The Cadillac Lyriq represents the cutting edge of modern motoring: an all electric SUV. Though most SUVs seem to look alike, the Lyriq stands out with its sharp lines, rakish styling and a tech heavy and plush interior to match.

Though a mid-sized SUV, the Lyriq offers a very roomy and comfortable interior. The fixed glass roof with power shade adds to the airy feeling. Though the screen interface can look daunting, it’s really not that bad to navigate with a little knowledge. A much appreciated touch was a knob to adjust the radio volume on the center console, and HVAC hard button controls at the bottom of the center stack, which includes dual automatic climate control. A large screen for gauges in front of the driver extends to the top of the center stack and displays audio, phone, navigation and other vehicle controls. One oddity is the glove box, which doesn’t have a physical handle on it. Instead, you have to find the right screen and press a button. 

Though there is no cargo area under the front hood, there is lots of cargo area beneath the sharply raked rear hatch, especially with the second row seats folded. There’s even a little bit of hidden storage below the rear cargo floor.

Appreciated interior amenities include rain sensing windshield wipers, moderately bolstered heated and ventilated power front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, adaptive cruise control, universal home remote, rear camera mirror, a hands free power liftgate, surround vision and illuminating door handles.

Safety features include automatic braking, front pedestrian and bicyclist braking, reverse automatic braking, rear cross traffic braking, forward collision alert, blind zone steering assist, safety alert seat (which buzzes the seat if a dangerous situation is sensed and takes a bit of getting used to), surround vision, front and rear parking sensors, and super cruise (which is a step or two removed from self-driving).

The biggest difference between driving an internal combustion engine vehicle and an electric vehicle is the electric vehicle’s ability to use regenerative braking to produce additional electricity. At full force, once you release the accelerator, regenerative braking can slow or stop a car without any brake input from the driver. This can take some getting used to but, once mastered, could generate “free” electricity and reduce wear and tear on brake pads.

One huge benefit of an electric vehicle is the instantaneous torque, which produces really quick acceleration, and the Lyriq is no exception. Stomp the go pedal and this thing accelerates like a rocket. Combined with strong brakes, even in non-regen mode, not too overboosted steering and a comfortable yet sporty suspension, the Lyriq offers surprisingly good handling in curves and a smooth highway ride. The Lyriq has a.5 KW charging module and the estimated annual cost for electricity is $900.

Car guy Cantor Seth Warner recently acquired a Lyriq and says of it, “I enjoy the Cadillac Lyriq very much. The driving experience is amazing going from ICE to all-electric. The acceleration is superb and the car sticks to the road while maintaining a comfortably composed ride expected from a luxury car. I am continually impressed by how good looking this vehicle is!”

“It’s a Cadillac first; it has all the luxury and convenience features one expects of a Cadillac, including excellent fit and finish,” Bill Pastor, sales manager at ELCO Cadillac, says of the Lyriq. “It’s built in Tennessee, so if the final price comes out below $80,000 it qualifies for the $7,000 EV tax credit.”

Price: Base $65,000 including delivery; as driven with options $70,000

Gas mileage: 89 mpg equivalent;  38 kW hours per 100 miles, 319 mile range

Drivetrain: All electric; all-wheel drive; 624 horsepower; 1-speed automatic transmission.

Robert Paster (robertpaster.com) is also an attorney in private practice, concentrating in estate planning and probate.