GENERAL MOTORS AND CADILLAC ANNOUNCE THE EXPANSION OF THEIR EV FLEET INTO AUSTRALIA WITH THE LYRIQ SUV ARRIVING IN 2024

General Motors has today announced the expansion of their EV business to Australia and New Zealand from next year with the large SUV, the LYRIQ, the first to grace our shores.  By 2030 Cadillac hope to be able to offer their full EV portfolio to Australians.

The 2025 model LYRIQ is based on the same technology GM use for the GMC Hummer EV and the Chevrolet Silverado EV and will feature all-wheel drive capabilities.  

Jess Bala, Managing Director GM Australia and New Zealand, said “The launch of Cadillac signals the introduction of our modern automotive luxury brand for our markets – one which features electric vehicles front and centre with the promise of more models to come.”

Today is all about the LYRIQ though.  The Australian version of the LYRIQ is expected to arrive with dual motors and a power output of 373kW.  The motors will be powered by a 102kWh lithium-ion battery pack which can be charged using a 190kW DC fast charger or a 19.2kW AC charger.  

GM has not quoted any range figures for the LYRIQ just yet but expects to begin testing soon for an accurate WLTP figure used in Australian markets:  “Final kilometer charging, efficiency and range figures for MY25 Cadillac LYRIQ are under ongoing certification and will be published at a later date. “

The LYRIQ is their “large” SUV and is 5,005mm long, 2,207mm wide, and 1,623mm high with a 3,094mm wheelbase and weighs a hefty 2,774kg.

The interior of the car will show off the luxury nature of the LYRIQ with a Nappa leather interior standard across all models along with a host of other features including a 19-speaker AKG audio system and road noise cancellation.

Travis Hester, Vice President – Enterprise Product and Manufacturing Solutions, said of the launch of the Cadillac LYRIQ in Australia and New Zealand: “Cadillac has always represented the peak of technology and sophistication, so it is fitting that LYRIQ is the first right-hand-drive GM EV product to be exported to Australia and New Zealand.

“The LYRIQ offers an unparalleled driver and passenger experience and is perfectly suited to the Australian luxury buyer.

So where can you buy one? Jess Bala, Managing Director GM Australia and New Zealand, said that customers will be encouraged to explore and buy the LYRIQ “fully online” but they will offer Cadillac “Experience Centres” in Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland for customers to “discover more about Cadillac as a modern luxury brand and explore, test drive, and buy a LYRIQ.”

Details of aftersales support and servicing haven’t been announced yet.  There is also no word on pricing, but the LYRIQ is expected to be priced around $130,000 to $140,000 placing it in direct competition to the BMW iX and other luxury brands.

If you want to be one of the first to put your hand up to grab yourself a Cadillac LYRIQ when it arrives Downunder late next year head on over to www.cadillacanz.com/register and enter your details.