Here is one of the pictures featuring the 2023 Cadillac. Numerous images associated with the 2023 Cadillac can be utilized as your point of reference. Below, you'll find some additional pictures related to the 2023 Cadillac.
People are hot to get their mitts on Cadillac's electric Lyriq SUV.
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The first round of orders sold out in mere minutes, and after making an entire model year's worth of 'em available in the same way, those too sold out.
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That's a hell of a blind gamble from the general public, but after driving the Lyriq, I think these folks are about to hit the jackpot.
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Every step Cadillac took in creating the Lyriq addresses the issues from its current crossovers in major ways.
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There are 102 kilowatt-hours' worth of battery cells integrated into the Cadillac's floor, offering an EPA-estimated range of 312 miles in rear-wheel-drive configuration.
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Maybe 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque doesn't sound like all that much, but it's more than enough to get the Lyriq moving in a hurry.
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The accelerator pedal is tuned for smoothness, but swapping to Sport mode on the infotainment display will perk up the response a bit.
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One-pedal driving is offered in two different strengths, and I prefer it in its strongest setting, which allows for some serious deceleration in case I misjudge stopping distances.
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But there's also a pressure-sensitive on-demand paddle on the left side of the steering wheel that lets me dial it in gradually, which is a neat addition.
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Keep scrolling to check out even more pictures of the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq.
There are several levels of luxury. When Cadillac first unveiled the huge – and massively sumptuous – Celestiq electric car, it stated that it would be a hand-built affair with extensive customisation for each user. With the release of the production model, Cadillac appears to be embarking on one of its most amazing adventures yet.
A prospective owner must make a number of decisions before the Celestiq may be driven into their driveway. Each vehicle is produced as a personal commission, which means the user has complete control over a plethora of customisation possibilities, ensuring that no two Celestiqs are alike. The chosen bidder will design their Celestiq with the assistance of their preferred dealer, as well as a one-on-one concierge and a Cadillac designer.
To that aim, no two Celestiqs should be the same price; Cadillac only provided an estimate for the car's price, stating that it starts "north of $300,000" and will increase according on the choices made by each owner during the build process.
After making those difficult decisions, it's time to start building the car. Each Celestiq, as previously stated, would be hand-built at GM's Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. Only six will be manufactured at a time, and the production will take place in a facility called the Artisan Center, where only those working on the automobile will be permitted.
The Celestiq's shift from show car to production automobile didn't change much. It still has a tremendous presence and a massive footprint. See that gleaming substance on the outside? Yes, that is genuine metal. The grille, trunk lining, rocker panels, lighting trim, and fenders are all made of aluminum. The "flying goddess" hood ornament from vintage Cadillacs now rests in the fender, in a special crystal that permits LED light to stream through.
LED illumination is an important aspect of the Celestiq experience. Each car contains almost 1,600 separate diodes. The headlights and taillights reveal charging status at a glance, and there's a full show that happens every time a key fob goes within 15 feet of the Celestiq, starting with the Cadillac insignia on the grille and working its way around to the headlights.
Cadillac will equip each Celestiq with a four-zone electrochromic glass roof that blends ambient lighting and suspended-particle technology for a stunning overhead performance, in addition to the light-based dog-and-pony show. Because there are no visible door handles, this is probably best observed from within the car, which is accessed using a button.
The interior appears to be virtually unaltered from the exhibition car, which is excellent because it's a beauty. While the one pictured above has a brilliant shade of blue on practically every piece of leather, a customer will undoubtedly be able to customize the interior to their own preferences. Hand-finished metalwork can be found throughout, while the more complex components were constructed utilizing 3D printing. However, because no two Celestiqs will be the same, there is a considerable lot of customisation available, not only in terms of color, but also in terms of materials employed.
The Celestiq's showpiece is a gigantic 55-inch high-definition display that spans the whole width of the dashboard. The driver side displays standard car information, while passengers can connect gadgets and play media from their side of the screen. The traditional climate-control and other ancillary duties are handled by an 11-inch screen rising from the center console, while rear passengers have access to not one, not two, but three displays -- there's an 8-inch screen between the seats, but each rear passenger also gets a 12.6-inch screen attached to the front seatbacks.
If you enjoy a good sound system, you're in luck. The Celestiq comes with an AKG Studio Reference audio system with 38 speakers and three amplifiers spanning 30 channels. The powertrain should also sound great, due to a library of sounds that provide a unique twist to EV operation. That last element works not only within the vehicle, but also outdoors.
