Why the Cadillac LYRIQ is a Better Buy Than the Tesla Model Y
Choosing a luxury battery electric vehicle (BEV) is becoming a much more complicated matter than it used to be. This is because so many of the top brands have started to offer BEV models that drip with opulence, while delivering a vehicle that has zero emissions from not running on gasoline. Moreover, these luxury BEV models provide exceptional performance without skimping on the comfort and convenience features expected of these brands. While Tesla had a head start over other automakers as a pioneer in BEV technology, the leading companies have been catching up.
This is certainly the case with Cadillac, which introduced its first BEV last year. The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ represents the second year of this BEV, and Cadillac has added an additional pair of trims to this model. This is why Cadillac thinks it will do a great job of taking on the Tesla Model Y, one of the best-selling models from Elon Musk’s company.
At Jim Ellis Cadillac, we see a bright future in the clean energy provided by BEV models like the 2024 LYRIQ. This is why we are excited to offer it to drivers like you who appreciate the finer things in life. Come in today and see why your next vehicle should be a 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ.
Pricing and Trim Choices
This year, Cadillac joins Tesla in offering three different trims in their respective BEV SUV models. Drivers who choose a Cadillac LYRIQ will get to choose between a Tech and Sport trim level, as well as the Luxury trim that debuted last year. The Tech is the entry-level trim level of the LYRIQ, with a base MSRP of $58,590.[a] The Luxury trim has been designed for drivers looking for the ultimate in comfort features, and it has a base MSRP of $62,690.[a] The Sport trim has a more performance-oriented profile and starts at an MSRP of $63,190.[a]
Tesla carries over the same three trims from 2023, with the Base representing the entry-level trim. This is expected to have a beginning MSRP of about $44,000, which is less than that of the LYRIQ Tech.[a] The other two trims of the Tesla Model Y are the Long Range, which maximizes the distance on this vehicle, and the higher-priced Performance, which boosts acceleration and overall performance.
Powertrain Differences
The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ features two different powertrains. The Tech trim comes standard with rear-wheel drive but is available with the all-wheel drive system. Meanwhile, the Luxury and Sport trim levels are all-wheel drive standard. The rear-wheel drive features a single permanent magnet synchronous AC motor attached to the rear axle that is powered by a 102 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This produces 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, giving this trim a range of 314 miles. It has the best range of any LYRIQ trim.
The dual motor, all-wheel drive LYRIQ features a pair of permanent magnet synchronous AC motors, one for each axle. A 102 kWh lithium-ion battery powers these motors. It has a slightly lower range of 307 miles but gives you the added traction of all-wheel drive. The LYRIQ Tech and Luxury trims have an output of 500 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, while the Sport trim retains the LYRIQ’s high horsepower output and raises the amount of available torque to 524 lb-ft.
Tesla offers the 2024 Model Y with three different powertrains, each paired with a specific trim. The standard-range Model Y has a single AC permanent magnet synchronous motor in its rear axle powered by a lithium-ion battery, giving it a maximum range of 260 miles. This is much shorter than the range on the LYRIQ Tech.
The Model Y Long Range features an AC induction motor in the front axle and an AC permanent magnet synchronous motor for the rear. It is powered by an 80.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which is smaller than the one on the LYRIQ. This pair of motors produces an estimated 384 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque, more than the LYRIQ Tech but significantly less than the Luxury and Sport trim levels of the LYRIQ. However, the Tesla Y Long Range does provide a range of up to 330 miles on a full charge. The Model Y Performance has a similar setup, but increases output to 470 hp, while reducing range to 285 miles, which is less than any of the three LYRIQ trims.
Performance Comparison
When comparing these two models for performance, it makes sense to look at the dual-motor and single-motor versions separately. The Tesla Y standard trim can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. This is fine for getting on most highways but could present a problem when merging into rush-hour traffic. The LYRIQ Tech is quicker, able to get up to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.
Similarly, the dual-motor Cadillac LYRIQ bests the Model Y Long Range when it comes to acceleration. The 2024 LYRIQ with dual motors can accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, which is better than the 4.8 seconds on the Model Y Long Range. The Model Y Performance has the best acceleration at 3.5 seconds to reach 60 mph, but you lose overall range when you choose this trim.
Interior Space and Design
The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ offers two rows of seats for up to five passengers for all three trims. In contrast, the 2024 Tesla Model Y has two different configurations. The standard trim and Performance come with two rows of seats, while the Long Range is a three-row trim. The issue with the Tesla is that you have to decide between the utility of a seven-seat, three-row design, or the space and comfort of two-rows of seats in the other two trims. This leads to a compromise you don’t need to make on a Cadillac LYRIQ.
As it is, the Tesla cannot match the Cadillac LYRIQ for overall passenger space and comfort. Even though the Tesla has a slightly higher roofline, allowing for a bit more headroom across all other dimensions like legroom, shoulder room, and hip room, the LYRIQ bests the Model Y. For example, the front row seats on the LYRIQ offer a maximum of 44.3-inches of legroom, significantly more than the 41.8-inches on the Model Y. In addition, the second row of seats on the LYRIQ provide 58.6-inches of shoulder room and 54-inches of hip room, while the second row passengers in the Model Y may feel cramped with only 54-inches of shoulder room and 50.6-inches of hip room. As for the Model Y Long Range, the fact is that the third row of seats will not accommodate a full-grown adult with only 26.5-inches of legroom and 36.5-inches of hip room. The odds are that any adult seated in the Long Range’s third row of seats will be complaining long before you are even close to reaching the maximum range afforded by this trim.
The seating materials are also different on the two vehicles. Tesla uses a synthetic leather upholstery material on the Model Y. These come heated. In contrast, the 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ has actual leather seats, including available Nappa leather on the Luxury and Sport trims. In addition, the front seats on all trims are heated, with available ventilation and second-row heated outboard seats.
Technology and Connectivity
When Tesla first introduced the Model Y in 2021, it was considered cutting edge with its 15-inch tablet computer-like center infotainment system. With the passage of just a few years, Cadillac has overtaken this system on the Tesla. The LYRIQ comes with a standard 33-inch curved diagonal advanced LED display that was first offered on the Cadillac Escalade. This expansive system makes scrolling through apps more accessible than ever. In addition, the LYRIQ gives drivers the choice of scrolling through the display with a click wheel on the center console or swiping through their options on the touchscreen. This makes it easier to use when driving alone—something that is not available in the Tesla Model Y. The LYRIQ also has a standard 19-speaker audio system from AKG and a wireless phone charger.
The 2024 Lyriq Will Have You Singing Cadillac’s Praises
While the 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ is priced higher than the Tesla Model Y, the Cadillac will give you more for your money. The LYRIQ outperforms all but the most expensive Model Y trim while giving you more passenger space and a state-of-the-art infotainment system that puts Tesla’s to shame. Come in to our dealership today and drive out with a 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, a BEV that will have you singing all the way home!