Cadillac takes aim at its German rivals

Cadillac has revealed the crucial details of its entry into the Australian market, confirming pricing and specifications for its Lyriq.

The Lyriq is a luxury, all-electric SUV that will go up against the likes of the Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, and Cadillac has undercut all of its rivals. There will be two variants of the Lyriq offered localled, with the Luxury priced from $117,000 and the Sport from $119,000 (both prices exclude on-road costs).

For context, the Audi starts at $153,984, the BMW from $130,900 and the Mercedes is priced from $134,900 – so Cadillac has been aggressive to get below its more established competition. Jess Bala, Managing Director GM Australia and New Zealand, believes the Lyriq is the ideal model to launch Cadillac into the local markets

“Lyriq sets the standard for the future of Cadillac in the region, and we are thrilled to be officially taking customer orders this month.” said Jess Bala, Managing Director GM Australia and New Zealand.”

The new Cadillac Experience Centre in Sydney will open soon

She added: “The Lyriq is the perfect vehicle to launch the Cadillac brand in Australia and New Zealand. It delivers a uniquely Cadillac experience, with the refined luxury and technology that the brand is famous for around the world.”

Orders are now open, with Cadillac taking a direct-to-consumer approach with online sales as well as plans for ‘Experience Centres’ in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane owned by General Motors Australia.

GM has big plans for Cadillac in Australia, with the Lyriq expected to be the first of many models built in right-hand drive by the factory – rather than converted in Australia like the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Yukon.

Bala has already confirmed that “more cars” are coming, which aren’t confirmed but are expected to include the smaller Optiq, seven-seat Vistiq and possibly the flagship Escalade iQ.