What is beneath the surface?
Now that we've discussed what you can see, let's move on to what you can't. The Celestiq is built on GM's Ultium battery-electric platform, which has previously been used on a few of models and will be used on many more EVs in the future. A pair of electric motors, one at each end, produce a total of 600 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque, allowing this huge luxo-barge to reach 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds.
The Celestiq has a 111-kilowatt-hour battery with a GM-estimated range of 300 miles. Owners will get the most out of their electrons with one-pedal driving, but when it comes time to charge, the Celestiq will receive up to 200 kilowatts of juice from DC fast chargers, which can add around 78 miles of range in 10 minutes.
Adaptive air suspension should provide a comfortable ride, and it will work in tandem with GM's magnetorheological technology to adapt to road imperfections quickly. A 3.5-degree rear-axle steering angle reduces the turning circle and increases speed agility. Active antiroll bars should keep undesired body lean at bay, while an active rear spoiler deploys at different speeds to improve aerodynamics and keep the vehicle rooted.
Then there's Ultra Cruise. The Celestiq will be the first vehicle from GM to feature this technology. It's essentially a beefed-up version of the already superb Super Cruise Level 2 hands-free driver aid, with the ability to operate outside of divided highways, extending those aids to city streets and beyond. However, GM isn't stating when this will be accessible, simply that each Celestiq would "be equipped with all of the necessary Ultra Cruise hardware to enable incremental feature growth via over-the-air updates in 2024." As a result, the Ultra Cruise may take some time to come up to speed.
That's a lot of sophisticated technology in one vehicle, but given the Celestiq's six-figure price tag, it's not surprising. If you want to add one of these to your collection, you'll need to act quickly; availability is limited to a wait list, and Cadillac won't make a trillion of these. Production is set to begin in December 2023.
Stricter production rules for the electric-vehicle tax credit have rendered many automakers ineligible for the $7,500 tax benefit.
The EV tax credit was divided into two portions by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: To qualify for $3,750, any vehicle purchased on or after April 18, 2023 must have at least half of its battery components manufactured or built in North America.
To claim the remaining half, key minerals such as graphite, lithium, and cobalt must be sourced from the United States or a free-trade partner at 40% of their value.
According to the Treasury Department, only a few dozen EV vehicles are still eligible for the entire incentive.
Which vehicles are no longer eligible for the EV tax credit?
According to the Treasury Department, the list of eligible vehicles will certainly rise because several manufacturers have yet to submit updated data. As of April 24, the following EVs no longer qualify for the credit:
Audi Q5 TFSI e Quattro PHEV
BMW 330e sedan
BMW X5 xDrive45e SUV
Genesis GV70 Electrified SUV
Nissan Leaf
Volvo S60 PHEV, Extended Range and T8 Recharge
Which EVs are still eligible for the full credit?
The Dearborn, Michigan-produced Ford F-150 Lightning is eligible for the maximum credit.
These vehicles are eligible for the entire $7,500 credit:
2022-23 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid
2022-23 Ford F-150 Lightning (standard and extended-range battery)
2022-23 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring
2022-23 Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV
2023-24 Cadillac Lyriq
2024 Chevrolet Silverado
2024 Chevrolet Blazer
2024 Chevrolet Equinox
2022-23 Tesla Model 3 Performance
2022-23 Tesla Model Y (Performance, all-wheel drive and long-range all-wheel drive)
2023 VW ID 4 (all versions)
Since the agency's initial list of approved vehicles was posted on April 17, 2023, all versions of Volkswagen's 2023 ID 4 are now qualified for the full $7,500 credit. As a result, VW is now the only foreign automaker with a battery-electric vehicle qualifying for the full $7,500 rebate.
"This demonstrates that we made the correct decision to localize ID.4 production in Tennessee and invest even more in battery production, components, and innovation," said VW Group of America CEO Pablo Di Si in a statement.
Which EVs are currently only eligible for the reduced credit of 50%?
The Model 3 Performance is the only Tesla that qualifies for the full credit.
The revised battery and mineral regulations have also reduced the amount of tax relief that many EV owners can obtain. Ford and Stellantis models that were previously eligible for the full credit are now only eligible for $3,750.
The basic Tesla variant 3 is also only qualified for half of the $7,500, whereas the Performance variant is eligible for the entire amount.
