Electrifying New 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V is Brand’s Quickest Car Ever
Cadillac’s first high-performance electric vehicle, proudly sporting the brand’s “V” badge, is now set to join the lineup. Initially announced last fall, the all-new 2026 Lyriq-V officially debuts today and will enter production within the next few weeks ahead of a mid-2025 launch.
Producing 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, the Lyriq-V accelerates from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.3 seconds only when engaged in V-Mode or Velocity Max, making it Cadillac’s fastest production vehicle ever.
- Also: GM Has Now Sold 370,000 EVs in the U.S. and Canada Since 2016
- Also: 2025 Cadillac Lyriq Gets Extra Power, Range
The numbers above are marginally better than those posted by the Jeep Wagoneer S, which Cadillac executives curiously don’t see as a key competitor for the Lyriq-V. By the way, we’ll have a review of Jeep’s first EV real soon, so stay tuned. They also trump the Acura ZDX Type S, which happens to be built in the same Spring Hill, Tennessee plant as Lyriq models.
A Competitive mode enables a suite of traction management features specifically engineered to increase agility. To be clear, this is not a track-oriented Blackwing model. In fact, we’d be surprised if even a small number of Lyriq-V owners take it to the track.
Cadillac has specifically calibrated Continuous Damping Control for this application, combined with a re-tuned suspension, lower centre of gravity, quicker-ratio steering and more powerful Brembo brakes up front, resulting in superior handling and more fun behind the wheel. The new-look steering wheel has sculpted hand grips and a V-Mode button enabling quick access to a driver’s preferred performance settings.
The various changes obviously affect maximum range, down to an estimated 458 km from 494 km with the 500-horsepower, dual-motor Lyriq.
The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V further stands out with unique interior and exterior signature sounds, redesigned lower front fascia, unique chin spoiler and rockers, exclusive 22-inch wheels with a dark sport finish (with a choice of standard summer or available all-season tires) and the requisite V-Series badges. It can be ordered in a new Magnus Metal Frost body colour and comes standard with a black-painted roof.
Inside, the familiar 33-inch LED display returns, this time with V-specific graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto continues to be offered, unlike most other GM EVs. There’s an augmented-reality head-up display and 23-speaker AKG premium sound system with Dolby Atmos, too.
That being said, we’re more interested in the pair of new sport seats with power-adjustable seat bolsters for the upper body and thighs. Nappa leather is available.
The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V will start at $79,990 (MSRP) in the U.S. Canadian pricing will be announced at a later date, but you should know that the most expensive 2025 Lyriq model currently retails for an all-inclusive price of $85,833.
