The Tech derivative will slot in beneath the Luxury and Sport grades.
Cadillac is expected to expand the Lyriq lineup with the introduction of a new Tech trim level, reports GM Authority (GMA).
The new model, said to arrive for the 2024 model year, will slot beneath the Luxury and Sport grades. Buyers will be able to specify all three trim levels in rear- or all-wheel drive. Pricing is unknown at the moment but based on the fact that it will serve as the entry-level model, we're assuming it will arrive with a more palatable price tag.
As such, the Tech is set to receive less standard equipment. While the 2024 Luxury and Sport models will receive the Driver Assistance Package as standard, it will remain an option for the Tech derivative.
As a reminder, this package introduces features such as rear pedestrian alert, an HD surround vision camera, adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic parking assist, a digital key, and several other features.
For 2024, the Lyriq Luxury will be fitted with the 1SC, 1SD, and 1SE equipment groups. The Sport will differ slightly and receive the 1SK, 1SJ, and 1SF packages. Other nice-to-haves the Tech will likely miss out on include a heated steering wheel, adaptive headlights, a power-adjustable steering column, multi-color ambient lighting, intermittent rain-sensing windscreen wipers, and cornering lamps, to name a few.
Even if the Tech model hits the market without the aforementioned comforts, we anticipate it will still strike a fine balance between luxury and value for money.
Lastly, GMA reports the Lyriq Tech will enter battle with a Noir (black) interior color scheme uplifted by two-tone accents in aluminum trim.
A more affordable Lyriq may be just what Cadillac needs to compete in the ruthless premium electric vehicle segment. With more offerings flooding the market – and rivals like Tesla slashing prices – an attainable Lyriq may lure buyers back into dealerships.
By launching an all-electric vehicle, Cadillac is going after an entirely new market and, as a result, has gone to great lengths to ensure the Lyriq is a high-quality product. Instead of hastening production and rollout, the automaker took a measured approach to ensure the vehicle was as good as it could be.
According to government classification, the Lyriq isn't considered as an SUV and, therefore, is not eligible for the appealing $7,500 EV tax credit. As you'd imagine, General Motors is not happy about this and has already challenged Treasury on the matter.
“We are addressing these concerns with Treasury and hope that forthcoming guidance on vehicle classifications will provide the needed clarity to consumers and dealers, as well as regulators and manufacturers,” said GM at the time.
Based on what the government says, an SUV is a vehicle that either has a gross weight of more than 6,000 lbs or three-row seating. Because the Lyriq doesn't adhere to those standards, it is only eligible for the discount if priced under $55,000. With pricing currently pegged around the $60,000 mark, perhaps the upcoming Tech will qualify if priced competitively.
Source Credits: GM Authority
Keyword: 2024 Cadillac Lyriq To Receive More Affordable 'Tech' Trim Level