The following vehicles qualify for the $3,750 credit:
2022-23 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid
2022-23 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid
2022-23 Ford E-Transit
2022-23 Ford Mustang Mach-E (standard and extended range battery)
2022-23 Ford Escape plug-in hybrid
2022-23 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring
2022-23 Tesla Model 3 (standard range rear-wheel drive)
2022-23 Rivian R1S
2022-23 Rivian R1T
Rivian provided paperwork to the IRS demonstrating that its 2023 R1T and R1S meet the essential minerals criterion, making certain configurations of both vehicles eligible for the $3,750 credit.
Why did the EV tax credit criteria change?
According to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, the new standards are intended to cut the cost of zero-emission automobiles for consumers while still helping US manufacturers, while also "strengthening our energy and national security."
More than half (56%) of battery components are currently imported from China, with whom relations have become more strained.
Beginning in 2024, EVs containing battery parts from "a foreign entity of concern" – a category that includes China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea – will be unable to claim any credit.
In 2025, that standard will be applied to key minerals.
Will foreign automakers be able to take advantage of the EV tax credit?
Automakers expected stiffer limitations, and many are already investing in US manufacture in preparation for approval. BMW, for example, is investing $1.7 billion in its South Carolina plant to manufacture EVs and batteries.
Hyundai is constructing a $5.5 billion electric vehicle production plant in Bryan County, Georgia, where it will also manufacture batteries. Starting in 2025, the Korean automaker expects at least 300,000 Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia EVs to be produced yearly.
This story is part of Plugged In, CNET's hub for all things EV and the future of electrified mobility. From vehicle reviews to helpful hints and the latest industry news, we've got you covered.
A tsunami of electric vehicles is set to arrive on US shores in the next few years. Practically every automaker around the world, from small boutique operations to goliath multinationals is hard at work developing battery-powered cars and trucks. But among America's traditional manufacturers, who's winning the EV race?
The old guard
GM, Ford and Stellantis (Chrysler, if you prefer), Detroit's Big Three automakers, are each spending vast sums of money to design and manufacture next-generation cars and trucks. GM is set to shell out more than $35 billion by 2025 to develop electric and autonomous vehicles. Through 2026 -- the year it expects to produce more than 2 million EVs -- Ford is on track to spend some $50 billion globally on the technology. As for Stellantis, this amalgamated American/French/Italian concern plans to invest around $32.5 billion (30 billion euros) in electrification and software through 2025.
American automakers are practically all-in on EVs, but plenty of their rivals are spending big bucks, too, from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, to Hyundai, Nissan, Volkswagen and Volvo. For the purposes of this article, however, to keep it from dragging on for days, we're focusing primarily on the Detroit Three.
The new Hummer EV Pickup is absolutely massive.
GMC
The Tesla effect
But you can't talk about EVs without mentioning a certain company with an eccentric CEO and cult-like following. "There's no question Tesla's winning the race right now, by a wide margin," said Michelle Krebs, executive analyst at Cox Automotive. This organization keeps track of the most-shopped electric vehicles, and she said this company's products absolutely dominate the list. "It's going to be tough for anyone to catch up with Tesla," admitted Krebs.
Aside from strong sales, this American automotive upstart also leads when it comes to market capitalization -- being worth a record-breaking $1 trillion -- and mindshare. "Tesla, whether you want to give them the credit or not … [created] the modern EV market," said Edward Sanchez, senior analyst at Strategy Analytics. He noted that the Model S "flipped the script" and proved electric cars could be sexy, desirable and luxurious.
But not all is perfect in Musk-land. The company's been dogged by longstanding quality problems, it's facing labor woes at manufacturing plants, and is suffering from a lack of promised new products -- where's the Cybertruck, Roadster and Semi? No new launches are expected in 2022 and likely for part of 2023, so the automaker's lead will likely erode as more and more rival electric vehicles start showing up at dealerships. During the company's recent first-quarter earnings call, Elon Musk promised its robotaxi will be ready by 2024, but forgive us for not believing him.
Tesla is still the one to beat in the electric vehicle space.
Mike Cutler/CNET
A classic rivalry
If Tesla is miles ahead of the competition, who's trundling along in second place? Sanchez said, "It's a very dynamic space," one that's "hard to armchair quarterback" because the situation changes from year to year and even month to month. Still, right now, he sees Ford pulling ahead, something echoed by other analysts.
