There has been a steady build up to the arrival of the new Cadillac here in New Zealand. The American luxury brand has been publicising the arrival of the new Lyriq luxury electric SUV for some time. It was back in November 2023 that the announcement was made that Caddy was coming back, while later revealing it would launch with the aforementioned Lyriq. In October 2024 interested parties in Australia were able to place an order for the new SUV. Currently on the cadillacanz.com website, NZ customers can still only sign up for updates, the form stating “We’re busy building an iconic design and build experience for New Zealand customers. We can’t wait to welcome you.”
Read more Cadillac Lyriq pricing and specification confirmed for NZ
In a recent media call, GM ANZ head Jess Bala said there are a couple of Lyriq units on the ground in New Zealand as they work with charging networks, though these do not yet show in the registration data supplied via the Motor Industry Association.
It’s expected that the Lyriq will be delivered to Australian customers in the coming weeks as GM works to sort its certification there soon.
Cadillac is keen to stress a customer first approach, wanting to enhance the ownership experience for its buyers. And as such, it isn’t crowing about how many orders it has wracked up so far. In fact, they are saying nothing when it comes to how many people have signed up. While Cadillac has internal targets (which they say they are ‘pleased’ about) the goal, they say, is delivering on customer experience rather than hitting a big sales target.
And on that, Cadillac is opening its own, stand alone experience centres to enable people to interact with the brand. Cadillac is operating a direct to consumer type of sales arrangement, so no dealerships as such. A centre has been signalled for Auckland, on Karangahape Road where Tesla used to be. It’s expected the centre will open ‘in early Q2’. Which is probably when we can expect to see the new Lyriq officially on the road as well.
Read more Designer Cadillac Experience centre to open in K Rd
