Compare the2026 Cadillac LyriqVS 2026 Audi Q4 e-tron

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Lyriq are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Q4 e-tron doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Cadillac Lyriq has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Q4 e-tron doesn’t offer knee airbags.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Cadillac Lyriq achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Audi Q4 e-tron has not been tested.

The Cadillac Lyriq comes with a standard HD Surround Vision, while the Audi Q4 e-tron doesn’t offer a camera washer, requiring manual cleaning.

The Lyriq’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Q4 e-tron doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Lyriq and the Q4 e-tron have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

The Cadillac Lyriq weighs 756 to 1316 pounds more than the Audi Q4 e-tron. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Cadillac Lyriq is safer than the Audi Q4 e-tron:

	Lyriq	Q4 e-tron
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	18.8%	33.2%
Neck Compression	24 lbs.	75 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	96/127 lbs.	72/157 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	259	264
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.8 inches
Neck Compression	54 lbs.	132 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Cadillac Lyriq is safer than the Audi Q4 e-tron:

	Lyriq	Q4 e-tron
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	3 Stars

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Lyriq, with its five-star roll-over rating, is 2.4% less likely to roll over than the Q4 e-tron, which received a four-star rating.

Warranty

Cadillac’s powertrain warranty covers the Lyriq 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Audi covers the Q4 e-tron. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Q4 e-tron ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 84 percent more Cadillac dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Lyriq’s warranty.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Cadillac vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 69 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Cadillac higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Cadillac vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

Engine

The Lyriq has more powerful engines than the Q4 e-tron:

	Horsepower	Torque
Lyriq electric motor	365 HP	325 lbs.-ft.
Lyriq electric motors	515 HP	450 lbs.-ft.
Lyriq-V electric motors	615 HP	650 lbs.-ft.
Q4 45 e-tron electric motor	282 HP	413 lbs.-ft.
Q4 55 e-tron electric motors	335 HP	536 lbs.-ft.

Fuel Economy and Range

The Lyriq can travel longer on a full charge than the Q4 e-tron on a full charge:

			Miles
Lyriq
	RWD	Electric Motor	326 miles
	AWD	Electric Motors	319 miles
		w/19.2 kW charging Electric Motors	303 miles
		V Electric Motors	285 miles
Q4 e-tron
	RWD	Q4 45 e-tron Electric Motor	288 miles
	AWD	Q4 55 e-tron Electric Motors	258 miles

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Lyriq-V’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Q4 e-tron:

	Lyriq-V	Q4 e-tron
Front Rotors	15.4 inches	15 inches

The Cadillac Lyriq has standard four-wheel disc brakes for better stopping power and improved directional control in poor weather. Only rear drums come on the Q4 e-tron. Drums can heat up and make stops longer, especially with antilock brakes that work much harder than conventional brakes.

The Lyriq stops shorter than the Q4 e-tron:

	Lyriq	Q4 e-tron
60 to 0 MPH	122 feet	125 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Lyriq has larger standard tires than the Q4 e-tron (265/50R20 vs. 235/55R19). The Lyriq’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Q4 e-tron (275/40R22 vs. 235/55R19).

The Lyriq’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Q4 e-tron’s standard 55 series front tires. The Lyriq’s optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the Q4 e-tron 55 e-tron’s optional 45 series front tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Lyriq has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the Q4 e-tron. The Lyriq’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels optional on the Q4 e-tron 55 e-tron.

The Cadillac Lyriq’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Audi Q4 e-tron only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires standard on the Lyriq can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The Q4 e-tron doesn’t offer self-sealing tires.

Suspension and Handling

The Lyriq offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Q4 e-tron’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Lyriq’s wheelbase is 13.1 inches longer than on the Q4 e-tron (121.8 inches vs. 108.7 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Lyriq is 3.6 inches wider in the front and 4.4 inches wider in the rear than on the Q4 e-tron.

For greater off-road capability the Lyriq-V has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Q4 e-tron (6.2 vs. 5.8 inches), allowing the Lyriq to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Lyriq’s minimum ground clearance is 1.2 inches higher than on the Q4 e-tron (7 vs. 5.8 inches).

Chassis

The Lyriq Premium/Siganture/V Series uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Q4 e-tron doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Lyriq has .1 inches more front headroom, 3.1 inches more front legroom, 2.2 inches more front shoulder room, 2.4 inches more rear legroom and 3.5 inches more rear shoulder room than the Q4 e-tron.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Lyriq’s rear seats recline. The Q4 e-tron’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The Lyriq has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Q4 e-tron with its rear seat up (28 vs. 24.8 cubic feet). The Lyriq has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Q4 e-tron with its rear seat folded (60.8 vs. 53.1 cubic feet).

Pressing a switch automatically lowers the Lyriq Premium/Signature/V Series’ rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Q4 e-tron doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Towing

Maximum trailer towing in the Audi Q4 e-tron is limited to 2650 pounds. The Lyriq AWD offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Lyriq uses the StabiliTrak® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Q4 e-tron doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The Lyriq uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Q4 e-tron uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors optional at extra cost in the Q4 e-tron, the Lyriq has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The Lyriq’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Q4 e-tron doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Lyriq’s standard Keyless Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Start standard on the Q4 e-tron only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle.

The Lyriq’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Q4 e-tron’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Lyriq has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Q4 e-tron doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Cadillac Lyriq has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors costs extra on the Q4 e-tron.

Both the Lyriq and the Q4 e-tron have standard heated front seats. The Lyriq Signature/V Series also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Q4 e-tron.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Lyriq Premium/Signature/V Series keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Q4 e-tron doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Lyriq has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the Q4 e-tron Premium Plus.

The Lyriq Premium/Signature/V Series has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Q4 e-tron.

The Cadillac Lyriq has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the infotainment. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Audi charges extra for Homelink® on the Q4 e-tron.

The Lyriq is equipped with both FM and AM stereo radios, offering access to more content and better coverage than the Q4 e-tron, which solely provides FM radio. With AM radio, you can enjoy a wider variety of stations featuring news, talk shows, sports commentary, native language programing, automated traffic guidance, and emergency broadcasts. AM waves travel further and penetrate buildings and obstacles more effectively than FM signals, especially at night. Having both FM and AM stereo radios the Lyriq offers a more comprehensive listening experience compared to only FM in the Q4 e-tron.

HD Radio boasts several benefits over conventional radio: superior sound quality with clearer and consistent FM broadcasts, CD-quality audio, and Multicast Channels offering up to four streams from a single station, adding programming choices. Cars like the Lyriq equipped with available HD Radio provide an improved in-car entertainment experience. The Q4 e-tron, devoid of this technology, foregoes these benefits. Selecting the Cadillac Lyriq empowers drivers to enjoy a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience while on the go.

Compared to traditional radio, the Cadillac Lyriq’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio costs extra on the Q4 e-tron.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Cadillac Lyriq has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Q4 e-tron.

The Lyriq Premium/Signature/V Series has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Q4 e-tron doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Lyriq’s Enhanced Automatic Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Auto Parking will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Q4 e-tron Premium Plus’ automatic parking system does not offer parking by remote control.

Recommendations

The Cadillac Lyriq outsold the Audi Q4 by over two to one during 2024.

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