According to Bob Gritzinger, editor-in-chief of Wards Auto, "Right now, for all appearances, Ford is in the lead. Give it a minute and I think you're going to see GM jump [ahead] in a hurry." The Blue Oval put some distance between itself and other domestic car makers, thanks to hit products like the Mustang Mach-E SUV and F-150 Lightning pickup, both of which are sold out, a happy problem for Ford, if not its customers. Still, the battery-powered E-Transit commercial van shouldn't be forgotten, either. "That's another win, an early win for Ford," said Gritzinger, as is the hot-selling Maverick compact truck, which is not offered as a pure EV but comes standard with a hybrid drivetrain.
Of course, it remains to be seen whether it's as well optimized as pickups built on dedicated EV platforms, but Ford was super smart getting the F-150 Lightning out as soon as possible. All-electric rigs like the Lightning could be absolute gamechangers and the Blue Oval has a huge advantage in this space right now.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is expected to be a game-changing EV.
Nick Miotke/Roadshow
One potential area of weakness for Ford, though, is Lincoln. The luxury brand is aiming for more than half of its global sales to be EVs by the middle of this decade, but almost nothing is known about the vehicles it plans to introduce. Lincoln did, however, just show off its new Star concept, a handsome SUV design study that previews some of the features and styling cues we can expect on the four EVs it plans to introduce by 2026. Fortunately, it sounds like we won't have to wait too much longer to learn about Lincoln's electrification strategy.
"Ford is definitely beating GM on sales and shopping data," said Krebs, leveraging its early-to-market advantage. GM has a lot planned, but it has to execute and avoid having issues like it did with the Chevy Bolt hatchback and its combustible battery pack, something Sanchez said severely humbled the automaker.
"There's no denying Ford's strategic advantage with Mach-E, being an early mover," noted Sanchez, but GM has a torrent of new EVs in the works, an unprecedented onslaught that has only just begun. The GMC Hummer EV Pickup is finally available and the Cadillac Lyriq SUV entered production about a month ago. Beyond those models, an all-electric Chevy Silverado is in the works, as are Blazer and Equinox utility vehicles as well as a Hummer SUV and even a new flagship-caliber electric luxury sedan, the Cadillac Celestiq. "My concern with GM is they're kind of almost going overboard," Sanchez said.
The Cadillac Lyriq SUV is one of many electric vehicles GM plans to introduce.
Cadillac
GM's much-publicized Ultium platform is set to underpin these upcoming vehicles, and many more. A relatively plug-and-play affair, "They're investing in one technology they'll be able to spread across the entire portfolio," explained Paul Waatti, manager of industry analysis at AutoPacific. With shared underpinnings, GM can bring a load of vehicles to market without doing a lot of costly and time-consuming reengineering work. Compared to Ford, Waatti said, "I think GM is a couple years ahead on the technology curve," though Ford is "catching up quick."
Stellantis: The dark horse
While those two automakers duke it out, the other leg of the Detroit Three stool is quietly plugging away in the shadows. "I think the dark horse in all this is Stellantis," said Gritzinger. "They've done a lot of work with hybrids and with their 48-volt system," he added. "I think they will be surprisingly strong once they start putting product out there, in large part because they're a European company and Europe is going 100% EV." Historically, Chrysler has almost always been smaller than its main rivals, but it's scrappy and willing to take risks, something that could give it a leg up in the electric vehicle space.
Sanchez said Stellantis is probably behind its major domestic rivals in EV technology, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing as "they're kind of taking advantage of the early adopters paying the price." As electric vehicles start to gain traction, the cost of batteries and related technologies should come down, which would be great for Stellantis. "Sometimes it's not always the worst thing to be late to the game," said Sanchez.
According to Waatti, AutoPacific forecasts that EVs will capture about 15% market share by 2027, something that leaves a ton of room for other propulsion systems, like plug-in hybrids. "Stellantis is probably taking that strategy, mostly because they're behind on straight-EV technology," he said. Plug-ins, like the new Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, give customers the best of both worlds: Silent, emissions-free (from the tailpipe, at least) motoring with the ability to drive cross-country without needing to charge. At least in the near term, this should be a good plan for Stellantis, "[and] from a business standpoint," explained Waatti, "They're making money on these right away."
Ram teased its upcoming electric pickup truck in this shadowy image.
Ram
It may not be as sweeping as Tesla's, but another potential advantage for Stellantis is its passionate fan base. Sanchez said even though the Dodge Charger and Challenger are absolutely ancient, their sales continue to grow. "If they can somehow leverage that enthusiasm for their EV models, they could surprise everyone."
