Cadillac LYRIQ vs Polestar 3
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 $90,000 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 3 opens at $99,900. That makes the Cadillac LYRIQ the more affordable entry point by $9,900.
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 $99,000 and $109,890 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
The Cadillac LYRIQ features a 33-inch touchscreen paired with a 33-inch digital dash, while the Polestar 3 gets a 14.5-inch display and 9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Cadillac LYRIQ stands out with AKG audio that you will not find on the Polestar 3. The Polestar 3 counters with Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Cadillac LYRIQ gets leather upholstery while the Polestar 3 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Cadillac LYRIQ and 3-zone in the Polestar 3.
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 Polestar 3 responds with a Electric Motor making 245kW and 480Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
The Cadillac LYRIQ has the clear power advantage at 388kW vs 245kW. In the real-world sprint, the Cadillac LYRIQ is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 102kWh (Cadillac LYRIQ) vs 92kWh (Polestar 3), giving WLTP ranges of 530km and 604km. DC fast charging peaks at 190kW (Cadillac LYRIQ) vs 310kW (Polestar 3).
Space & Comfort
The Cadillac LYRIQ measures 4,996mm long on a 3,094mm wheelbase, 96mm longer than the Polestar 3 at 4,900mm (2,985mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Cadillac LYRIQ generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 793L in the Cadillac LYRIQ and 597L in the Polestar 3, giving the Cadillac LYRIQ a 196L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 12.1m
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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 (Polestar 3). 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 Polestar 3 if: You or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Cadillac LYRIQ takes 5 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Cadillac LYRIQ and Polestar 3?
The Cadillac LYRIQ is the cheapest at $90,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Polestar 3 by $9,900.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Polestar 3 has the most range at 604km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Polestar 3 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 310kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Polestar 3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Cadillac LYRIQ has the largest boot at 793L.
Which can tow the most?
The Polestar 3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Cadillac LYRIQ makes the most power at 388kW. The Cadillac LYRIQ is quickest to 100km/h in 5.3s.
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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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