler on the rear, and a high-gloss ‘black crystal’ grille up entrance with distinguished Cadillac badging. Each fashions rating 21-inch alloy wheels, though the Sport will get a singular design.
Inside, an unlimited 33-inch diagonal superior LED show spans the size of the sprint, whereas an AKG Studio 19-speaker system – which incorporates audio system within the headrests – offers premium audio and it additionally options next-generation lively noise cancellation.
The Lyriq’s ‘Inteluxe’ artificial seat trim is obtainable in varied colors, however Cadillac additionally provides a Nappa leather-based bundle as an possibility – additionally out there in a few totally different colors.
Whereas different North American arrivals throughout the pick-up phase – just like the Chevrolet Silverado, Ram pick-ups and Ford F-150 – are remanufactured into right-hand drive domestically, the Lyriq is inbuilt RHD at Cadillac’s manufacturing plant in Tennessee, USA.
“Lyriq units the usual for the way forward for Cadillac within the area, and we’re thrilled to be formally taking buyer orders this month,” stated Ms Bala.
“This can be a important milestone for the launch of Cadillac in Australia and New Zealand with prospects in a position to order their new Cadillac Lyriq on-line.
“The Lyriq is the right car to launch the Cadillac model in Australia and New Zealand. It delivers a uniquely Cadillac expertise, with the refined luxurious and know-how that the model is legendary for all over the world.”
The Lyriq is but to acquire an ANCAP security score or NHTSA score within the US, nevertheless it options an array of lively and passive security options and airbags all through.
Cadillac covers Lyriq fashions with a five-year/limitless kilometre car guarantee, eight-year/160,000km battery guarantee, and can embody 5 years of roadside help. The primary 5 annual providers are additionally free.
The Cadillac Lyriq is anticipated to reach Down Below earlier than the top of the yr, with the web site at the moment stating ‘orders opening quickly’.
