Luxury Goes Electric: The 2025 Cadillac LYRIQ vs the 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
Once reserved for small sedans, EV technology has started to make its way into every conceivable segment. From pickup trucks to sports cars, eco-conscious drivers now have more options to choose from than ever before. The luxury segment represents a particularly intriguing growth area for EV technology, especially when you factor in the performance and comfort benefits. EVs allow these models to deliver unprecedented power and a whisper-quiet ride that’s sure to make for a relaxing drive, and it’s little wonder why so many iconic luxury brands have thrown their hat into the ring.
The Cadillac LYRIQ and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV represent two of the luxury midsize segment’s most enticing options, though it’s hard to choose between these EVs on pure luxury grounds. Both have a high-end interior with all the comfort, convenience, and tech features drivers have come to expect from the segment, from open-pore wood and ambient accent lighting to panoramic sunroofs and plush leather upholstery. So how is a driver to choose between the 2025 Cadillac LYRIQ vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV? They differ in a few key ways, especially when it comes to performance, range, and cabin technology. Join us as we see what separates these two models and learn why the Cadillac LYRIQ is such an important addition to the luxury segment.
Electrifying Powertrains
The LYRIQ has only been on the market since 2023, but Cadillac has already mastered the EV approach to make this SUV one of the most powerful models in its fast-growing segment. The Cadillac gets off to a strong start thanks to an electric motor that enables the LYRIQ to produce 365 hp with ease. Best of all, drivers will be able to access all of that power the moment they step on the throttle, thanks to the LYRIQ’s all-electric design. Its EV powertrain lends a responsive ride and allows it to provide plenty of thrills despite its considerable curb weight.
Those seeking an even more engaging experience behind the wheel can opt for a dual-motor setup that ups the output to 515 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. The dual-motor LYRIQ features the same 102-kWh battery pack as the base offering, but that extra motor makes all the difference when it comes to towing and traction. The optional second motor not only gives the LYRIQ an all-wheel drivetrain, but it also turns the SUV into a reliable towing machine with the ability to pull up to 3,500 lbs and slashes its zero-to-60-mph time by more than a second: The RWD LYRIQ can sprint to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, while the AWD version can achieve the same speed in just 4.6 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV represents a notable step down in terms of performance, at least as far as the entry-level EQE 350+ trim is concerned. This EV is designed with a single electric motor and a 96-kWh battery that’s slightly smaller than the one you’ll find on the LYRIQ, but that small gulf in output doesn’t really justify the EQE 350+’s meager 288 hp. One would think that adding another electric motor to the front wheels would mean a considerable jump in performance for the EQE 350 4MATIC, but oddly, that’s not the case.
The dual-motor EQE provides the same 288 hp, and while the addition of AWD is a nice touch, it’s a little hard to understand why Mercedes-Benz chose to cut such important corners on its luxury SUV. The EQE 500 attempts to rectify the situation with a dual-motor design that results in 402 hp, but that EV still trails Cadillac’s offering by a wide margin. It seems like this relative lack of power is intended to drive buyers toward the EQE’s high-performance AMG variant that tops out at 617 hp. This marketing tactic might entice some drivers to step up to the standalone model, but they’ll pay dearly for the privilege with a starting price of nearly $110,000.
Going for the Long Run
The LYRIQ’s cutting-edge battery gives it a major advantage in terms of performance. This SUV was the first Cadillac model to adopt General Motors’ new Ultium EV battery technology, which is widely regarded as being one of the most advanced setups in the modern EV market. The midsize LYRIQ puts the Ultium battery to good use, offering 319 miles of all-electric range on the AWD models and up to 326 miles when paired with the RWD powertrain.
Both numbers trend well above the current industry average and make the LYRIQ a logical choice for those who don’t want to interrupt their road trip with a visit to a charging station. When it does come time to top up the battery, drivers will appreciate the fact that every trim has DC Fast Charging capabilities that will allow them to add up to 86 miles of range in just 10 minutes. The LYRIQ’s sophisticated regenerative braking system gives drivers a chance to make the most of their Ultium battery, enabling a one-pedal driving mode that will recharge the battery every time you let up on the accelerator. Delivering 95 MPGe in the city and 82 MPGe on the highway, the LYRIQ is easily Cadillac’s most efficient EV.
