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The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ arrives with sleek styling, impressive proportions, and undeniable brand heritage. But does it deliver on the promise of luxury expected from a Cadillac? As fans of the marque here at Munro, the answer is complex. Despite admiration for the design and visual execution, the overall comfort — particularly seat comfort — and material selection left much to be desired. This teardown-style review explores the Cadillac LYRIQ’s strengths and shortcomings from an engineering and usability standpoint.
A Storied Past, Lofty Expectations
Cadillac’s brand reputation dates back to 1903, shaped by Henry Leland’s commitment to precision engineering. The company pioneered innovations such as interchangeable parts and accurate measurement tools — foundations of modern automotive manufacturing. Cadillac was once known as “The Standard of the World,” a slogan now faded from marketing materials but still embedded in the expectations of its loyal followers.
That historic weight matters. When a brand like Cadillac releases an electric vehicle like the LYRIQ, it isn’t judged solely on specs — it’s compared to a century-long legacy of luxury, innovation, and comfort. So when the LYRIQ misses the mark, the disappointment cuts deeper.
Exterior Design: A Visual Win
On the surface, the 2024 LYRIQ nails it. The design draws eyes with sharp proportions, confident lines, and bold wheel choices. The rear-end styling includes vertical taillights — a modern echo of Cadillac’s iconic tailfins. However, these tail lamps now slope downward, diverging from tradition in ways that may alienate purists. This change also mirrors Cadillac’s ultra-luxury Celestiq, suggesting a deliberate evolution rather than design oversight.
From the front and sides, the LYRIQ carries itself well. It’s a sizeable vehicle that manages to appear sleek rather than bulky, thanks in part to black rocker panels that slim the visual footprint. These are thoughtful design choices — not accidents — and they speak to a design studio firing on all cylinders.
Ergonomics and Interior Layout
The LYRIQ offers excellent occupant space. The front and rear seats comfortably fit larger individuals, with ample legroom and well-angled backrests. The general cabin layout makes it easy to enter, exit, and settle in, regardless of size.
That said, a deeper dive reveals several usability frustrations. One notable example is the glove box. Unlike traditional models, the LYRIQ requires screen activation to open it. This means powering the vehicle and putting a foot on the brake — an over-engineered process for accessing a basic storage compartment. It’s a design choice that prioritizes digital integration over user convenience.
Similarly, a 12V outlet tucked into the center console raises questions. While such outlets are often used for aftermarket accessories like radar detectors or air compressors, their location in this vehicle seems poorly thought-out. It appears more like a checkbox for marketing than a functional placement.
Material Choices: A Missed Opportunity
This is where Cadillac starts to lose ground. At a price point of $65,000, expectations for tactile materials and finish quality are high. Unfortunately, the LYRIQ’s interior employs several cost-cutting measures that clash with its premium aspirations.
Take the instrument panel’s top pad — it uses a thermoformed PVC skin rather than a cut-and-sew application. This choice, though easier to manufacture, feels cheap. Similarly, the door armrests and center console materials lack the plushness expected in a luxury SUV. The grain feels coarse, the surface attracts dirt, and the color-matching doesn’t elevate the vehicle above mainstream GM fare.
By contrast, competitors like the Genesis GV70 Electrified offer more refined interiors. Floating armrests, more daring material transitions, and higher-end finishes set a stronger luxury tone. Cadillac’s reluctance to break away from shared GM supply chains may be to blame. Cost-sharing across platforms can dilute brand identity, and the LYRIQ appears to suffer from this very dilemma.
Seat Comfort: Cadillac’s Biggest Misstep
For a brand that built its reputation on ride comfort, the LYRIQ’s seats are shockingly hard. The foam in both front and rear cushions is dense, flat, and unyielding — particularly in the lower back area. Attempts to adjust lumbar support only produced the sensation of a stiff fist pushing outward rather than genuine contouring support.
Worse still is the rear center seat. Flanked by side bolsters on either side, the middle position offers nothing but a flat, uncomfortable pad. It feels like an afterthought, with none of the ergonomic considerations one would expect from a luxury automaker.
Such discomfort isn’t just a subjective complaint — it reflects broader engineering and manufacturing decisions. Cadillac may be compromising foam quality in favor of packaging constraints or durability metrics. But as the reviewer notes, those trade-offs result in a compromised customer experience, particularly for buyers who equate luxury with long-distance comfort.
Execution vs. Vision: Where Cadillac Falls Short
It’s clear the studio team behind the LYRIQ produced an elegant design. But after the sketchbook closes, real-world manufacturing takes over — and that’s where the cracks show. Budget constraints, supplier mandates, and shared GM components seem to dilute the Cadillac DNA.
From vent knobs that feel flimsy despite looking high-end, to inconsistencies in seat patterning and stitching tolerance, the LYRIQ’s execution lacks polish. The dissonance between visual appeal and physical interaction becomes especially stark in areas like the seat track coverings, material seams, and UI integration.
When fans of the brand — invested in Cadillac’s story and rooting for its success — walk away disappointed, it signals a disconnect between brand promise and product delivery.
Final Thoughts: A Vehicle with Potential, But Unfulfilled
The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ showcases flashes of brilliance. It looks fantastic, offers strong proportions, and suggests Cadillac is serious about EV innovation. But it also stumbles in the very areas that once made the brand great: comfort, craftsmanship, and premium touchpoints.
For engineers and product managers, the lesson here is clear. Luxury buyers notice the little things — from the feel of a glove box latch to the softness of an armrest. Inconsistent material choices and ergonomic missteps erode consumer confidence, even if the core platform is sound.
Cadillac has the legacy, the talent, and the design vision to compete with the best. But until execution catches up with intent, its vehicles — including the LYRIQ — will fall short of reclaiming the mantle of “Standard of the World.”
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