Car news today: Mazda drops CX-90 pricing, Cadillac Lyriq up $5000, and more – 29 April 2025
Lukas Foyle
Contributor
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Tuesday, 29th April 2025. Notably in car news today: Mazda has given its CX-90 a pricing haircut in its latest update, and GM Australia has hiked the pricing of the just-launched Cadillac Lyriq by $5000.
Mazda CX-90 now starts below $70,000 in new update
Mazda Australia has reduced the price of its large CX-90 SUV, which now starts at $68,800 (list) for the base model G50e Touring. Buyers can expect savings between $6000 and $8000 across the CX-90 model range.
Previously priced at $74,800, the $6000 saving on the CX-90 G50e Touring could entice potential customers away from key seven-seat rivals like the $60,920 Toyota Kluger GX and $66,800 Hyundai Palisade.
Mazda’s largest price cut to the CX-90 range falls upon the range topping G50e Azami, now $86,070 before on-road costs – a $7800 reduction. The Azami focuses on uncompromised passenger comfort, featuring second-row captain’s seats, driver-assisting cruise control and front seat heating / ventilation.
The CX-90 is powered by either a 254kW/500Nmturbo-petrol L6 or 187kw/550Nm turbo-diesel, with a choice of either engine available across the range. All models use the same eight-speed ‘Skyactiv-Drive’ automatic and all-wheel-drive system.
Cadillac hikes Lyriq pricing by $5000 at the new model’s local release
General Motors Australia has raised the pricing of the Cadillac Lyriqby around $5000 for both the low Luxury and high Sport variants in conjunction with the debut of the electric model’s Australian release.
Manufacturer’s list pricing for the entry Luxury has been $117,000 since pricing was announced and order books opened in November 2024. But according to Cadillac’s public website, Q2 2025 deliveries of Luxury are priced at around $122,000 before on-roads registered in New South Wales. All pricing includes LCT.
Similarly, the pricing of the higher-grade Sport, initially $119,000 list, has also risen by $5000, now circa $124,000 before on-roads.
The Cadillac Lyriq is the latest GM Australia nameplate subject to price rises, with Chevrolet’s Corvette, Silverado 1500 and Silverado 2500, and GMC Yukon also subject to recent pricing creep.
GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV price slashed and range improved
GWM Australia has confirmed it will roll out state-by-state promotional pricing for its upcoming Cannon Alpha PHEV. The base model Cannon Lux, previously listed at $63,990 nation-wide, can now be scored for as little as $61,490 driveaway depending on state or territory.
Savings of up to $2,500 will headline the launch of GWM’s PHEV Cannon Alpha Lux for QLD and the ACT, with all other states and territories (excluding WA) receiving a price cut of around $1000.
The top-spec Cannon Alpha Ultra will also receive a state-by-state price reduction, with the ACT again receiving the best deal, now priced at $67,990 driveaway – a $1000 saving. Strangely, some states including NSW and SA will see a driveaway price increase between $100 and $500.
GWM has also confirmed the Cannon Alpha PHEV will have a few extra kilometres of EV-only driving range, which is now claimed to be 115km NEDC (up from 110km NEDC). WA unfortunately loses out on GWM’s launch deals, with the Cannon Alpha Lux and Ultra both receiving price increases of $600 and $2100 respectively.
Hyundai debuts N Rapid EV charging facility at Sydney Motorsport Park
Hyundai Australia has partnered with Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP) to install a DC fast charging facility at the famed Aussie race circuit, with the specific view of servicing owners of the Korean marque’s high-performance Ioniq 5 N road cars.
First mooted at Hyundai’s N Festival enthusiast shindig in 2023, it’s taken two years to see the fast charging facility come to fruition, which features four charging stations fitting type-2 plugs with a peak DC charging rate of 150kW.
“Freshly branded N Rapid Chargers [are] available to all SMSP track-goers, no matter the brand of vehicle they drive,” says Hyundai Australia. The partnership is, at this stage, said to be a five-year deal.
Hyundai Australia also supplies the race facility with an electric Ioniq 5 N as its Official Safety Vehicle.
Cadillac Lyriq 2025 review
Chasing Cars contributor Nathan Ponchard’s road evaluation of the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq was published, and mentions its planted road presence and large 102kWh ‘Ultium’ battery.
Ponchard was impressed by the standout appearance of the Lyriq, particularly his example, finished in ‘Radiant Red’ with optional black painted roof. He praised the Lyriq for its powerful 388kW/610Nm drivetrain and balanced handling.
The Lyriq was slammed by Ponchard for its poor interior quality, which suffers from cheap materials, clashing styling, and uncomfortable front and rear seats which lacked under-thigh support. He also pointed out the Lyriq’s sub-par suspension damping and wide 12.1-metre turning circle.
The Cadillac Lyriq joins a growing list of dedicated-electric luxury SUVs, including the Audi Q6 E-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. It is unfortunately overshadowed by rivals due to its lack of refinement, poor interior quality, and cumbersome driver controls.
