New Cadillac electric crossover under Lyriq in development

Cadillac may have started production of the Lyriq electric SUV and confirmed the Celestiq electric sedan as part of its EV roadmap, but that won’t be the end of it. Automotive News reported on March 12, 2022 that the brand showed a photo of a new upcoming Cadillac electric crossover to dealers at a conference.
In 2021, the American brand registered brand names like Vistiq, Ascendiq, Lumistiq and Optiq – terminology with the letters “IQ” indicating electric propulsion. It’s easy to guess that the Cadillac electric crossover will take on one of the aforementioned names. However, there is no brand confirmation on the same.
Cadillac electric crossover specs
The Cadillac electric crossover is said to be similar in size to the Cadillac XT4, which measures 181.1 inches in length and has a 109.4-inch wheelbase. The electric crossover may have a longer wheelbase thanks to the omission of an ICE-powered engine – the EV powertrain would allow for a forward cabin position, eliminate the transmission tunnel and create more cabin space.
Based on Ultium
It’s also possible that the Cadillac EV is the premium cousin of the Chevrolet Blazer EV, which has been confirmed to launch in the US in the spring of 2023. The Blazer EV should have at least 300 miles of range (unofficial estimate), and the same can be expected from the Cadillac EV, which would benefit from a premium positioning.
Details are scarce at this time on the powertrain of the upcoming Cadillac electric crossover. However, we can safely assume that it will be based on GM’s latest BEV3 architecture and powered by the group’s Ultium propulsion systems. Expect specs to be lower than the Lyriq, whose powertrain produces 340 hp and 325 lb-ft.
US dealerships have reacted positively to the Cadillac small electric crossover, which will be positioned below the Lyriq SUV. It won’t be the EV replacement for the XT4 and will be sold alongside the similarly sized ICE-powered SUV.
Featured image source: Cadillac