Cadillac Lyriq: American luxury arrives to shake up executive novated leasing

What is the Cadillac Lyriq?

After decades away from the local market, Cadillac has made an official return to Australia—and it has arrived with a clear electric statement. The all-new Cadillac Lyriq lands down under as a full-size luxury electric SUV aimed squarely at the executive crossover segment.

Visually, the Lyriq brings unmistakable road presence. Its front fascia features an illuminated Black Crystal shield grille paired with vertical LED lighting choreography that greets the driver on approach. With sculpted body lines, flush aerodynamic door handles, and a sweeping roofline, it breaks away from conventional European SUV proportions.

Underpinning the Lyriq is General Motors' dedicated Ultium electric vehicle architecture. By mounting the substantial battery pack flat within the floor, GM engineers achieved a low centre of gravity alongside an optimal near-50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution. The result is a full-sized luxury cruiser that feels planted, controlled, and composed through sweeping country bends.

Cabin tech: A 33-inch command centre

Inside, the Lyriq sets a new interior standard for tech integration.

The focal point is an enormous 33-inch diagonal curved advanced LED display capable of 9K resolution. Emitting rich colour depth and crisp graphics, it cleanly presents vehicle telemetry, navigation, and multimedia in a single, driver-canted sweep.

Beyond the digital interface, the cabin delivers an airy, lounge-like sanctuary. Intricate laser-cut aluminium accents, bespoke textures, and acoustic laminated glass create a serene environment. Advanced active noise cancellation works in tandem with the electric powertrain, making the Lyriq one of the quietest long-distance cruisers on Australian roads.

Rear passengers enjoy expansive legroom courtesy of the 3,094 mm wheelbase, while the cargo area offers up to 793 litres of rear boot space with the second row in place.

Performance, battery choices, and real-world range

For the Australian market, the Cadillac Lyriq arrives in high-specification dual-motor all-wheel-drive form across the Luxury and Sport grades:

• Dual-Motor AWD Muscle: The front and rear electric motors produce a combined 388 kW of power and 610 Nm of torque.
• Acceleration: Despite its substantial kerb weight, the Lyriq sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, delivering immediate, seamless acceleration for highway merging and country overtaking.
• 102 kWh Ultium Battery: Offers up to 530 km of WLTP driving range on a single charge, providing the endurance needed for regional touring along the East Coast.
• Fast DC Charging: Supports DC rapid charging rates of up to 190 kW, capable of adding roughly 128 km of range in just 10 minutes at compatible ultra-rapid charging stations.
• Chassis & Ride: Equipped with passive frequency-selective dampers that adapt damping stiffness on the fly, smoothing out coarse-chip Aussie country bitumen while controlling body lean. It also features a steering-wheel-mounted pressure-sensitive paddle for on-demand regenerative braking control.

Salary packaging a Cadillac Lyriq: How a novated lease works

Financing a high-end luxury SUV via standard dealership finance or personal bank loans incurs significant after-tax expense. Packaging a Cadillac Lyriq through a novated lease, however, unlocks considerable financial efficiencies:

1. 1. Pre-Tax Salary Deductions: Your lease repayments and running costs—including public and home charging power, tyres, scheduled maintenance, comprehensive insurance, and registration—are bundled into a single deduction from your gross salary before income tax is calculated.
2. 2. Upfront GST Exemption: You don’t pay GST on the purchase price of the vehicle up to the statutory limit (saving up to $6,334 upfront), and you save the 10% GST on all bundled ongoing running expenses.
3. 3. FBT Considerations for Premium EVs: Because the Lyriq's retail price sits near or slightly above the fuel-efficient Luxury Car Tax (LCT) limit ($91,661 in FY 2026/27 depending on chosen trim, paint options, and accessories), your novated lease consultant will structure the agreement to minimise tax. Variants qualifying beneath the LCT threshold access the full zero-FBT electric car concession, while variants above the limit utilise the post-tax Employee Contribution Method (ECM) to offset FBT liabilities, retaining valuable income tax and GST advantages.

The Verdict

The Cadillac Lyriq is a breath of fresh air in Australia’s premium electric crossover segment. It manages to feel genuinely distinctive, blending opulent cabin quietness, athletic 388 kW all-wheel-drive performance, and a stunning 33-inch 9K cockpit display that outshines conventional luxury cabins.

For professionals and business leaders seeking a refined executive cruiser that stands apart from the everyday pack, the Cadillac Lyriq is a compelling contender to package through your salary.

Ready to discover your potential tax savings on a Cadillac Lyriq? Run the numbers with our Novated Lease Calculator or speak directly with our novated leasing consultants today.