The Worst-Selling Cadillac Model Is No Surprise
It’s not uncommon for luxury vehicles, even those from a popular brand like Cadillac, to have lower sales than their mainstream counterparts. After all, fewer people can afford premium cars. Even so, the worst-selling Cadillac model has struggled to stand out. Here’s why the Lyriq’s abysmal sales numbers aren’t shocking.
The Lyriq lags in Cadillac sales numbers
Recent car sales reports show that Cadillac delivered only 2,316 Lyriq SUVs in the first half of 2023. Every other Cadillac SUV, except the extended-length Escalade ESV, sold over 10,000 examples in those six months. The ESV’s lower sales are understandable, given its base price approaches $110.000. However, even that model is outperforming the worst-selling Cadillac Lyriq, with just under 8,000 units sold.
Almost every other model in the lineup saw positive year-to-date sales growth this year. According to GM Authority, the XT4 compact SUV’s popularity shot up by nearly 37%, while the CT5’s 33% sales increase proves buyers still value luxury sedans. The Lyriq doesn’t have such data because it debuted toward the end of last year, but its initial numbers certainly aren’t promising.
Buyers aren’t sold on the worst-selling Cadillac
Because the Lyriq is so new, most consumers haven’t had enough time to familiarize themselves with the vehicle yet. The luxury brand already offers several other capable Cadillac SUVs, so we’re not surprised they’ve overshadowed the Lyriq thus far.
Even compared to the MSRPs of similarly sized luxury EVs, the Cadillac Lyriq’s base price of $58,590 is a bit high. For comparison, a 2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range starts at $50,490. Tesla has also proven itself a producer of high-quality EVs, but the Lyriq is Cadillac’s first fully electric example.
Will drivers like the 2024 model?
Cadillac gave its flagship electric SUV more trim variety and available all-wheel drive for the latest model year, which should please more consumers. With the single-motor front-wheel-drive setup, the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq produces 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The optional dual-motor powertrain generates 500 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque.
Both versions have the same battery pack size, giving the single-motor Lyriq 314 miles of electric range. It loses only seven miles with the AWD model, which also has a trailer hitch. That accessory makes taking advantage of the Lyriq’s 3,500-pound towing capacity easier.
The Cadillac Lyriq touts performance upgrades, with a 50/50 weight distribution and a multi-link suspension system at the front and rear. For a more athletic appearance to match, the Sport trim features exclusive styling accents. With the Drive Mode Selector, users can switch between Sport and Touring at a moment’s notice.
The Luxury trim boasts the most premium features, such as Super Cruise, Nappa leather seats, and a 19-speaker AKG sound system. The Tech trim’s five seats are wrapped in synthetic leather and include heating for the ones up front. This EV doesn’t compromise on storage space either, providing 28 cubic feet of cargo capacity area behind the rear row.
More impressive is the Lyriq’s 33-inch center touchscreen, encompassing the Google built-in infotainment interface and gauge cluster. Standard convenience features include wireless smartphone integration, a wireless charging pad, and navigation. Also, the standard safety suite is packed with useful features to prevent head-on collisions and lane-crossing oversights. Cadillac charges $2,400 for the Driver Assist package, which adds advanced systems like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera.
The Cadillac Lyriq has all the hallmarks of an appealing luxury SUV and impressive all-electric capabilities. It’s sales look bleak now, but consumers might eventually come around.