Don't forget the smaller companies
Beyond Tesla and its Detroit rivals, a range of new independent automakers has come out in recent years. This old-school term was used decades ago to describe now-defunct brands like Hudson, Packard, Studebaker and Willys, but it works just as well in the 21st century. Today's independent makes include the likes of Fisker, Lucid and Rivian, companies that are focused solely on building EVs. Bollinger, Lordstown Motors and Nikola are in the same camp, too, though, for various reasons these brands have largely failed.
Whether any startup automakers will succeed remains to be seen. Waatti said they don't have the baggage legacy companies do, plus they're "something new and exciting," which could translate into more sales, though as Krebs noted, it's way too early to tell if any of these brands will take off.
For many reasons, the Lucid Air is a damn good electric sedan.
Lucid
This isn't to say today's EV independents aren't doing some great work. "I think Lucid, from a technological standpoint … I would consider them probably the closet peer to Tesla," said Sanchez. The company's Air sedan is not only beautiful and luxurious, it's loaded with clever features and offers storming performance. "[But] the big thing with Lucid is how quickly they can scale, that's the determining factor," Sanchez added.
Exciting times in the automotive industry
We're living in a transformative period as the car industry shifts from internal combustion to electric powertrains. Right now, Tesla is the undisputed American EV champion, a position it will likely maintain for some time. Waatti predicts, "They're still going to be the powerhouse into the end of the decade." But as more and more electric vehicles come out, Tesla's market share will almost inevitably decline. When GM's EV salvo hits, plus battery-powered offerings from myriad other companies, "All of a sudden, there's a lot of competition in your part of the sandbox," said Gritzinger.
As for the Detroit Three, it seems Ford is leading the electric vehicle race right now, thanks to its speedy introduction of the Mach-E and Lightning, vehicles that proved to be extremely popular. GM, however, probably has a technological advantage and could overtake its rival in the coming years once its flurry of new products launches. Of course, Stellantis is hard at work, too, and it's made some big promises, including the introduction of four dedicated EV platforms, though the finer details of its electrification plan are a little murkier. As Krebs said, aside from Tesla's dominance in the EV space, "The race has only begun."
The full-size luxury SUV category provides buyers with more strength, effectiveness, capability, and features. While the majority have three rows, some are only available with two. These opulent people movers are also becoming more effective. A 27 mpg highway-capable diesel inline-six is available in the Cadillac Escalade. That is 12 mpg more than the 1999 Escalade's initial fuel economy. All of this has a price, of course (what doesn't these days?). The Infiniti QX80 is the least expensive car on our list, with a starting price of $74,395. It remains to be seen whether consumers will continue to support this trend, but for the time being, new luxury SUVs are still flooding the market.
1. BMW X7
Because of its strong engine choices, agile handling, and standard third-row seating, we adore the BMW X7. Despite having a starting price of $78,845, the base xDrive40i, which is powered by a 375 horsepower turbocharged inline-six, offers the best value of the three trim levels offered. Customers who want to spend more money on performance can prefer the 630-hp Alpina XB7 or the 523-hp X7 M60i, which both target AMG. Nevertheless, the price of this large Bimmer is increased by both of those eight-cylinder variants to more than $100,000.
Base Price: $78,845
Rating: 9.5
2. Land Rover Range Rover
The newest Range Rover from Land Rover may resemble others that came before it on the outside, but it's a quite different vehicle on the inside. Yes, the latest Range Rover is still a sizable luxury SUV with serious off-road prowess, but thanks to features like an available third row of seats and a variety of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid option and an eventual battery-electric option, it hopes to appeal to a wider range of customers. Look elsewhere if you're looking to drive engagement. You won't be able to find a better large luxury SUV than Land Rover's flagship model, excepting a significantly more expensive ultra-luxury choice like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, if intuitive controls and seclusion from the outside world are top priorities for your purchase.
Base price: $105,975
Rating: 9/10
3. Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
Rear-wheel drive or all four wheels? gasoline or diesel? wheelbase, long or longer? The Cadillac Escalade has a wide range of options. Even a noisy Escalade-V with 682-hp supercharging is available. The least costly Escalade has a sticker price of $82,690, but it's simple to raise that price to six figures. Although this market sector typically struggles with fuel efficiency, we were able to get 26 mpg on the interstate in an Escalade with a diesel engine. However, V-8 Escalades are a little thirstier, particularly the Escalade-V, which got an average of 11 mpg while it was with us.
