The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq is one of the most striking electric SUVs on the road, a rolling concept car that somehow escaped the auto‑show stand. With up to ~314 miles of EPA range, a big 102‑kWh battery, and a serene, lounge‑like cabin, it looks tailor‑made to poach buyers from Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes. But under the spotlight of daily use, and especially in the used market, the Lyriq’s flaws come into sharp focus.
Luxury EV, first draft
2024 Cadillac Lyriq at a glance
Key 2024 Cadillac Lyriq specs
2024 Cadillac Lyriq trims and core specs
The 2024 Lyriq lineup is simple on paper: same big battery, your choice of single‑motor RWD or dual‑motor AWD.
| Spec | Single‑motor RWD | Dual‑motor AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | ~340 hp | ~500 hp |
| Torque | 325 lb‑ft | 450 lb‑ft |
| Drivetrain | Rear‑wheel drive | All‑wheel drive |
| EPA combined range | ≈314 miles | ≈307 miles |
| 0–60 mph (manufacturer est.) | ≈6.0 seconds | ≈4.8 seconds |
| Max DC fast‑charge power | 190 kW | 190 kW |
| Max AC home charging | 11.5 or 19.2 kW | 11.5 or 19.2 kW |
| Towing capacity | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
Specs shown are typical for 2024 models; individual used vehicles may vary slightly by package.
Model‑year nuance
Performance, driving feel, and ride comfort
On the road, the 2024 Lyriq presents as an electric Escalade that went to finishing school. The single‑motor RWD version is quick enough, with a quiet, unhurried 0–60 mph time around six seconds. The dual‑motor AWD adds a second motor up front and turns the Lyriq into something legitimately fast, sub‑5‑second 0–60 acceleration in an SUV that weighs well over 5,500 pounds.
Ride & refinement
- The Lyriq rides with a relaxed, long‑legged gait. It feels most at home loping along at 70 mph, cabin whisper‑quiet save for a faint EV whir.
- Road and wind noise are impressively suppressed; it genuinely feels a class above many mainstream EV SUVs.
- The trade‑off is softness: big wheels and low‑profile tires can still thump over sharp potholes.
Handling & character
- Steering is light and a bit remote; this is more luxury barge than canyon carver.
- AWD models hide their weight better, with stronger off‑the‑line shove and more secure traction in poor weather.
- One‑pedal driving is available but not as polished or adjustable as the best in class.
The good news for daily driving
Battery, range, and real‑world efficiency
Every 2024 Lyriq uses GM’s Ultium battery platform with a 102‑kWh pack. On paper, that buys you about 314 miles of EPA range in rear‑drive form and about 307 miles with dual‑motor all‑wheel drive. In independent testing, highway range has tended to come in lower, roughly 270 miles for RWD and closer to 220–240 miles for AWD in real‑world conditions, especially at higher speeds or in cold weather.
- EPA combined range is competitive with other large luxury EV SUVs, but not class‑leading anymore.
- Efficiency is merely average: expect around 2.5–2.8 mi/kWh in mixed driving if you’re not hyper‑miling.
- The Lyriq’s low‑ish pack voltage (around 360 V nominal) makes the charging curve more sensitive to temperature and state of charge than some 800‑V rivals.
Cold‑weather caveat
Charging speed, home setup, and road‑trip viability
On specs alone, the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq is a strong charging story: up to 190 kW DC fast‑charging and robust Level 2 AC charging at home. The reality is more nuanced. The peak numbers look good, but the charging curve tapers fairly quickly, meaning a 10–80% fast‑charge typically runs about 40 minutes when conditions are right.
How the 2024 Lyriq charges in the real world
What the brochure promises, and what owners actually see.
DC fast‑charging
- Max 190 kW on CCS.
- 10–80% in about 40 minutes on a healthy charger.
- Best results when you arrive with a warm battery near 10–20%.
Home Level 2 options
- Standard 11.5‑kW onboard charger (≈31 miles/hour).
- Optional 19.2‑kW onboard charger (≈50 miles/hour) with the right circuit.
- Cadillac includes a dual‑level portable cord up to 7.7 kW.
Outlet reality
- On a 120‑V household outlet, a full charge can take days.
- A 240‑V, 50‑A circuit is the sweet spot for most owners.
- Professional installation is strongly recommended for high‑amp home charging.
Home‑charging homework
Interior quality, tech, and everyday comfort
Inside, the 2024 Lyriq is a convincing argument that Cadillac still knows how to do drama. A sweeping 33‑inch curved display arcs in front of the driver. Ambient lighting spills across real metal trim. Materials are mostly worthy of the price tag, especially in higher trims with open‑pore wood and tasteful fabrics instead of a plastic convention.
Space & seating
- Plenty of legroom front and rear; this feels like a proper midsize‑to‑large SUV inside.
- Cargo space is solid but not enormous for the footprint; there’s no frunk.
- Seats are soft and supportive, tuned for comfort rather than aggressive bolstering.
Infotainment & UX
- GM’s Google‑built‑in system is modern and sharp but leans heavily on subscriptions and connected services.
- No traditional Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on later software builds, controversial if you like your phone mirroring straightforward.
- Physical controls for core functions help, but there are still layers of menus to drill through.
Audio and ambiance
Safety, driver assistance, and Super Cruise
The Lyriq offers a full suite of modern driver‑assistance features, automatic emergency braking, lane‑keeping assist, blind‑spot monitoring, and more. The star attraction is Super Cruise, GM’s hands‑free highway driving system, available on many 2024 Lyriqs as an option.
- When it’s working correctly, Super Cruise is one of the best long‑distance commuting tools on the market, able to handle lane‑keeping and speed on pre‑mapped divided highways while you keep your eyes on the road.
