Welcome to Cadillac’s first all-electric automobile. Well, a rough approximation of it. The car pictured is a concept, an idea of what to expect when the luxury SUV/crossover thing goes on sale in 2022.

It’s based on an all-new platform developed exclusively for electrically-powered cars and SUVs, and will use GM’s next-gen ‘Ultium’ modular battery technology. Cadillac says the battery’s nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminium chemistry means it uses 70 per cent less cobalt than GM’s existing batteries. Which is a good thing for many reasons.

The Lyriq’s hefty 100kWh battery, which can be charged at a rate of 150kW, gives 50/50 weight distribution and a low centre-of-gravity. Cadillac is aiming for over 300 miles of range using the USA’s tough EPA testing procedure (for context, the EPA rates the Jaguar I-Pace at 375km).

As standard the Lyric will be rear-wheel drive, but a faster dual-motor all-wheel drive version will also be available. No power or performance figures have been released.

Clever tech includes a dual-plane augmented reality head-up display, noise-cancelling and the latest version of Cadillac’s “Super Cruise” semi-autonomous driver assistance system, which claims to allow hands-free driving on more than 320,000km of US highway. Inside there’s a ridiculous 33-inch LED screen (combining the main infotainment display and instrument cluster).

The exterior introduces Cadillac’s new face, with slim LED head- and tail-lights and a distinctive grille (that isn’t really a grille, because EV) that incorporates yet more LEDs that greet the owner as they approach. To what extent the typically concept-y styling represents the finished article isn’t clear.

STORY Tom Harrison