Cadillac commences its electric journey in Europe with the launch of its all-electric Cadillac Lyriq in Switzerland, with plans to venture into additional European markets.
Cadillac has initiated its electric business in Switzerland and has unveiled plans to extend its reach to five more European markets in the near future.
The premium Cadillac LYRIQ has been introduced to its first European market, showcasing a fusion of high performance and luxury.
An innovative digital buying experience has been crafted for European customers, encompassing online ordering, a new experience center in Zurich, and a community-centric approach.
General Motors is marking its return to Europe with a keen focus on the electric vehicle sector, beginning with the launch of the Cadillac Lyriq luxury crossover, now available for order in Switzerland. The deliveries of the Lyriq are scheduled to start in the first half of the subsequent year.
GM has broader expansion plans, aiming to solidify its presence in Europe with an all-electric lineup extending to Sweden, France, and three other European nations over the forthcoming two years. This move signals a substantial return since GM’s retreat in 2017 when it sold off the Opel and Vauxhall brands to France’s PSA Group, albeit with a continued limited import of high-end models like the Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette, and Cadillac XT4.
The Cadillac Lyriq is priced at 82,000 Swiss francs ($89,705) in Switzerland and boasts an estimated driving range of 530 kilometers, courtesy of its Ultium battery technology. In comparison, the BMW iX xDrive40, priced at 95,900 Swiss francs ($104,700), offers a maximum estimated range of 435 km, and the Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron, priced from 88,800 Swiss francs ($97,000), provides up to 498 km of range on a full charge. However, the price and range aren’t the sole determinants for EV customers.
2023 Cadillac Lyriq | Photo: Cadillac
The success of GM’s re-entry into the European market will be observed keenly, especially given GM’s challenges in ramping up production and deliveries of new EVs in the US. Despite these challenges, GM saw a significant bump in Lyriq’s sales last quarter, selling 3,018 units, which is more than double compared to Q2, and a total of 20,092 BEVs as a group, including various models like the Chevy Blazer EV, Bolt EV, Bolt EUV, Silverado EV, and GMC Hummer EV (both pickup and SUV), indicating a promising trajectory as GM embarks on its European electric journey.