Base price: $82,690
Rating: 9/10
4. Mercedes GLS-Class
Anybody can buy a GLS-class from Mercedes. Anyone who has at least $82,950 to spend, that is. That is the starting price for the six-cylinder GLS450. The V-8 GLS580 is another option, with a sticker price of $106,150. The GLS580 has 121 more horses than the GLS450, totaling 483. If you feel like you need more power, the three-pointed star also offers the GLS in 550-hp Maybach and 603-hp AMG versions. The former is geared toward the ultra-luxury market, while the latter is intended to satisfy customers who have their hearts set on an AMG GT but need a versatile, three-row SUV. Nevertheless, both of these powerful GLS variants are pricey; the Maybach starts at $171,150, while the AMG starts at $140,150.
Base price: $82,950
Rating: 8.5/10
5. Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer L
The Grand Wagoneer brand returned to the Jeep lineup for 2022 after a nearly three-decade absence. But unlike your grandfather's old Wago, this one is loaded with technology and has a powerful engine. Standard equipment includes a 6.4-liter V-8 with 471 horsepower, but higher-end models and all long-wheelbase Grand Wagoneer Ls use an inline-six twin-turbocharged engine with a whopping 510 horsepower. With the original V-8, combined gas mileage is a pitiful 15 mpg; however, choosing the turbo six increases that number to 17 mpg (16 mpg in L form). A Grand Wagoneer will likewise pack a powerful financial punch. The least expensive model has a starting price that is little around $90,000.
Base price: $89,995
Rating: 8.5/10
6. Lincoln Navigator and Navigator L
The exterior and interior styling of the Lincoln Navigator and long-wheelbase Navigator L match their starting values of close to six figures. No matter the wheelbase, the 440-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 in every Navigator provides power. Don't be fooled by the bent-six's low cylinder count; it can compete with the best V-8s on the market and tow up to 8700 pounds in properly outfitted Navigators. However, this Lincoln is not particularly good at fuel efficiency. A Navigator we tested on our motorway fuel economy loop scored just 18 mpg—3 fewer mpg than its EPA rating—although it's far from the lowest in this class.
Base price: $81,620
Rating: 8/10
7. Lexus LX
The luxury-lined Lexus LX is currently the closest thing American purchasers can get to Toyota's renowned off-roader since the Land Cruiser has been discontinued in the United States. Despite possibly sharing certain mechanical components with the Land Cruise, the LX has a very different objective in mind. Because of this, the LX is a huge, mixed-bag luxury SUV. The LX lacks the off-road prowess of its Toyota kin due to a lack of an off-road kit and an aggressive nose that restricts its approach angle. On the other hand, its road manners are comparable to those of an SUV with off-road driving dynamics. The Lexus LX ultimately falls short of satisfying both luxury customers and off-road enthusiasts due to its slow steering and frequent body motions.
Base price: $89,160
Rating: 8/10
8. Mercedes G-Class
The Mercedes G-class is stylish, well-known, and practical. It can easily handle uneven terrain because to its locking front, rear, and center differentials. The entry-level G550 has an interior that appears to have been taken straight out of a Boca Do Lobo advertisement and is powered by a silky twin-turbo V-8 with 416 horsepower. The starting price is $141,050, but adding options will drastically raise it. The most recent G-class drives significantly better than its predecessor despite the vintage look. The majority of Mercedes-Benz's most recent technology is also included, including an infotainment system with a 12.3-inch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and adaptive cruise control.
The AMG-badged G63 model, which features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 with a powerful 577 horsepower and a massive 627 pound-feet of torque, is an option for those who want a bit more oomph. A nine-speed transmission sends power to three locking differentials. The torque converter on the G63 also boasts a crawler gear, proving that the model's off-road aptitude hasn't been compromised by the AMG name. Additionally, there is the powerful 4x42 trim, which has portal axles and more ground clearance to enable it traverse even more difficult terrain.
Base price: $141,050
Rating: 8/10
9. Infiniti QX80
The Infiniti QX80 will remain substantially unchanged in 2023. Although its 400-hp V-8 engine is fantastic and delivers power when needed, the seven-speed transmission occasionally behaves badly on the freeway. However, the QX80 has a respectable 8500-pound maximum towing capacity and can be specified with rear- or all-wheel drive. Although attractive, the cabin no longer feels modern, and some features seen in comparable premium SUVs are absent. All of that would be fine if the starting price of $74,395 weren't involved. The Nissan Armada is substantially less expensive and has an anatomically comparable cargo hold, which is the QX80's best feature.