- Several owners, however, report glitches in advanced driver‑assist features, including sudden disengagements or alerts, and software updates that require dealership visits rather than simple over‑the‑air patches.
- Basic safety hardware is strong; the question is less about crash structure and more about software polish.
Driver‑assist drama
Reliability red flags and ownership experience
This is where the 2024 Lyriq stops being a beautiful object and starts being a science experiment. In widely cited owner surveys, the Lyriq scores far below average for reliability, with repeated complaints about in‑car electronics, charging hardware, and various electrical accessories. Multiple recalls have targeted issues ranging from software to mechanical components.
Common problem areas
- Glitchy infotainment and digital displays.
- Charging failures both at home and public stations (won’t start charging, won’t reach 100%, random error messages).
- Climate‑control quirks, including failures to heat or cool consistently.
- Electrical gremlins such as inoperable tailgates or random warning lights.
What owners describe
- Some vehicles spending weeks in the shop within the first months of ownership.
- Software updates that require lengthy dealer visits, not over‑the‑air patches.
- Service departments still learning the product, leading to slow diagnoses and repeat visits.
An honest reliability verdict
Depreciation, pricing, and used‑market reality
The flip side of the reliability story is price. Early Lyriqs were expensive, often in the $60,000–$75,000 range new, but they have depreciated aggressively. Industry valuation guides show steep value drops within just a few years, putting some 2024 Lyriqs deep into luxury‑used‑car territory already.
What Lyriq depreciation means for you
Where Recharged fits in
How the 2024 Lyriq compares to rival EV SUVs
Cadillac Lyriq vs. key competitors
Where this big, dramatic Cadillac shines, and where it doesn’t.
Vs Tesla Model Y / Model X
- Lyriq’s interior quality and ride comfort beat a Model Y and feel more bespoke than many Model X builds.
- Tesla wins on charging network simplicity and software polish.
- Resale and long‑term reliability likely favor Tesla.
Vs BMW iX, Mercedes EQE SUV
- Lyriq undercuts German rivals on price, especially used.
- Interior design is competitive; build consistency is not.
- BMW/Mercedes generally offer more refined driver‑assist tech and dealer service maturity.
Vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 / Kia EV6
- Lyriq is larger and more luxurious, with a richer cabin and quieter ride.
- Hyundai/Kia 800‑V platforms charge faster and have stronger real‑world reliability records.
- Value equation strongly favors Ioniq 5/EV6 for risk‑averse buyers.
Who the 2024 Lyriq is (and isn’t) for
You’ll probably love the Lyriq if…
- You want a visually stunning luxury EV that makes every grocery run feel like a concept‑car reveal.
- You value a soft, quiet ride and don’t care if the steering talks back.
- You’re buying used and are willing to trade some reliability risk for a lower price and a lot of range and comfort.
- You have reliable home charging and another vehicle you can fall back on if the Lyriq spends time at the dealer.
You may want to look elsewhere if…
- You need one vehicle to do it all with minimal downtime.
- You’re anxious about software bugs, recalls, or unplanned service visits.
- You live in an area with limited Cadillac dealer EV expertise.
- You want the absolute fastest DC fast‑charging or the broadest charging‑network integration.
Buying a used 2024 Lyriq: what to check
If you’re shopping the used market, a 2024 Lyriq can either be the steal of the decade or a long‑term relationship with your local service advisor. Your job is to tell which is which before you sign anything.
Essential checks before you buy a used 2024 Lyriq
1. Scan recall and service history
Ask for a full printout of recalls and warranty repairs. Multiple repeat visits for the same issue, especially charging faults or driver‑assist malfunctions, are a red flag.
2. Verify software and feature status
Confirm that all available software updates have been applied and that key features (Super Cruise, adaptive cruise, cameras, parking sensors) function reliably on a long test drive.
3. Test charging at home and fast chargers
Bring the car to at least one DC fast‑charger and one Level 2 station. Confirm that charging initiates smoothly, maintains a reasonable rate, and doesn’t throw error messages.
4. Evaluate battery health
Check the displayed range at 100% versus the original EPA figure and ask for any available battery health reports. On Recharged, every vehicle includes a <strong>Recharged Score</strong> with verified battery diagnostics so you’re not guessing.
5. Inspect interior electronics thoroughly
Cycle through every screen, window, seat adjustment, tailgate, and lighting feature. The Lyriq’s trouble spots are often small but annoying electrical issues.
6. Consider ownership logistics
Look honestly at your situation: Do you have a backup vehicle? Is your nearest Cadillac dealer EV‑savvy? Would you be okay with occasional service visits in exchange for a lower purchase price?
How Recharged reduces the gamble
FAQ: 2024 Cadillac Lyriq
Frequently asked questions about the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq
Bottom line: Is the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq worth it?
The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq is a rolling paradox: visually spectacular, genuinely comfortable, and reasonably efficient, yet held back by software gremlins and early‑adopter reliability drama. If you’re buying new and expect perfection, there are safer bets. If you’re shopping used, have access to good Cadillac service, and can live with the occasional dealer visit, a carefully chosen Lyriq can deliver a near‑flagship luxury EV experience for surprisingly down‑to‑earth money.
The key is due diligence. Don’t buy the badge and the light show; buy the specific car in front of you, its service history, its charging behavior, its battery health. That’s exactly what Recharged is built to help with, from Recharged Score battery diagnostics to fair‑market pricing and nationwide delivery. Approach the 2024 Lyriq as a brilliant but imperfect first draft, and you can enjoy its best qualities while keeping its worst habits in check.
