Cadillac LYRIQ vs Audi Q8 e-tron
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Cadillac LYRIQ starts from $122,000 before on-road costs, while the Audi Q8 e-tron opens at $140,600. That makes the Cadillac LYRIQ the more affordable entry point by $18,600.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $134,200 and $154,660 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Cadillac LYRIQ stands out with AKG Studio audio that you will not find on the Audi Q8 e-tron. The Audi Q8 e-tron counters with Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Cadillac LYRIQ uses a Electric Motor producing 388kW and 610Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.3 seconds.
The Audi Q8 e-tron responds with a Electric making 250kW and 664Nm, paired to a single speed driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6 seconds.
The Cadillac LYRIQ has the clear power advantage at 388kW vs 250kW. In the real-world sprint, the Cadillac LYRIQ is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 102kWh (Cadillac LYRIQ) vs 95kWh (Audi Q8 e-tron), giving WLTP ranges of 530km and 491km. DC fast charging peaks at 190kW (Cadillac LYRIQ) vs 170kW (Audi Q8 e-tron).
Space & Comfort
The Cadillac LYRIQ measures 4,996mm long on a 3,094mm wheelbase, 81mm longer than the Audi Q8 e-tron at 4,915mm (2,928mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Cadillac LYRIQ generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 793L in the Cadillac LYRIQ and 569L in the Audi Q8 e-tron, giving the Cadillac LYRIQ a 224L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.5m diameter
Large
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Cadillac LYRIQ) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q8 e-tron). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Cadillac LYRIQ if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Cadillac's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi Q8 e-tron if: You or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Cadillac LYRIQ takes 8 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Cadillac LYRIQ has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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