Car Buying Mistakes

2023 Cadillac Lyriq vs BMW iX: A War Between Two Electric SUVs

2023 Cadillac Lyriq vs BMW iX. There are more similarities than differences between these two-row midsize luxury SUVs from Cadillac and BMW. Isn’t it encouraging that not every electric vehicle (EV) introduced by a company needs to be compared to a Tesla? For example, two premium electric crossovers that don’t directly compete with a Tesla are the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq and the BMW iX. Why? To begin with, they are two-row, midsize vehicles that are significantly larger than Tesla’s small Model Y (though they cost approximately the same), yet have fewer rows of seats than the three-row Model X (which is far more expensive) or Rivian R1S.

In other words, there are now enough EVs on the road that, naturally, they are competing against one another in categories that are not immediately threatened by the Teslaphant in the room. The Cadillac Lyriq and BMW’s iX have already begun shipping to consumers, so we thought it was time to compare how these two comparably sized electric crossovers from competing luxury automakers fare.


Styling

 
Both the Cadillac and the BMW are powered by brand-new, specialized EV platforms. The iX receives a heavily modified version of the CLAR bits that support the majority of BMW’s current (non-electric) lineup; in essence, its spaceframe is almost entirely unique but regular BMW suspension bits and other componentry are bolted to it. The Ultium component set from General Motors is used in the Lyriq. The Lyriq and the Caddy are almost the same weight, so this doesn’t seem to be holding the BMW behind in terms of bulk. Typically, internal combustion cars that are converted to EV power are heavier than optimized, from-the-ground-up efforts like the Lyriq.

Cadillac has given the Lyriq some of its most attractive looks in recent memory, making excellent use of the long SUVs, low profile. It takes a few looks to get accustomed to, but once you do, the Lyriq is quite magnificent, from its low-mounted vertical LED headlights to its elaborate array of taillights (yes, there are several) to the way its slender body rests on those massive 22-inch wheels (20s are standard). When approaching, unlocking, or locking the Cadillac, all of the exterior lighting, including the backlit grille, may be coordinated for a little visual drama. Electronic door releases keep the flanks even cleaner; to use them, merely push the metal tabs in place of the door handles. The front door has a classy pull tab that makes accomplishing this task a breeze, but the rear solution requires you to place your soiled hands on the rear door’s tail edge in order to draw it open.

Even a kind description of the look of the BMW is difficult. The details, body surface, and lighting all have an unusual appearance, and the form has a bulbous, hefty appearance. In summary, the BMW zigs in one direction whereas the Lyriq zags in a positive way. Entry-level models perform poorly because they have less sporty body modifications and smaller wheels. The iX has several allusions to earlier electric automobiles, notably the i3-like “tab” connecting the rear door glass to the quarter window and the intriguing wheel designs, which make it clear that it is not a conventionally powered BMW.
 

Cargo Space and Dimensions


The Lyriq has a larger overall footprint than the iX owing to its longer 121.8-inch wheelbase, 196.7-inch length, and 77.8-inch width, which are respectively 3.7 inches, 0.4 inches, and 1.7 inches larger than the iX’s measurements. The roof of the BMW is roughly 3 inches closer to the sky, giving it the appearance that it is noticeably higher.

It’s true that the Cadillac appears even longer and lower than the BMW when you’re gazing at it; the same proportions are also present inside. According to the graph below, the Lyriq outperforms the iX in terms of front and back legroom but offers less headroom; in comparison to the BMW, the interior is longer north-south than it is shorter vertically. When comparing the two vehicles’ shoulder space for the back seats, the Cadillac comes out on top, while this is reversed for the front seats.

The cargo dimensions are also somewhat condensed by Cadillac’s slim style; there is “only” 28 cubic feet of room behind the back seats, or 61 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded. The Lyriq has a sizable cargo compartment, but it isn’t particularly tall. In this comparison, the bulbous BMW clearly wins with 36 cubic feet of room in the back or 78 with the rear seats folded down. Frunks, what about them? Both the Lyriq and the iX lack a front trunk like the from Tesla’s Model X, Ford’s F-150 Lightning, or even the R1S from Rivian.


Frequently asked question

 

How many miles can the Cadillac LYRIQ go?

 
The rear-drive Lyriq can go 312 miles on a single charge, according to the EPA. Before the year is over, the AWD model’s range figures are anticipated. According to Cadillac, the AWD variant offers a 3,500-pound trailering capability. Every purchaser of a Cadillac Lyriq will also have an option in the first charging configuration.


How long does it take the Cadillac LYRIQ to charge?

 
The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq will gain 76 miles of range in 10 minutes while charging at a DC Fast-Charger. At a DC Fast Charger, drivers may increase their range by 195 miles in 30 minutes. The Lyriq will increase your range by around 31 miles per hour if you have an 11.5 kW home charger.


Does BMW iX have autonomous driving?

 
Moving ahead, the collaborative effort will integrate Arriver and Qualcomm technology with BMW’s current automatic driving capabilities, which made their debut in the BMW iX in 2021 and will be available in the new 7-series starting next month.

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