Rolls-Royce has gone through several revolutions during the last few decades. The 2003 Phantom was the first Rolls-Royce developed under BMW ownership and the brand's first really new model in decades. The smaller and sportier variants, as well as the Black Badge vehicles, debuted in the early 2010s. The Cullinan, Rolls' first SUV, debuted in 2018 and was an instant success. However, Rolls-Royce is undergoing its most profound transformation since its founding in 1906. The Spectre, Rolls-Royce's first completely electric production car, was unveiled on Tuesday and will go on sale in 2023.
Despite resembling the now-dead Wraith in general shape and profile, Rolls-Royce considers the Spectre as the spiritual heir to the of the 2000s in terms of market positioning, and it's undoubtedly imposing in stature. Its overall length of 214.6 inches and wheelbase of 126.3 inches are 7.2 and 3.8 inches longer than a Wraith, respectively, while the Phantom Drophead is 6.2 and 4.4 inches longer than a Spectre. The Spectre's fastback roofline is similar to the Wraith's, but the EV has considerably more dramatic proportions with a longer hood and rear overhang, as well as a sharper rear trunklid. The Spectre also has the sharpest lines and surfacing of any Rolls-Royce, with fender lines reaching sharply illuminated peaks and more dramatic shadows falling on the bodywork.
The Spectre has Rolls-Royce's sleekest Pantheon grille yet, constructed from a single piece of aluminum and fitting nearly flush into the front end. It also has the biggest grille ever seen on a Rolls-Royce, and the inner vanes have a flusher fit that improves airflow. The hood is topped with a revised Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, which contributes to the Spectre being the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever built, with a drag coefficient of 0.26 equaling the radical. Rolls-Royce is the latest automaker to use a split headlight design, which I believe works well on the Spectre. The top of the grille and fender cutlines are aligned with a super-thin LED running light, while the primary beams are inset below in a sculpted panel. Remember that the 2003 Phantom and its offshoots had two headlamp arrays that seemed strange at first. Best of all, the sandblasting grille vanes are lighted by 22 LEDs.
The Spectre's futuristic appearance is aided by blocky lower air intakes in the front bumper, a sleek rear diffuser, and gloss black lower cladding. The taillights are tiny rectangular pods with dual vertical LED stripes that protrude from the bodywork like vintage tail fins -- I love tail fins on pretty much any car -- and the Spectre even has a bit of a Bangle butt in the way the trunk is more upright than the fenders that house the taillights. Rolls-Royce also chose an unusual color scheme for the Spectre, with glittering mustard yellow bodywork and metallic black accents on the bonnet, roof, and upper trunk. The two-tone design makes the Spectre appear sleeker and, dare I say, more sci-fi.
The Spectre is constructed on the same modular Architecture of Luxury platform that has served as the foundation for everything from the Cullinan and Ghost to the Phantom and the outrageous coachbuilt Boat Tail since 2017. Rolls-Royce built the all-aluminum Architecture of Luxury from the start to be ready for totally electric powertrains. The battery is integrated into the frame, making the Spectre 30% stiffer than any previous Rolls, and the floor is between the sills rather than below or on top. A conduit for electrical and climate control pipework runs between the battery and the floor, allowing for a lower seating position and a smooth subfloor. The battery also serves as 1,543 pounds of soundproofing.
Whereas other brands are competing to see who can achieve the fastest 0-to-60 time or the longest EPA range, the Spectre harkens back to a time when Rolls-Royce merely described its cars' power figures as "adequate." While the brand hasn't confirmed it, the Spectre is anticipated to feature two electric motors, one at each axle for all-wheel drive. According to Rolls' current testing, the unnamed electric motors produce 577 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque – fortunately, the same torque output as the Ghost Black Badge's twin-turbo V12, but with 14 fewer hp. The Spectre is expected to have a 0-to-60-mph time of 4.4 seconds, which is a tenth faster than the Ghost, and a top speed of 155 mph. (A stronger Black Badge model will be released later.) We don't yet know the precise battery size, but Rolls-Royce claims the Spectre will have an EPA-estimated range of up to 260 miles, which is 14 miles longer than a Porsche Taycan GTS.
