Tesla Model 3 vs Cadillac Lyriq

What's the difference?

VS
Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3

$44,800 - $79,800

2024 price

Cadillac Lyriq
Cadillac Lyriq

$122,000 - $124,000

2025 price

Summary

2024 Tesla Model 3
2025 Cadillac Lyriq
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Not Applicable, 0.0L

Not Applicable, 0.0L
Fuel Type
Electric

Electric
Fuel Efficiency
0.0L/100km (combined)

0.0L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Looks a bit dull
  • Steering too light
  • Still feels cheap inside

  • Packaging quirks for backseat riders
  • A new brand demands a longer warranty
  • American design theme in the cabin
2024 Tesla Model 3 Summary

It is highly unusual to drive around in a bed, but that’s what it felt like we were being asked to do with the new and terribly exciting Tesla Model 3 Performance.

Tesla doesn’t do media launches, nor traditional marketing, so everything about this event was predictably peculiar, but when we were told this new car was causing so much excitement that we should pull a sheet over it every time we stopped, to avoid people photographing it, or touching it (“if someone tries, just politely ask them to stop” as we were advised) we hit peak weirdness.

Eventually, they did agree to pull the sheet off one and let us have a look at the most exciting car Tesla has ever made that’s not a Cybertruck

The Performance is the Model 3 Tesla engineers and designers always wanted to make. Clearly, it was going to be called the 'Ludicrous', because some staff kept stuffing up and calling it that. It’s a shame the name wasn’t used, but at least it still gets an 'Insane' mode.

They really wanted to go all out with the original Performance version, but “a guy called Elon” didn’t want to add all the complexity that required at the time - he was focused on quality issues and ramping up production - but this go around he has let them have their heads, and encouraged them to go hog wild.

That means an entirely new power unit at the rear, staggered 20-inch wheels for sportier turn-in, aerodynamic changes for more downforce and less lift, new seats and the fitting of active dampers to a Model 3 for the first time, to help provide proper, track-ready handling.

We set out into the embrace of the adoring Los Angeles public (truly, no city on Earth boasts so many Tesla owners, they are everywhere) to find out if all the fuss is worth it.

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2025 Cadillac Lyriq Summary

The Cadillac Lyriq really flies in the face of what has become our reality in the world of new cars.

It’s a brand-new, EV-only brand in Australia, but for once, it’s not Chinese.

It’s built in America and shipped to Australia, but it’s not converted from left-hand drive by Walkinshaw or a similar outfit. It’s built in right-hand drive at the factory for us.

And it’s a new player fighting for market share, but it’s not really trying to massively undercut its premium competitors, with the range kicking off north of $120,000.

So, iconic American brand Cadillac seems destined to do things a little differently with the Lyriq. The question is, is it good enough to forge its own path?

Let’s find out.  

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Tesla Model 3 2025 Cadillac Lyriq

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