Cadillac News: 2026 Cadillac LYRIQ-V, Fastest Cadillac Ever

[G. David Felt]

The first-ever all-electric V-Series vehicle, the LYRIQ-V delivers signature performance blended with craftsmanship and technology in a 2026 performance model. 

To quote John Roth, vice president, Global Cadillac:

“V-Series captures the spirit of Cadillac, embodying our relentless pursuit of engineering excellence through our racing and production vehicles, LYRIQ-V takes this commitment a step further in the EV era, pushing our performance pedigree of V-Series to new heights with a powerful, personalized and high-tech driving experience that fits perfectly into our customers’ lives.”

The 2026 LYRIQ-V is a sporty luxury vehicle that delivers a multifaceted, iconic character with pure performance-driven experience that includes the following:

• Cadillac-estimated 615 hp and 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque
• Cadillac-estimated 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds with Velocity Max, making it the quickest Cadillac ever
• A multi-layered, unique exterior and interior signature sound
• Competitive Mode, enabling a suite of traction management features specifically engineered to increase vehicle agility

LYRIQ-V will be sold in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, as well as other global markets to be announced at a later date. Production starts early 2025 at General Motors’ Spring Hill Manufacturing plant in Tennessee.

Lets dig into the Performance side of this latest V edition to the Cadillac lineup. 

LYRIQ-V is stated to deliver an estimated 285 miles of range using a 102 kW battery pack in an AWD dual motor configuration that gives the owner 615 hp with 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque. This V is engineered to deliver Cadillac's signature isolated precision, quiet, smooth, effortless experience while delivering a strong connection to the road. LYRIQ-V comes with a standard continuous damping control, specifically calibrated for the V edition that combines a lowered multi-link suspension, quicker steering ratio, V handling in a comfortable yet spirited ride.

Velocity MAX, a driver selectable feature unleashes the vehicle's full performance capability at a push of the button on the steering wheel.

LYRIQ-V will come with the additional performance-supporting and enhancing technologies:

• V-Mode takes performance customization further, allowing drivers to save performance-focused settings, including Competitive Mode and a unique sound experience. It’s intended to offer instant access to their preferred performance-driving settings via the V button, mounted on the steering wheel. V-Mode can also be accessed in the Drive Mode app within the 33-inch-diagonal advanced LED display.
• Unique, multi-layered sound experience. Interior and exterior signature sounds are synchronized for an orchestrated sonic experience.
• Launch Control, designed for consistently thrilling straight line acceleration. When engaged in V-Mode or Velocity Max, the vehicle will deliver an extremely rapid 3.3 second 0-60 acceleration.
• Competitive Mode enables a suite of traction management features specifically engineered to increase vehicle agility.
• Brembo® performance front brake calipers are standard. In addition to providing excellent stopping capability, they’re designed to provide consistent, fade-resistant performance during spirited driving. Available red calipers are accented with the V-Series logo.
• Standard Super Cruise 6, the industry’s first truly hands-free driver assistance technology (with three years of OnStar connected service).

The LYRIQ-V’s unique exterior design elements create a distinctive persona, projecting power and refinement through a sporty aesthetic.

As with other V-Series models, the LYRIQ-V is identifiable by a unique lower front fascia and side rockers, body colored lower trim, and available carbon fiber accents, offering an unmistakably distinct persona. The Black Crystal Shield integrates Cadillac’s signature choreographed lighting.

The V-Series logo adorns the rear doors and the tailgate, while a unique chin spoiler and rockers and V-pattern mesh on the front lower grille further distinguish the LYRIQ-V from other models.

Unique to LYRIQ-V, 22-inch wheels with a dark sport finish and an etched V-Series logo come with a choice of standard summer or available all-season tires.

LYRIQ-V will come standard with a black painted roof. It offers an exciting exterior color palate, including an exclusive limited exterior color option, Magnus Metal Frost, further reflecting its sporty persona.

LYRIQ-V’s cabin includes details that reinforce its performance persona and integrates them with cutting-edge technology. Key features shared with the LYRIQ include a panoramic fixed glass roof, a 23 speaker AKG9 Studio Audio System with Dolby Atmos® and a stunning 33-inch-diagonal advanced LED display. LYRIQ-V will launch with a dual-plane Augmented Reality Head Up Display.

LYRIQ-V’s interior distinctions start with the steering wheel, which is uniquely styled with the V-Series logo, a standout V-Mode button, a sport rim with sculpted hand grips and an aluminum Regen On Demand paddle.

Additional unique and specific interior details include:

• Power-adjustable seat bolsters for the seatbacks and seat cushions on the driver and front passenger seats
• Infotainment experience updated with specific customization options reflecting the V-Series persona
• A signature V-Series illuminated sill plate
• Celebrating the iconography of the V-Series brand, LYRIQ-V exudes deliberate craftsmanship with standard paperwood décor, available Nappa leather seating and available embroidery and V-pattern detailing on the seatbacks.

MSRP starts at $79,990, including destination freight charge, and excluding tax, title and dealer fees. Dealer sets final price.

