The Cadillac Lyriq is officially WhipSmart’s Car of the Month, and for good reason.
While the 2026 models are preparing to land in the first half of this year, the current 2025 stock has just become the most strategic buy in the Australian EV market. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to pivot to a premium electric SUV, this is it.
The Headlines: Six Figure Luxury for $86,000*
Cadillac has just introduced a massive correction. The Lyriq, which previously sat well over $110,000, is now available for approximately $86,000 (plus on-roads) through specific fleet and promotional discounts.
Why does this specific number matter? It’s not just a discount; it’s a tax play. By bringing the price down to this level, the Lyriq now sits comfortably under the $91,387 Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles.
The Novated Lease Advantage
This price drop creates a “perfect storm”. Because the car now sits under the LCT threshold, it qualifies for the Full FBT Exemption on novated leases.
No GST: You save nearly $6,400 upfront on the purchase price.
Pre-tax Dollars: Your lease payments and running costs are taken from your salary before you’re taxed.
The Result: You’re essentially driving a $110k Cadillac for the monthly cost of a much cheaper petrol SUV.
Remind Me: What are the features?
If the price isn’t enough, the performance will be. The Lyriq is built on a 102 kWh battery embedded into the floor. This provides a low center of gravity and a “robust” feel that masks its size beautifully.
For Australian roads, you get two distinct personalities:
Tour Mode: For the daily commute. Relaxed steering and smooth, linear acceleration.
Sport Mode: For when you want to feel that 388kW of thrust. The steering tightens, the pedal sharpens, and the Lyriq reminds you it’s a performance machine.
A Cabin Built for 2026
Cadillac didn’t hold back on the interior. At nearly 5 meters long, the space is cavernous.
Storage: 793L of boot space, expanding to 1,722L with the seats down. (Yes, it fits the “oversized IKEA box”).
The Tech: A stunning 33-inch curved LED display that handles everything from navigation to your customized ambiance.
Sustainable Luxury: High-end synthetic leather that feels premium without the 20th-century ethical footprint.
Safety & Economy
Safety isn’t an option; it’s the standard. With a full suite of airbags (including knee and full-length curtains) and a 360-degree surround-view camera, it’s one of the most secure “A to B” vehicles on the road.
Running Costs: On a full charge, you’re looking at 530 km of range. Based on current ATO estimates of 4.2 cents per km, a full “tank” costs you roughly $22. Compare that to the $120+ you’d spend filling a premium petrol SUV of this size.
The Verdict
The Cadillac Lyriq was already a great car at over $110,000. At $86,000, it’s a market disruptor. You’re skipping the LCT, dodging the FBT, and putting a world-class EV in your driveway for a fraction of the expected cost.
The only catch? This is a stock-clearance play. Once these 2025 units are gone, the window for this specific tax-break closes.
Want to see the numbers for your specific salary? Contact the WhipSmart team today for a quote.
