The Cadillac Lyriq has been a long time coming to New Zealand. The brand’s first fully electric model was launched in the US back in 2022, although AWD and factory right-hand drive didn’t come until last year.
It’s wowed us nonetheless. Lyriq is distinctly different from European luxury cars, simply by being a Cadillac. But it also delivers on refinement, performance (which is considerable with 388kW on tap), driving dynamics and especially quality.
Granted, it hasn’t had an easy introduction to the market, with a GST-themed discount that took prices under $110k dominating the model’s marketing in the latter part of the year.
But even at full retail (which it now is again), it’s a luxury-car bargain. Both Luxury and Sport models (the differences are cosmetic) are still under $130k; to get anything like this level of performance and equipment in a European luxury EV of similar size, you’re talking more like $200k.
Cadillac is fully committed to its right-hand drive EVs. Lyriq is the first, but it will be followed by other models including the smaller Optiq and larger Vistiq. And stay tuned for a luxury car with a sting: the Lyriq V is reportedly Cadillac’s fastest-ever production car, and will be here next year.
Runners up: Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz/AMG G-Class.
Check out the other Category Winners here
And don't forget the Overall Winner will be announced at 7am on Friday, December 5.
