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GM’s bet on the future of electric vehicles starts to resemble the “two steps forward one step back” approach. While the Chevy Blazer EV is off to a non-start debut, the luxurious Cadillac Lyriq SUV is finding more and more customers. Thankfully GM is not giving up on its Evs yet and has just rolled out a big software update for the Lyriq. There’s a sliver of hope that It might finally smooth out some of the kinks that kept it from being a serious Tesla competitor.
Cadillac’s Super Cruise is getting a serious makeover. While GM just expanded its coverage across North America to over 1,207,000 km, Lyriq’s owners can finally expect fewer prompts to take back control, making for a more hands-off driving experience, especially on highways. It’s not full autonomy yet, but the tech-savvy crowd should appreciate the upgrade. The Lyriq’s standard adaptive cruise control is also getting an update for a smoother ride and enhanced lane-keeping. So, no revolutionary changes but nonetheless vital upgrades if Cadillac wants to stay competitive in the semi-autonomous race.
It gets better: touchscreen controls for your garage door and glove box seem basic, but it’s the extra attention to detail Cadillac needs. Plus, GM is improving the performance of the MyCadillac app, promising a smoother and more intuitive experience. These little refinements mean better interaction between the car and driver – precisely what Cadillac’s customers claim was missing from the tech package.
Unfortunately, there’s one not-so-modern catch: you can’t download this update at home. Lyriq owners will have to take a trip to the dealership, a throwback to the pre-OTA days. While convenient over-the-air updates seem the wave of the future, maybe GM wants to play it safe for now to ensure this crucial update goes exactly as planned. It may be a little inconvenient, but it’s way better to have your Lyriq throw a tantrum at the dealers rather than at home – not that we’re saying it will.
Cadillac’s got some serious ground to make up if it wants to catch up to the competition. In 2023, GM moved over 9,000 Lyriqs, a small fraction of Tesla sales. While Tesla’s got its own problems, that early lead puts pressure on Cadillac, and although the Model Y and Lyriq aren’t really targeted at the same customer, the two are essentially in the same category. GM seems to be playing a longer game though – they’re investing in battery tech and refining software, hoping it gives them an edge in the years to come.
Lyriq is stuck between the Tesla Model X, which is larger, has better performance, and is more expensive. On the other hand, the Model Y is smaller than the Caddy, the Performance version is quicker than the Lyriq AWD and it is significantly cheaper, but the buyers looking for a luxury EV don’t have much choice in the US, and Lyriq has its own niche and its own faithful customer base.
GM wants customers to rely on its track record of making dependable vehicles, and the Lyriq upgrades show that they’re taking the EV fight seriously. And let’s not forget, the Lyriq is a really good-looking SUV – its futuristic design with Cadillac’s signature bold style turns heads in a way a Tesla just can’t seem to manage.
Pricing-wise, the Lyriq starts at around $62,990, offering both luxury and cutting-edge tech. Whether this software update is enough to convert die-hard Tesla fans to switch is questionable, but for those looking for a more luxurious way to go electric, the Lyriq has just become a bit more tempting.
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