The electric revolution is crossing the Atlantic, and it's arriving in style. The Daily Mail has taken two of America's most anticipated electric vehicles—the sleek Cadillac Lyriq and the brutalist GMC Hummer EV—for an exclusive spin to see if they can cut it on British roads.
Cadillac Lyriq: A Return to Grace
Gone are the brash, gas-guzzling designs of old. The Lyriq marks a sophisticated new chapter for Cadillac. Its exterior is a masterclass in modern American design, with a striking illuminated grille and a sleek, fastback profile that turns heads.
Inside, the cabin is a tech-lover's paradise. The pièce de résistance is a breathtaking 33-inch curved LED screen that seamlessly blends the digital instrument cluster and infotainment into a single, panoramic display. Coupled with premium materials like genuine wood and metallic accents, the Lyriq feels every bit the luxury cruiser it aims to be.
On the road, it delivers a serene and quiet driving experience, with sharp handling that belies its size. However, its sheer width could make navigating Britain's narrower country lanes and cramped multi-storey car parks a genuine challenge for some drivers.
GMC Hummer EV: The Colossus Arrives
If the Lyriq is a scalpel, the GMC Hummer EV is a sledgehammer. This is an unapologetically enormous vehicle that makes a statement like no other. Its headline feature, the extraordinary 'CrabWalk' mode, allows it to move diagonally, solving manoeuvring issues its vast size creates.
Performance is staggering. With over 1,000 horsepower available in some models, the acceleration is brutally quick, launching this behemoth from 0-60mph in seconds. Yet, this performance comes at a cost. Its immense weight leads to high energy consumption, meaning you'll be visiting charging stations far more frequently than in its more efficient rivals.
The Verdict: Niche Appeal in the UK
Both vehicles are impressive technical achievements that successfully translate American luxury into the electric age. The Cadillac Lyriq stands a stronger chance, offering a compelling blend of style, technology, and luxury that could tempt buyers away from German and British established brands, provided they have a spacious parking spot.
The GMC Hummer EV, however, feels like a vehicle in search of a market on British shores. Its extreme dimensions and thirst for electricity make it impractical for everyday UK use, destined likely for a small niche of buyers seeking the ultimate in conspicuous consumption.
These American EVs deliver on luxury and wow factor but face a tough battle against the more compact and efficient offerings from European manufacturers already familiar with the demands of British driving.
