Following a paradigm shift in the perception of mobility, automotive manufacturers created a cultural wave within the industry that elevates electric sports utility vehicles (SUVs), such as the large and quick BMW iX and Cadillac Lyriq, to levels customarily occupied by the sumptuous Porsche Cayenne or Lamborghini Urus. Combining high-end tech, electric drive, progressive design and performance once appropriated by mid-engine supercars, the new age of distinguished potency in personal transportation almost blurs the line between nobility and bourgeoisie.
Triumphantly announcing Lyriq-V as the quickest Cadillac ever, the American manufacturer took a step toward direct engagement with one of Europe’s finest: the newly revealed BMW iX M70.
Two design takes on luxurious, crossover-like utility
The question remains: Is it all said and done in the world of SUV design? It may be that futuristic designs become so prevalent that all new crossovers look strange, but not dull or tough. The fact that modern crossovers (at least the expensive ones) are not dull could be enough for them to flourish further. Case in point: the Cadillac Lyriq-V, a crossover that is just over 197 inches long with a 121.8-inch wheelbase and all the smugness one would expect from an American car that once again wants to prove it is not for old folks. All kidding aside, the design of the Lyriq-V is quite clever. Blending a coupe-like roof design with a somewhat long bonnet and rather narrow glass surfaces on the sides, one could imagine that this crossover wants to be a GT—a grand tourer of which we have all been so fond for the past 50 or so years. Unlike small, down-to-the-ground GTs, the Lyriq-V is a crossover with 6.1-inch ground clearance, enough room for five and a total weight just shy of 6,000 pounds.
Design traits taken from a seemingly inexhaustible treasury of creativity within the Cadillac realm gave those lucky enough to buy the Lyriq-V a complete design overhaul that includes “unique lower front fascia and side rockers, body colored lower trim, and available carbon fiber accents”. Also, those knowledgeable about the Lyriq-V will note some changes to the Black Crystal Shield choreographed lighting. All this glitz, coupled with unique, dark 22-inch wheels, launched the Lyriq-V into a world of performance only a few can match. One of the “few” is the BMW iX M70, the ultimate expression of electromobility among the crossovers from Munich. Well, actually, from Dingolfing, Germany, where the iX M70 entered production in March of this year. Taking an already known recipe and dialing it to 11 gifted the market with an SAV (sports activity vehicle) similar in size and performance to the Lyriq-V. True, the BMW is a tad taller (kudos to its 8.8-inch clearance), but it’s a couple of inches shorter by comparison.
Inheriting all the design features introduced with the latest generation of BMW vehicles, the iX has already established its domineering presence on the streets. Yes, the BMW iX is an aggressively stylized SAV with a pretty massive kidney grille that the populous has learned to like over the years. Compared to the standard iX (clearly, take the term standard with a grain of salt here), the iX M70, although simplistic in its design, which is commendable, gained a couple of cool BMW M touches. First, the integrated diffuser at the back looks like a subtle hint of the powerhouse this vehicle truly is. Then, the wheels measure up to 23 inches, while the optional M Shadowline Lights at the front and back complete the sinister picture BMW has managed to pull off once again. Combining simplistic design language with subtle yet powerful dynamic accents and unique air intakes, BMW masterfully executed the illusion of determination and resolve historically tied to the brand’s design language. While the Cadillac does prove a point or two with its futuristic design, the BMW would seem like the better-rounded product altogether. Then again, the difference in pricing is massive. The Caddy is $30,000 less than the BMW’s $79,990 to $111,500 manufacturer’s suggested retail price!
Powering the beasts
Taking after the best that both manufacturers have to offer in terms of electromobility, the Lyriq-V and the iX M70 gained motor-and-battery combos that launch them into a realm one might call “extraordinary”.
Dual motors in the BMW develop up to 650 horsepower (hp) and a massive 811 pound-feet of torque. The sheer power transferred to the ground via its 23-inch wheels can accelerate the iX M70 to 60 miles per hour (mph) in 3.6 seconds. Considering that the iX M70 is a 5,849-pound vehicle, this result feels even more incredible. The iX M70, although eye-wateringly quick, is not as quick as the Lyriq-V. With the V mode engaged and the Velocity Max feature selected, the launch control will make sure that all 615 horsepower from its dual motors power the Lyriq-V to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. Staggering, to say the least!
While both have single-speed transmissions, the public-relations people at Cadillac did note that General Motors had developed several enhancements that boost Lyriq-V’s driving capabilities at the touch of a button. Called Competitive Mode, this feature considerably sharpens driving characteristics and provides a slightly different aural experience, thus allowing drivers to explore the limits of this chassis even further. BMW, of course, offers something similar accessed by My Mode “Sport”. In this case, the intricate tech, including “adaptive two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers”, provides the best possible driving characteristics and performance.
While the iX M70 and the Lyriq-V represent the very top of what electric crossovers, SAVs or SUVs can offer, it must be said that their flirtatious appearances and incredible performances tailored for competitiveness could make them more than matches for quite a few of today’s sports cars! That is only part of their appeal. The other part lies in their cabins: luminous places in both cases.
Luxury on the inside
Cadillac and BMW did not hold back. The cabins of the Lyriq-V and the iX M70 are as luxurious as one can imagine. Not much has changed compared to “lesser” versions, making them as appealing as they get, but a few unique touches do differentiate the Lyriq-V from its pack and the iX M70 from its pack.
The standard M Sport Package in the iX M70 combines M Multifunction seats, an M leather steering wheel, a two-tone instrument panel with the M logo, M pedals and numerous dark inserts in parts of the cabin. Standard for the iX M70 is the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with 30 speakers and awesome electrochromic shading that can be activated at the touch of a button.
Interestingly enough, the Lyriq-V also offers several cool touches comparable to those in the iX M70. First, it comes with a panoramic fixed-glass roof (the iX M70 has this as standard, too), an AKG Studio Audio System with Dolby Atmos with 23 speakers and a massive 33-inch diagonal advanced LED (light-emitting diode) display. Add to this the augmented reality heads-up display (AR HUD), and the interior of the Lyriq-V suddenly does not feel $30,000 cheaper than the one in the BMW. Other features of interest include Nappa leather on seating surfaces, power-adjustable seat bolsters and aluminum inserts! It’s not shabby at all.
These two flagships could rearrange the electromobility realm as a whole
Whether it’s the battery size (102 kilowatt-hours [kWh] for the Caddy and 112.8 kWh for the BMW), power, charging capabilities (up to 190 kW for the Caddy and up to 195 kW for the BMW) or sheer dimensions, the Lyriq-V and the iX M70 seem as close as direct competitors can be. Not only do they represent the reality of the tech advancements happening behind closed doors inside General Motors and BMW, but they are clearly showing that powerful electric crossovers and SAVs have a lot to show in the performance department despite their somewhat lackluster range (285 miles for the Lyriq-V and 305 miles for the iX M70).