I’ve spent years behind the wheel of Teslas, but this time I’m shaking things up. Enter the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq—a sleek, spacious EV with style that flirts between modern and “funeral‑car chic.” Over the next few days, I’m putting it to the test on desert dirt roads, charging stations, and even a round of golf. My verdict? Let’s grade it on three key fronts:
Convenience: Can you own and charge an EV in the middle of nowhere?
Features: Which gadgets earn gold stars (and which feel extra)?
Drive Experience: Is it truly sporty—or still a Sunday‑drive cruiser?
1. Exterior Tour: Bold or Baffling?
On paper, the Lyriq’s front end is a show‑stopper: a glossed‑over “grille” flanked by segmented LED light bars that perform a mini light‑show as you approach. The Nimbus Metallic paint (a $625 option) gleams in the sun, and those 22‑inch wheels give it serious road presence.
Pros: Futuristic face, attention‑grabbing colors, concealed flush door handles
Cons: The rear styling dips into “hearse” territory—some will love the extra trunk space; others will cringe at the “funeral car” vibe.
2. Storage Smarts:
Speaking of trunks, the Lyriq packs a whopping 28 cubic feet back there—and even a modest “sub‑trunk” below the cabin floor. On our road‑trip, we squeezed in:
Two coolers
Three backpacks
One standard suitcase
And yes, you still get a front compartment (“frunk”)—though it’s tucked beneath a black cover, making it look more like an engine bay than extra storage. If Cadillac can hide its heat pump and 12 V battery under there, maybe other brands could, too!
3. Interior Tour: Cadillac’s Lap of Luxury
Sliding inside, it’s easy to forget we’re in a “retired grandpa” stereotype’s ride. Instead, you’re greeted by:
A massive 33‑inch, 9K‑resolution display (no Netflix or YouTube, unfortunately)
Panoramic glass roof that floods the cabin with light
Nappa leather seats with built‑in massage and headrest speakers
Physical controls for climate—plus laser‑etched RGB accents for a dash of flair
Even in the back row, six‑foot‑three me can stretch out comfortably thanks to generous legroom and a clear view overhead. The only oddity? Manual second‑row levers that slam the seats shut—a minor quirk in an otherwise premium cabin.
4. Desert‑Proof Comfort: Joshua Tree’s Dirt Roads
Joshua Tree National Park isn’t known for smooth highways. Between potholes and unpaved spur roads, you’d expect a luxury crossover to protest. Not the Lyriq. Its suspension soaks up bumps like a pro.
5. Charging Realities: Home vs. Public Networks
The biggest elephant on an EV road trip? Charging. At our Airbnb, we topped up overnight. But at EVgo:
$0.64 /kWh felt steep
It took three attempts (and Apple Pay) before the charger cooperated
The Lyriq’s max rate is 190 kW, so you can get ~77 miles in 10 minutes…if the station allows it
Compared to Tesla’s unified Supercharger network, third‑party stations still need work on reliability and speed. In the desert heat, that hiccup became my one real beef with the Lyriq.
6. Super Cruise & Autonomy: A Touch of Self‑Driving
Cadillac’s Super Cruise highway assistance kept us centered in lanes and even executed hands‑free lane changes on approved stretches. It did disengage now and then, but on long desert stretches it was a welcomed relief for my right arm.
7. Final Scores & Takeaways
| Category | Score (★ / 5) | Thoughts |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | ★★★☆☆ | Strong storage, easy at home—public charging still lags. |
| Features | ★★★★☆ | Immersive display, luxury appointments, thoughtful design. |
| Drive Experience | ★★★★☆ | Comfort king, sporty queen? Smooth ride but mellow handling. |
Overall Verdict: ★★★★☆
The Lyriq isn’t a canyon‑carving sports EV, but it redefines “American luxury electric.” With room for all your gear, a spa‑like interior, and surprising off‑road calm, it’s a refreshing Tesla alternative—just remember to plan your charging strategy.
Looking Ahead: The Electrified Future
As EV networks expand and more automakers refine their fast‑charging partnerships, trips like this will only get smoother. For now, Cadillac’s Lyriq proves you can chase Joshua Tree sunsets in style—and maybe even sneak in a hole‑in‑one on the way home.
DISCLAIMER
The opinions and views expressed on this blog are solely personal, Everyday Chris. Everyday Chris is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lucid Motors. It is neither inferred nor implied that products recommended by Everyday Chris nor recommendations given by Everyday Chris are authorized by or in any way connected to Lucid Motors. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full Terms & Conditions for more information.