Cadillac launches right-hand-drive Lyriq in Japan

Cadillac is building an extensive line-up of right-hand-drive EVs in Japan, where it remained a niche left-hand-drive brand since it arrived in 1915. The company recently launched the Lyriq as its first right-hand-drive EV in the country.

Initially, Cadillac will offer the Lyriq in Japan exclusively in the range-topping dual-motor AWD variant. The two motors generate 384 kW of combined power and 610 Nm of combined torque and source energy from a 95.7 kWh battery pack that delivers a WLTP range of 510 km.

The Japanese-spec Lyriq supports the country’s widespread network of more than 10,000 CHAdeMO chargers. Customers can add 120 km of range through a 50 kW charger or 190 km of range through a 90 kW charger in 30 minutes.

Cadillac offers the Lyriq in Japan only in one grade, for a price of 11 million yen (approximately 67,000 euros), and it plans to kick off deliveries in May. The company has a network of 13 dealerships and 24 authorised service centres across Japan.

“By expanding its right-hand-drive EV portfolio, Cadillac is not only reinforcing its presence in global markets but also setting the stage for a new era of electrified luxury,” the company states in its press release. It adds: “With 13 dealerships and 24 authorized service locations across the country, Cadillac is well-positioned to support customers throughout Japan in their EV ownership journey.”

In 2026, Cadillac plans to launch three more EVs with a right-hand-drive setup in Japan: Optiq, Vistiq, and Lyriq-V. It also offers the Escalade IQ (and long-wheelbase Escalade IQL) in LHD markets, but the “technical certifications and other aspects” of the flagship model are limiting the company from launching it in RHD markets, global vice president John Roth said, as per a recent report from Drive.

In addition to Japan, Cadillac offers RHD EVs in Australia and New Zealand. The company has started accepting orders for the Lyriq and confirmed that the Lyriq-V, Optiq, and Vistiq are in the pipeline. Soon, the American luxury brand may even launch the Lyriq as its first right-hand-drive EV in the UK, as per a report from Auto Express.

gm.com, drive.com, cadillacanz.com (Australia and New Zealand), autoexpress.co.uk (UK)