 

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[smk4565]

That’s a really good value especially if you can get the tax credit applied via lease if it sticks around.  
 

The only downside is it is 5,900 lb vehicle so it isn’t really a performance car outside of straight line speed.  
 

Cadillac needs to make an EV sedan/coupe version of this, because the Lyric is a bit big and heavy and the CT4/CT5 don’t really sell anyway.  

[oldshurst442]

Its tastefully done visually on the outside.  My fear was all for nothing as I was envisioning aggressive spoilers and aero body kits.  Although the Lyriq V does have different  body work making it look like its slightly lower to the ground than the standard Lyriq and that extra body work is more sporty in nature, its not aggressive at all.  And the extra body work is very minimal. In fact, nobody would notice the design cues as a sport oriented model let alone a V model.  The V Lyriq just looks like a refreshed model for the new year.  And that is how I prefer the Lyriq V to be styled.  

In my neighborhood, Chevrolet Equinox EVs and Lyriqs are ubiquitous.   The Blazer EV slightly less so.  Its too expensive.  The Equinox EV hits the spot at the cheaper end of the Ultium platfrom spectrum while the Lyriq hits the spot and the higher priced spectrum of this platform.  

I saw up close and personal at the Montreal auto show, the Optiq, and the Optiq renders the Blazer EV uselessly obsolete. The Optiq has the same shape and silhouette as the Blazer, the interior is more luxurious as its a Cadillac all the while being slightly more expensive than the Blazer rendering the Blazer unneccesary.  I predict the Optiq will also be a sales success going forward while the Blazer not so much.   

 

Edited January 28 by oldshurst442

[daves87rs]

I like the way it looks!!

[Robert Hall]

I like the look.  Clean and subtle.  I can only imagine what a mess the aftermarket could make of it. 

[ccap41]

On 1/24/2025 at 6:46 PM, smk4565 said:

The only downside is it is 5,900 lb vehicle so it isn’t really a performance car outside of straight line speed.

It's an SUV still. It's just here to do performance SUV things, which is straight line acceleration along with "okay" handling characteristics.

[Drew Dowdell]

On 1/24/2025 at 7:46 PM, smk4565 said:

That’s a really good value especially if you can get the tax credit applied via lease if it sticks around.  
 

The only downside is it is 5,900 lb vehicle so it isn’t really a performance car outside of straight line speed.  
 

Cadillac needs to make an EV sedan/coupe version of this, because the Lyric is a bit big and heavy and the CT4/CT5 don’t really sell anyway.  

I wonder if the same criticism will be lobbed at the BMW iX M60 of equal weight and 0-60 performance, but with less room and a $32,000 upcharge.

[ccap41]

14 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

I wonder if the same criticism will be lobbed at the BMW iX M60 of equal weight and 0-60 performance, but with less room and a $32,000 upcharge.

Isn't there a Merc that's in this category now, too? There has to be some EQE or EQS that weights 6000lbs. 

Oh yeah, there sure is!

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2024-mercedes-benz-amg-eqe-suv-first-test-review/

Also, the EQE SUV AMG is only rated for 235 miles of range? 

[G. David Felt]

On 1/24/2025 at 4:46 PM, smk4565 said:

That’s a really good value especially if you can get the tax credit applied via lease if it sticks around.  
 

The only downside is it is 5,900 lb vehicle so it isn’t really a performance car outside of straight line speed.  

Cadillac Lyriq V AWD - 5,810 lbs - 650hp - 615 lb-ft of torque - 285 miles of range - Top speed 130 mph - 0-60 in 3.3 seconds - starting price $79,990

BMW BMW iX M60 AWD - 5,862 lbs - 532 hp - 749 lb-ft of torque - 274 miles of range - top speed 155mph - 0-60 in 3.2 seconds - starting price $106,095

Mercedes EQE SUV AMG AWD - 5,768 lbs - 617hp - 701 lb-ft of torque - 230 miles of range - Top Speed 137 mph - 0-60 in 3.1 seconds - starting price $110,750

@Drew Dowdell @ccap41 Cadillac has delivered an outstanding value with performance.

[Drew Dowdell]

6 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Isn't there a Merc that's in this category now, too? There has to be some EQE or EQS that weights 6000lbs. 

Oh yeah, there sure is!

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2024-mercedes-benz-amg-eqe-suv-first-test-review/

Also, the EQE SUV AMG is only rated for 235 miles of range? 

At least the iX M60 has the same range as the Lyriq-V, though the Lyriq-V has higher speed charging. Lyriqs charge at 190kW, but the iX M60 charges at 150kW, so you'll be waiting longer.

I have to say, after looking into the Lyriq to get these stats, it is growing on me quite a bit.  At least the V is.

[smk4565]

6 hours ago, ccap41 said:

Isn't there a Merc that's in this category now, too? There has to be some EQE or EQS that weights 6000lbs. 

Oh yeah, there sure is!

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2024-mercedes-benz-amg-eqe-suv-first-test-review/

Also, the EQE SUV AMG is only rated for 235 miles of range? 

