Just last week, Cadillac debuted a concept version of its first-ever all-electric vehicle. Dubbed the Cadillac Lyriq, the new EV crossover was shown to select media at a private event in Warren, Michigan, with a more public debut scheduled for April. However, that upcoming public showing has now been postponed in response to health concerns over the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak.
The novel coronavirus has already had a major impact on the auto industry thus far. For example, the Geneva International Motor Show scheduled for this month was canceled in response to outbreak fears in Europe. In Los Angeles, California, the city originally slated to play host for the Lyriq’s public debut, a state of emergency was declared last week in response to the spread of the disease.
For now, Cadillac has yet to announce a new date for the Cadillac Lyriq concept debut, but the company is considering moving the event online with a live stream.
The Cadillac Lyriq was originally shown as a digital rendering at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, with a pre-production version shown at the event in Michigan. The new crossover EV will be based on the BEV3 modular electric platform, which was also shown at the event in Michigan. The Cadillac Lyriq will be available with both two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive, with two-wheel-drive variants likely running power at the rear, similar to other luxury electric crossovers like the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace.
Outside, the new Cadillac Lyriq will sport the brand’s latest styling language, as previewed in the digital rendering from 2019, as well as pull inspiration from the Cadillac XT4 and all-new 2021 Cadillac Escalade. Sizing will be roughly equivalent to that of the current Cadillac XT5 crossover. A recent teaser image also provides tantalizing hints as to what the new crossover will look like.
Inside, the new crossover concept will show off with a long 34-inch touchscreen, top-shelf materials, and a host of high-tech gadgetry.
The Cadillac Lyriq is expected to go on sale for the 2022 model year.
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RichOne
Based on the emerging details, the design looks nice to me. The silhouette image reminds me of the Jaguar i-Pace (and a white one of those in my neighborhood features a brushed chrome molding between the two wheels along the sider rocker panel.) It would be cool to Cadillac design a crest on the sail panel of the Lyriq’s D-pillar (as is included on the BMW X2 model which features the classic Blue & White BMW logo in that position.) Maybe the front center crest is illuminated as is the optional one for Mercedes? It appears to be in the picture of the front end.
Greg
I’m reminded of a lyric from one of my favorite songs:
“It’s the end of the World as we know it; and I feel fine…”