iX vs Lyriq
BMW brings the iX; Cadillac answers with the Lyriq. Both play in the midsize luxury suv class. The scorecard favors the iX, which leads in 2 of 4 areas. Its strongest showing is in the engine & performance category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance iX wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Lyriq wins
- Space & Practicality iX wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.2
- Space & Practicality6.0
- Engine & Performance2.6
- Space & Practicality3.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The iX has 151 hp more power
The iX doesn’t just edge this one; 516 hp against 365 hp is a lead you’ll feel. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The iX has 27% more cargo space
Big gap, real consequences. The iX’s 35.5 cu ft versus the Lyriq’s 28 cu ft changes how the two compare in daily use. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
-
The iX has 239 lb-ft more torque
The Lyriq is clearly behind on torque (325 lb-ft against 564 lb-ft), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The iX has 28% more maximum cargo space
On this line of the spec sheet, the iX is in a different league: 77.9 cu ft, next to 60.8 cu ft for the Lyriq. The iX can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
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The Lyriq has 17 mi more electric range
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Lyriq (326 mi versus 309 mi). If you can charge at home, the Lyriq’s longer electric range can cover more commutes on electricity alone.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | iX | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 196.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.8 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 121.8 in |
Engine & Performance
iX leads
The Lyriq has a tough time in the engine & performance section, where the iX pulls well ahead. The iX takes this one with 151 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. The engine & performance verdict goes to the iX.
Total system output
iX: 516 hp Lyriq: 365 hp The iX’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
iX: 564 lb-ft Lyriq: 325 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Lyriq leads
This area is close, with the Lyriq just ahead of the iX. The Lyriq answers with 17 mi more electric range. More electric range means more of your daily driving can happen without using fuel at all. If fuel economy & range is your priority, the Lyriq is the car to pick.
Electric range
iX: 309 mi Lyriq: 326 mi Cold weather and highway speeds reduce electric range, so a larger buffer is useful.
Space & Practicality
iX leads
The iX wins the space & practicality section decisively. Point to the iX for 27% more cargo space. The iX’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. For anyone who cares most about space & practicality, the iX is the safer choice.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
iX: 35.5 cu ft Lyriq: 28 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Cargo (seats folded)
iX: 77.9 cu ft Lyriq: 60.8 cu ft Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. Either car will serve you equally well on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the iX and the Lyriq each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | iX | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Battery electric |
| Engine | Dual electric motors | Single-motor electric |
| Total system output | 516 hp (winner) | 365 hp |
| Torque | 564 lb-ft (winner) | 325 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | iX | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | 309 mi | 326 mi (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | iX | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 35.5 cu ft (winner) | 28 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 77.9 cu ft (winner) | 60.8 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | iX | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | iX | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | iX | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 196.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.8 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 121.8 in |
Price
| Spec | iX | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $58,595 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the iX if…
- you want more power (516 hp vs 365 hp)
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (35.5 cu ft vs 28 cu ft)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (564 lb-ft vs 325 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more room with the seats folded (77.9 cu ft vs 60.8 cu ft)
Choose the Lyriq if…
- you want more electric-only range (326 mi vs 309 mi)
- you already know your way around Cadillac’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the iX or the Lyriq?
The iX makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if having 17 mi more electric range matters more to you than the rest.
Which has better battery life, the iX or the Lyriq?
The Lyriq comes out ahead on electric range, with 326 mi compared with 309 mi on the iX.
Executive Summary
The iX versus the Lyriq is a matchup I find genuinely interesting, because BMW and Cadillac made different bets. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the iX brings 151 hp more power. Beyond that, 27% more cargo space gives the iX another edge. Still, if you care most about 17 mi more electric range, the Lyriq deserves a look.
For engine & performance, the iX fits better. For fuel economy & range, the Lyriq is the better match.
My pick: the iX, though the Lyriq makes sense if you know that 17 mi more electric range would make a real difference in your routine.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.