Anyone who knows the phrase “badge engineering” knows that General Motors is one of the biggest offenders. Throughout history, the company has offered vehicles that are mechanically identical but sold under two, three or even four brands. In the electric era, the company is trying to further differentiate its products, as Alex Dykes explains in the latest EV Buyers Guide video.

In it, he breaks down the core differences between the Chevy Blazer EV and Cadillac Lyriq. Both are all-electric “Ultium” vehicles built on the same platform, with similar software suites. But there are some major differences between these closely related cousins that you wouldn’t have seen during the gas era. 

For instance, while both offer all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive variants, the Blazer also offers front-wheel drive. That makes the Blazer EV one of the only cars in history to offer FWD, RWD and AWD, something that would be nearly impossible to do economically with an internal-combustion engine due to the different packaging requirements of RWD and FWD vehicles. The Blazer takes it a step further, too, offering both front-biased and rear-biased AWD systems, depending on if you get the regular AWD version or the tire-smoking SS. 

The Blazer and Lyriq also offer slightly different battery options. The Blazer EV RWD, Blazer EV SS and all versions of the Lyriq get a 102 kWh lithium-ion battery that charges at up to 190 kW. But FWD and AWD Blazer LT and RS models get an 85 kWh battery that charges at just 150 kW, and its low-voltage pack means it struggles to hit those speeds on some chargers.

Clearly, there are some major differences. But the big one you’ll notice immediately is the Cadillac’s nicer interior and higher base price. Plus, if you crossed the Blazer off your list because it doesn’t offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, note that the Lyriq does. Or, ya know, get a Honda Prologue, which is also basically the same car. That’s the magic of badge engineering.

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