The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq is officially set to launch during the first half of the 2022 calendar year, so it isn’t surprising that it has been a rare sight on roads thus far. However, Cadillac Society has just caught a prototype undergoing testing on public roads, giving us a glimpse of what the luxury crossover will look like out and about.
Back in April, Cadillac shared a single photo of a camouflaged Lyriq testing – a move that was uncharacteristic for the luxury marque. Unlike that initial prototype, this particular 2023 Cadillac Lyriq prototype doesn’t wear the typical camo. In fact, it doesn’t have any camo at all.
Instead, its body panels are white and it has matte black plastic trim pieces not slated for production. In addition, this unit has placeholder headlights, taillights and daytime running lights. It also doesn’t feature any exterior badging, and it’s missing the trim that would cover the rocker panels and most of the wheel trim (some of the trim is present atop the rear wheel).
To reiterate, the matte black plastic trim pieces seen here will not be part of the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq when it enters production. Rather, they act as placeholders for the higher-end gloss black trim that will adorn the final product. Also note this prototype’s pre-production grille, which does not feature the LED lighting display that will be included on the production models.
Also note the pins on the “hood” of this model. Before you ask, we’re not sure what their purpose is on this Lyriq prototype.
Additionally, we haven’t seen the twin six-spoke alloy wheels seen on this prototype on any Lyriq model thus far, and they appear to be smaller than the 20-inch and 21-inch wheels that will be offered on the Lyriq at launch. Perhaps these will serve as the wheels for the Lyriq’s base model once such a model comes to market.
Riding on the new BEV3 platform, the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq features a 100.4 kWh lithium-ion Ultium battery pack and a single Ultium Drive motor mounted on the rear axle. The electric driveline is rated at 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and Cadillac estimates the Lyriq will have 300 miles of range on a full charge, despite the not-insignificant 5,610 pound curb weight.
Interestingly, the Cadillac Lyriq will not feature a frunk, a feature included in many other electric vehicles. Instead, the luxury electric crossover will have a roomier traditional trunk / storage area.
The Lyriq has already proven to be a hit with consumers, with pre-orders for the 2023 Cadillac Debut Edition selling out in just over ten minutes in the United States. Cadillac says that more units of the vehicle will become available in the summer of 2022.
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James Bolstad
I presently own a 2020 Cadillac XT5 so I don’t like the fact the Lyriq will only go 300 miles on a charge. If I’m on a trip, I don’t want to have to stop for a charge because of time. How long will it take to get it fully recharged?
poncho167
That is a dilemma that all battery powered cars will carry. I guess one will have to reconsider their driving styles and learn to adapt to the new world that is being forces upon us. To me the whole thing doesn’t seem too logical given the fact that when considering the production and eventual disposal of these cars, there is as much energy and pollution, possibly more, as there are with current with fossil fuel autos? The planet will be obsolete within a million years regardless, that is why there is space exploration and planet mars considerations among other options. This all comes down to politics and one that is selling a story to unsuspecting recipients!
RObert Dumont
This will be the end of Cadillac. Mary barra must go.
poncho167
You may be on your own unless you keep your gasoline auto maintained for years. No one will have gas powered cars in coming years. My biggest concern is how much gas will cost within the next 10-years?
EY789
The Lyriq looks amazing even without the trim and lights! Cadillac really went all in the design this time.
Norm
An coal powered electric station wagon from a company that forgot how to market and sell sedans and coupes. A company that extorted their dealers to invest in this fraud. GM is counting on government money in terms of incentives and tax breaks to them and the few who can afford these worthless piles of toxic batteries. We need new car companies. The ones we have hate us.
Paul
The more I look at it the more I like it but yet at the same time I feel the front and rear are a bit polarizing and need a little more design tweaking.
poncho167
Not that I am seriously considering electric, but when will they have a smaller version that sells for less than $50,000? I am sure Buick will have one!
Chris Cummings
If this whole electric thing were a market-driven change, instead of something that is being crammed down on the masses by the Wise Decision Makers in Charge, it would be much less off-putting. It’s not good to be told “We’re not going to let you have this choice anymore, because we have decided that it’s not good for you. You really want this new thing that we’re making you accept. Now, behave yourself and buy it.”
poncho167
I fell to the SUV trend in late 2019. After 2-years I have had enough and desire another sedan. Hopefully, Cadillac will have auto’s available come next spring.