GM Japan has announced the launch of Cadillac’s first BEV (battery electric vehicle) “Lyric” in Japan. Sales will start on March 8th and delivery starts this May. The price including tax is 11,000,000 yen.
Lyric’s body size is 4995 mm x 1985 mm x 1640 mm, and its wheelbase is 3085 mm. The AWD model, electric motors installed in the front and rear wheels will be introduced in Japan, with 170kW/309Nm for the front motors and 241kW/415Nm for the rear motors. 95.7kWh battery capacity and 384kW/610Nm system output give it a 510km per charge cruising range.
On the exterior, the 21-inch tires, front mask covered with a black crystal shield, and tail lamps inspired by the 1967 Eldorado are eye-catching.
While the most recent Cadillac products for Japan have been left-hand-drive models only and have been developed as a niche luxury brand, the Lyric will be introduced in right-hand-drive form (left-hand-drive models are not available here). Another selling point is that it is CHAdeMO-compatible in accordance with Japan’s charging infrastructure.
Inside, the interior features a 33-inch LED display integrated with the instrument panel and infotainment screen, a floating center console, a glass roof with electric sunshade, and wood-grain panels. The seats are made of Inteluxe, a sustainable material that is not derived from animals. An electric hatch gate opens to access 793 liters of luggage space (1722 liters when the rear seats are folded).
In terms of drivability, the car is equipped with a regenerative brake system that allows one-pedal operation, which can be selected from three levels of intensity and can also be operated with paddles on the steering wheel.
Quietness is important for a BEV. The Lyric uses double glazing in the front and sides, and 5 mm thick tempered glass in the rear. It is also equipped with an active noise cancellation system that detects vibrations from the wheels and cancels them out.
The launch campaign, which will run from March 8th to 16th, offers a choice of five exterior colors (usually three), three interior colors, a panoramic electric sunroof or a black roof. A 2.4% interest rate loan is also available (regular rate is 3.9%).
(From left) Tadasu Wakamatsu, president of GM Japan; Hector Villarreal, president & managing director of GM Asia Pacific; Global Cadillac Vice President; John Roth
At the press conference, Global Cadillac Vice President John Roth emphasized the importance of the right-hand drive configuration and explained that the car won the Car of the Year award (luxury car category) in Germany for its quality.
Tadashi Wakamatsu, president of GM Japan announced the introduction of the three-row BEV Vistiq, an entry-level BEV Optiq, and the high-performance Lyric V in 2026.
Incidentally, the Lyric will be sold through a one-price agent system that allows everyone to buy at the same price. According to President Wakamatsu, the company has been studying the feasibility of a unified pricing system, and has decided to launch the agent system because the dealer network is the best way to provide a one-stop service for evaluation, test drives, and dealer option selection. Instead of each dealer holding inventory, GM Japan will manage the inventory collectively.
Front view of the Optiq, scheduled for introduction in Japan in 2026
Rear view of the Optiq, scheduled for introduction in Japan in 2026
https://www.cadillacjapan.com/electric/lyriq