While the EQE’s range and efficiency stats trail the LYRIQ by a fair margin, it isn’t that surprising when you consider the fact the 96.0- and 90.6-kWh battery packs don’t benefit from GM’s advanced Ultium technology. The EQE 350+ offers just over 300 miles of range, which doesn’t seem that bad until you realize that it marks the high point for the 2025 trims. Opting for the EQE 350 4MATIC will see that number cut to 253 miles due to the dual-motor design, though the EQE 350 4MATIC does win back a little range with 264 miles to its name.
Stepping up to the AMG variant means an obvious reduction in range, and though 230 miles might trail the 2025 average of 300 miles, the EV’s 617 hp should provide a little consolation. Mercedes-Benz’s SUV is also compatible with DC Fast Charging stations and can increase its range by 70% in around 32 minutes, but if Level 2 charging is your only option, you’ll need to set aside up to 11.5 hours to fully get the battery to 100%. The 2025 EQE claims an EPA-estimated 94 MPGe in the city for the 350+ trim, but that number falls to 87 MPGe for the EQE 350 4MATIC and as low as 85 MPGe on the EQE 500 4MATIC.
More Than 4K Resolution
From its size and clarity to its advanced features and curved design, the LYRIQ’s dashboard display is one of the segment’s most progressive offerings. The 33-inch curved touchscreen employs an OLED display to deliver twice the pixels of your standard 4K TV, turning the dashboard into a futuristic cockpit that should appeal to any drivers who appreciate the latest and greatest in automotive technology. The OLED screen serves as both an infotainment and digital gauge display and the subtle curve ensures maximum visibility and ergonomic functionality.
Simply tap the screen, and you’ll be able to cycle through a litany of infotainment features, settings, and customization preferences, including a Wi-Fi hotspot, ambient lighting, built-in GPS, and more. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity link the LYRIQ with your favorite smartphone apps and create a seamless digital experience; at the same time, a 19-speaker AKG stereo system ensures a high-fidelity listening experience no matter how noisy the road might get.
The touchscreen display offers a quick, responsive interface, but Cadillac offers two other ways to interact with the LYRIQ that go a long way toward upping the SUV’s convenience. A voice command system allows for hands-free access to the EV’s navigation, media, and climate control settings, and Cadillac has even included a rotary dial on the center console that provides a more tactile alternative to the screen-based system.
The 2025 EQE isn’t without its cutting-edge tech, but Mercedes-Benz certainly lags behind Cadillac in terms of pure digital real estate. The SUV comes with a 12.3-inch screen that’s less than half the size of the display you’ll find on the LYRIQ, and while it’s responsive and up to the task, it’s conspicuously undersized given the model’s luxury designation. Drivers can upgrade to a 17.7-inch OLED Hyperscreen paired with a 12.3-inch front passenger display when building their 2025 EQE, but it’s still a far cry from the LYRIQ’s generous setup.
The EQE utilizes a voice command system that can respond to conversational commands, which feels a little more natural than the robotic interactions one would expect from many of today’s digital assistant offerings. The MBUX infotainment system leverages AI to track drivers’ habits and create a more bespoke driving experience; it can even adjust the climate controls or play a favorite album based on past behavior, but drivers might feel a little hemmed in by the relatively small display.
If there’s one standout feature worth mentioning, it would probably have to be the SUV’s Electric Intelligence navigation system. This GPS feature automatically weighs the vehicle’s range, battery level, traffic, topography, and other data before suggesting a route, which helps the EQE to make the most of its below-average range.
We Have a Winner
The LYRIQ’s potent powertrain, impressive range, and class-leading display aren’t the only things to love about this Cadillac SUV. The midsize model also boasts GM’s acclaimed Super Cruise hands-free driving tool; Super Cruise gives drivers the opportunity to enjoy true hands-free driving on over 750,000 miles of mapped roads in the US and Canada, making it one of the most expansive offerings on the market. The system uses a complex network of sensors, infrared LEDs, and radar to constantly monitor the road ahead, and can be used at speeds up to 85 mph. Super Cruise has quickly become a favorite among critics, with Consumer Reports giving the system a stellar 75/100 score and singling out its capabilities, performance, and driver engagement tech.
Super Cruise is just one part of the LYRIQ’s advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) arsenal, with Cadillac also endowing the luxury SUV with automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and an available adaptive cruise control. The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV might have a lot going for it from a tech perspective, but its high cost is just a little hard to justify in a world where the Cadillac LYRIQ exists. If you’re eager to learn more about the 2025 LYRIQ, Jim Ellis Cadillac is here to help. Just stop by, and we’ll be glad to show you everything there is to love about Cadillac’s first all-electric vehicle.