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Luxury SUV buyers tend to start with the usual suspects. BMW. Mercedes-Benz. Audi. Porsche. Perhaps even Polestar or Genesis.
But Cadillac’s decision to extend its $95,000 drive-away offer on the Lyriq until July 31 has changed the conversation completely.
At under six figures drive-away, Cadillac’s large electric SUV now sits in a position few rivals can match.
It delivers the size, presence, refinement and equipment level expected of a far more expensive luxury vehicle, but at a price point that places it squarely into the consideration set for buyers shopping across the premium EV space.
That’s what makes this offer so significant.
The Lyriq has effectively been repositioned between Cadillac’s incoming Optiq and larger three-row Vistiq, giving the brand a more logical electric SUV lineup.
More importantly, it gives buyers a rare opportunity: a genuine large luxury electric SUV with serious road presence, a beautifully finished cabin, muscular performance, and substantial driving range for $95,000, no more to pay.
In the current market, that represents unassailable value, because the Lyriq doesn’t look or feel like a cut-price alternative.
Stretching just beyond five metres in length, it has the sort of visual authority many premium SUVs simply can’t replicate.
The illuminated Black Crystal grille, dramatic vertical lighting signatures and sculpted bodywork give it unmistakable American character, while its sheer scale provides the kind of presence luxury buyers expect.
It stands apart from the familiar German shapes without trying too hard.
Inside, the Lyriq makes an even stronger case.
Cadillac has created a cabin that’s simply impressive from the moment you climb aboard, with rich materials, open-pore timber finishes, ambient lighting, and a panoramic glass roof combining to create a warm, contemporary luxury environment.
The centrepiece is a sweeping 33-inch curved 9K display, integrating the digital instruments and infotainment system into one beautifully executed interface.
It feels expensive because, in many ways, it is. Cadillac also hasn’t treated luxury as an options list.
Australian buyers get an exceptionally generous level of standard equipment, including heated and ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, a 360-degree surround camera system, comprehensive driver-assistance technology, a power tailgate, and a staggeringly good 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system with Dolby Atmos.
Combined with the Lyriq’s hushed electric drivetrain and excellent cabin isolation, the audio experience alone feels more aligned with vehicles costing significantly more.
The substance beneath the surface is equally convincing.
The Australian-market Lyriq is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive electric drivetrain producing 388kW of power and 610Nm of torque. That gives it effortless, muscular performance without compromising its relaxed luxury character.
It’s quick, but not frantic. Strong, but not aggressive. Luxurious, through and through.
A substantial 102kWh battery delivers a claimed 530km WLTP driving range, while DC fast-charging at up to 190kW gives it the long-distance confidence luxury EV buyers expect.
Yet the Lyriq’s greatest strength may be its refinement.
Rather than chasing performance SUV dynamics, Cadillac has focused on comfort, composure and isolation. The ride is settled, the cabin is quiet, and the driving experience is effortless in the way a true luxury SUV should be.
There are ownership benefits, too. The Lyriq is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty, five years of complimentary scheduled servicing and roadside assistance, and one year of complimentary public charging.
Buyers can also choose to upgrade to three years of free public charging or receive a complimentary 7kW home charger with standard installation.
With a list price of $90,000 before on-road costs, the Lyriq also sits below the Luxury Car Tax threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles, making it eligible for Fringe Benefits Tax exemptions for qualifying buyers.
That only strengthens the value equation.
Until July 31, the Cadillac Lyriq gives luxury EV buyers something increasingly rare: a large, distinctive, beautifully equipped electric SUV that feels every bit as premium as its established rivals, yet costs considerably less than many of them.
If you’re shopping in the large luxury electric SUV segment, the Lyriq shouldn’t just be on your shortlist. At this price, it should be one of the first cars you test drive.