The riding quality, on the other hand, could not possibly be satisfactory. Even with the Spectre's optional (and magnificent looking) 23-inch wheels, the first time 23s have been fitted to a Rolls in nearly 100 years, Rolls-Royce's characteristic "magic carpet ride" had to be preserved. The Spectre features the most recent iteration of the brand's Planar suspension for the ultimate ride. When the car detects a pothole or undulation ahead, the Spectre may instantly decouple its anti-roll bars, allowing each wheel to move separately and eliminating the side-to-side motion that you would normally experience. When the sensors and GPS in the Spectre identify a curve ahead, the system recouples the anti-roll bars, stiffens the dampers, and readies the four-wheel steering system for the optimal entry angle. There are 18 sensors in total that monitor the Spectre's braking, power, steering, and suspension inputs, constantly modifying everything for better control and a smoother ride.
All of that calm pervades the cabin, which takes less risks with the overall design – after all, it does need to feel familiar to traditional Rolls-Royce drivers. But, as is characteristic with recent Goodwood products from the modern period, there are more than enough features that have me foaming at the mouth. The dashboard is trimmed in real aluminum, leather, and wood, with historic design elements like round metal air vents, physical climate knobs, and organ-pull controls remaining. Thankfully, there's a large center screen running a new infotainment system that appears to be based on BMW's iDrive 7 (the rotary knob on the center console matches, too).
The Spectre, like the Wraith, has a four-seat layout with a fixed rear center console that divides the sculpted bucket seats. Given the lack of a transmission tunnel, it appears technically plausible that Rolls-Royce may offer a five-seat arrangement, something that the Wraith and Dawn never had. (Neither the Phantom Coupe nor the Drophead did.) The front seats are significantly more modern, with redesigned lapel parts for enhanced contrast and inspired by British tailoring. The gauge cluster, which is totally digital for the first time in a Spectre, is where the interior becomes really creative. Rolls hasn't revealed any specifics yet, but the gauges appear current while paying respect to old watch-like devices. Don't worry, there's still a physical clock in the dash adjacent to the huge passenger trim panel, which has a fantastic lit design on this Spectre.
The one feature that actually matters on a Rolls-Royce, according to myself and countless of other devoted enthusiasts around the world, is the Starlight headliner, and the Spectre takes its execution to another galaxy. The Starlight option, which is made up of thousands of fiber-optic cable hand-stitched into the headliner, is so desired by customers that it increases the value of a used Rolls-Royce by multiple times the original cost of the option if fitted – already close to $20,000 – and it's imitated by many aftermarket tuners. The Spectre is obviously available with the Starlight headliner, but it is now also available with Starlight doors. The 4,796 individual stars on the curving door panels are organized in a novel form of pattern that gives the overall Starlight effect a globe-shaped 3D effect, similar to being in a planetarium. Rolls-Royce claims the Starlight doors are the most technologically advanced feature in its Bespoke division's history -- a lot of superlatives with this car, right? The Starlight doors, like the existing Starlight headliner, should be personalizable, so you may make the cabin's stars look like the real-life stars did on the night Cher was born. At the very least, that's what I'd do.
The Spectre's base price will be somewhere between the Cullinan (about $350,000) and the Phantom (approximately $460,000), according to Rolls-Royce, who isn't ready to talk pricing specifics just yet. However, Rolls-Royce does not sell any cars at their base price, or even close to it. The Spectre, like every modern Rolls-Royce before it, will be virtually indefinitely customisable -- the brand provides over 44,000 paint hues alone, as well as the opportunity to design your own.
With the start of 2023 only two months away, many high-end luxury manufacturers, such as Bentley with the EXP 100 GT and Mercedes-Maybach with the EQS, are merely exhibiting electric car concepts, while others, such as Bugatti and Ferrari, are only talking about eventual EV timeframes. But Rolls-Royce, usually one of the world's most staid and slow-to-change automakers, has arrived with its production EV. The first customers have already selected their specifications, and deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2023. Rolls-Royce understands that the future of the luxury car is electric, and by 2030, every car it sells will be totally electric.
There is one production EV that will enter production just a few months after the Spectre and will be its sole true opponent for the time being, but it comes from an unexpected brand:. Cadillac debuted the production version of its Celestiq EV on Monday night, a massive four-door fastback with an art deco interior that will be totally hand-built and constructed to order in Michigan for at least $300,000. As much as I despise being cheesy and admitting the cliche, we're in the midst of another roaring '20s, and it's really amazing that Rolls-Royce and Cadillac are already at the vanguard of electrified luxury.