The EQ cars are not good.  Too heavy, not enough range, too expensive, interiors aren't as nice as the gas equivalent, etc.  

Luckily they are being killed off in a year or two.

The new Mercedes EVs are coming starting this year, CLA with 268 or 375 hp, GLC with 483 hp in 2026, E-class EV in summer 2027.  AMG electric super car, AMG sedan, AMG SUV with the Yasa axial flux motors start arriving next year.  And the EQS test mule with solid state batteries is on the road which is over 600 mile range, so they can put that into the EV S-class when it arrives.  Their EV future all of a sudden looks great.

[smk4565]

6 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

At least the iX M60 has the same range as the Lyriq-V, though the Lyriq-V has higher speed charging. Lyriqs charge at 190kW, but the iX M60 charges at 150kW, so you'll be waiting longer.

I have to say, after looking into the Lyriq to get these stats, it is growing on me quite a bit.  At least the V is.

The iX is 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, it is a lot slower than Lyriq-V and $10k more money.  I don't know how the interior quality of the iX is, but recent BMW's I think are not as good as the old days.   The Lyriq has some cheap materials here and there, but overall is pretty good.  I don't care for the rear end design of the Lyriq, but if you want a big 2 row electric SUV it is a good option.  I think the Optiq is pretty nice inside for the price, they need a v-series version of that.

And I still say, replace the CT4/CT5 with an electric sedan/coupe mid-size car, maybe a little bigger than a Model 3.

6 hours ago, G. David Felt said:

Cadillac Lyriq V AWD - 5,810 lbs - 650hp - 615 lb-ft of torque - 285 miles of range - Top speed 130 mph - 0-60 in 3.3 seconds - starting price $79,990

BMW BMW iX M60 AWD - 5,862 lbs - 532 hp - 749 lb-ft of torque - 274 miles of range - top speed 155mph - 0-60 in 3.2 seconds - starting price $106,095

Mercedes EQE SUV AMG AWD - 5,768 lbs - 617hp - 701 lb-ft of torque - 230 miles of range - Top Speed 137 mph - 0-60 in 3.1 seconds - starting price $110,750

@Drew Dowdell @ccap41 Cadillac has delivered an outstanding value with performance.

BMW has an iX M70 with 650 hp, it does 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and priced at $111,000 according to their website.  They have the xDrive 60 at a 4.4 0-60 for $88,000.

I think the Lyriq is pretty good value.  They could up the interior a little bit, but at the price it's okay.  It would be nice to make the V-series lighter somehow, but all these EVs are overweight.  

[smk4565]

6 hours ago, G. David Felt said:

Cadillac Lyriq V AWD - 5,810 lbs - 650hp - 615 lb-ft of torque - 285 miles of range - Top speed 130 mph - 0-60 in 3.3 seconds - starting price $79,990

BMW BMW iX M60 AWD - 5,862 lbs - 532 hp - 749 lb-ft of torque - 274 miles of range - top speed 155mph - 0-60 in 3.2 seconds - starting price $106,095

Mercedes EQE SUV AMG AWD - 5,768 lbs - 617hp - 701 lb-ft of torque - 230 miles of range - Top Speed 137 mph - 0-60 in 3.1 seconds - starting price $110,750

@Drew Dowdell @ccap41 Cadillac has delivered an outstanding value with performance.

Xiaomi SU7 Ultra - 5,291 lbs - 1,527 hp - 1,305 lb-ft - 391 mile range - Top speed 217 mph - 0-60 in 1.98 seconds - starting price $73,000

Granted the SU7 is a sedan, but this SUV is coming.  Based on those specs, Cadillac and the Germans have work to do.

[Drew Dowdell]

24 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

The iX is 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, it is a lot slower than Lyriq-V and $10k more money.  I don't know how the interior quality of the iX is, but recent BMW's I think are not as good as the old days.   The Lyriq has some cheap materials here and there, but overall is pretty good.  I don't care for the rear end design of the Lyriq, but if you want a big 2 row electric SUV it is a good option.  I think the Optiq is pretty nice inside for the price, they need a v-series version of that.

And I still say, replace the CT4/CT5 with an electric sedan/coupe mid-size car, maybe a little bigger than a Model 3.

BMW has an iX M70 with 650 hp, it does 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and priced at $111,000 according to their website.  They have the xDrive 60 at a 4.4 0-60 for $88,000.

I think the Lyriq is pretty good value.  They could up the interior a little bit, but at the price it's okay.  It would be nice to make the V-series lighter somehow, but all these EVs are overweight.  

They hide their weight well in terms of handling when they are performance oriented because all the weight is down low on the center of gravity. It makes the weight less of an issue.

[ccap41]

14 hours ago, smk4565 said:

interiors aren't as nice as the gas equivalent

The interiors are the exact same... and they all kind of suck now. For somebody who used to really like Merc products, I pretty much hate their screen-centric interiors now. 

FWIW, I loved driving the EQE we had as a loaner for a couple weeks. It isn't what I'd choose simply because it's hideous, but it did everything perfectly fine.