The waitlist for the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq filled up almost immediately when order books opened, and now Cadillac is even taking orders for the 2024 model year already, with a planned production volume of around 25,000 Lyriqs a year. Out of all of those new Caddy customers, though, only 20 have reportedly been selected as special early adopters for a novel, secret development program Cadillac is running which offers a rebate to Lyriq owners in exchange for data tracking.
CarsDirect was first to report on the new secret program for Lyriq owners, and the Detroit Free Press was able to confirm more details with Cadillac. Labeled as a “targeted private offer,” a dealership bulletin announced select customers could be offered a $5,500 cash allowance toward the purchase of their Lyriq, but it wasn’t clear why or what for. Cadillac later confirmed to the Detroit Free Press that no more than 20 owners had been selected for the program, though the eligibility criteria remain unclear.
As part of the deal, these 20 participants were required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and agree to certain tracking data being transmitted to GM. A spokesperson told the Detroit Free Press that Cadillac “will use the program to learn more about customer behaviors and their vehicles. Beyond that, the details of the program are a private agreement between the customer and Cadillac.” The program seems similar to the practice of automakers sending new cars home with employees for testing and quality assurance, just now looping in some early customers for more feedback. “We can see their charging behaviors, driving behaviors and how they use the vehicle,” the spokesperson said.
The program may have already influenced its first change on the Lyriq production. GM Authority reports that the current Lyriq’s door button system will be replaced will fully functional door handles. For the 2023 model year, the Lyriq’s doors each feature a handle-shaped button. The button pops open the door, and then users must grab the door frame to fully open the door. GM Authority reckons the addition of a real handle gives customers something to pull the door open with that’s a little more streamlined. It’s possible this update comes as early as the 2024 model year.
Keyword: The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq EV Has a Secret Early Adopter Rebate Program