After some light teasing, Cadillac has finally revealed the Lyriq SUV, but in its current form, it’s just a show car, and the debut video was littered with reminders that not all the technology you see will make it to the production model. With that tidbit out of the way, Cadillac should be commended for showing up late to the EV party in style, most of which is thanks to that new Ultium long-range battery and a new modular electric platform that will pave the way for all of GM to build countless EVs.

The Cadillac Lyriq Show car – Coming in 2023 With Some New Technology

The new crossover will ride on an all-new modular electric platform that will underpin a number of future models thanks to its simple design. The Ultium battery pack is integrated into this platform in a way that reduces the amount of battery wiring needed while at the same time lowering the center of gravity and acting as part of the vehicle’s structure.

When launched in 2023, the production model will be offered in RWD configuration as standard with a “performance” AWD option being available. Cadillac was quick to boast the Lyriq’s handling capability thanks to the low center of gravity and near-50\50 weight distribution. As for how much power deliver you can expect, Cadillac has kept that close to the vest, so we’ll have to wait a little longer.

The interior of the Lyriq is clearly expected to please even the pickiest folks and promises to deliver the finest materials available, all the latest tech GM has at its disposal, and a superior driving experience.

Final Thoughts

As I sat here and watched the entirety of the Cadillac Lyriq’s debut video, I was beyond impressed with what Cadillac was showing off. That massive 33-inch display on the dash, the huge displays for rear-seat passengers, the jewelry box-like storage compartment in the center console – all of this exudes luxury at a level that we’ve never seen from Cadillac before. The design itself is also attractive with a long hood, slanted roof, and sleek body lines. Overall, the design really could create an all-new Cadillac. Perhaps the Cadillac the world has always wanted. However, I see one big problem, and it starts with the words “show car.”

We’ve been down this road many times before. The Cadillac Lyriq is said to represent Cadillac’s future design language – especially in terms of that big grille, the driver welcoming sequence, and other general design cues. Most of it is an evolution of what Cadillac is already producing. However, there’s still a lot here that will likely change before production. We know those super-thin LED headlights probably won’t make it to production. Neither will the side view cameras – not unless new standards are passed for road vehicles – that’s why we don’t have these technologies on the road now. A similar story will likely be found inside the vehicle. We’ve seen countless concepts debut with amazing, futuristic technology – think about Mercedes with the EQ brand. The production cars are nothing like the concepts or show cars. I don’t think the production Lyriq will be that far of a departure, but I’m willing to bet that some of the cool interior tech and things like the side view cameras, for instance, won’t see the light of day outside of this show car.

As of now, everything you’ve read here is what’s known about the Lyriq. With it scheduled to go into production as a 2023 model, I suspect we’ll learn more about it closer to the on-sale date. Mid-2020 seems to be a decent expectation or when we’ll see the production model. Cadillac says this prototype is about 85-percent ready for production, and if that’s really the case, one really has to wonder what kind of price point Cadillac is going to try to set for its first EV. One wrong move could mean failure.