Cadillac is fully embracing electrification with a complete lineup of luxury electric SUVs. This shift started just a few years ago when the brand introduced its first mainstream electric vehicle (EV), the Lyriq two-row SUV. Now, the Lyriq makes history for Cadillac as the first EV to wear the V-Series badge, delivering the high performance capabilities and styling expected of a Cadillac V-Series model.
Photo: Perry Stern
Like the Cadillac V-Series models that preceded it, the Lyriq-V distinguishes itself from its lower-powered siblings with styling cues that suggest enhanced performance. The luxurious cabin also receives special treatment with a unique steering wheel and sport seats, all while maintaining the premium experience of driving a Lyriq. But the V is more than just a styling upgrade. Featuring over 600 horsepower, the Lyriq-V is the quickest production model Cadillac has ever offered.
The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq is available in eight trim levels: Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury, Premium Sport, Signature Luxury, Signature Sport, V-Series, and V-Series Premium. V-Series models are only available with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, while the other trims come standard with front-wheel drive. Prices start around $61,000 and go up to approximately $85,000, including the destination charge.
For this 2026 Lyriq review, Cadillac provided a Lyriq-V Premium in Dexter, Michigan, with the following options:
The test vehicle's manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $87,110, including the $1,495 destination charge to ship the SUV from the Spring Hill, Tennessee, assembly plant to your local dealership. The price does not reflect any current rebates, incentives, or price adjustments since Cadillac manufactured the test vehicle.
Photo: Perry Stern
Like the V-Series versions of other Cadillac models, the Lyriq-V has a distinct look with exclusive styling that highlights its performance abilities. A unique lower front fascia, side rockers, and lower body trim give the SUV a lower, wider stance, and 22-inch dark sport finish wheels with red brake calipers add a sporty touch. Adding some excitement when you walk up to the Lyriq-V is the animated lighting that makes the car appear to come to life.
As you would expect from Cadillac, the Lyriq-V has an elegant interior with high-quality materials and plenty of advanced tech features. However, the V stands out from the rest of the lineup with some unique elements that suit this high performance version.
Most noticeable is the special performance steering wheel, which features a 'V' in the center and a red 'V' button to select a customizable drive setup. While they are not exactly sport seats, the front seats have enhanced bolstering and are trimmed with Nappa leather, stitched with the 'V' logo in the signature embroidery pattern. Floor mats also display V badging.
Like the rest of the Lyriq lineup, a 33-inch high-resolution screen features the digital driver display and infotainment system, with a custom touchscreen on the far left for trip computer information and headlight functions. Climate controls are on a separate panel with intuitive soft-touch controls for easy operation.
Shortcuts for the infotainment system, along with a controller dial, are conveniently located on the center console, and I appreciated that there is a physical volume knob as well. With its unique cantilever design, there is a spacious area below that can hold a large bag or purse. A wireless smartphone charger is integrated into a slot in the center console, securely holding your phone in place.
The rear seats receive the same styling as the front ones. There is plenty of legroom and headroom, and a flat floor makes even the middle seat reasonably comfortable. Outboard seats are heated, and the panoramic sunroof enhances the spacious feel.
The Lyriq-V also impresses with its cargo capacity, offering 28 cubic feet of space, which is enough for several suitcases behind the rear seats. Folding the rear seats increases the space to nearly 61 cubic feet. There is also extra storage under the floor, perfect for a charging cable. The Lyriq-V does not have a frunk.
Photo: Perry Stern
General Motors (GM) has steadily adopted a Google Built-in infotainment system across all its models, and the Lyriq-V is no exception. Positioned on the right side of the Lyriq's 33-inch curved display, next to the digital gauge cluster, the infotainment system is straightforward to use.
The infotainment system in the Lyriq-V features:
You might have heard that GM is removing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from all its EVs; however, I was pleased to learn that the Cadillac Lyriq is an exception.
Connecting my Samsung Galaxy S23+ via Bluetooth was simple, and the Android Auto prompt appeared immediately on the screen. However, Android Auto does not occupy the entire screen space, so it is not an ideal display. Instead, I kept using the native display, which can nearly replicate Android Auto.
Logging into my Google account personalized the integrated Google Maps with my preferences and saved locations, making it easy to transfer planned destinations from my phone to the Cadillac. Additional apps, such as Waze or Spotify, are available to download from the Google Play Store.
The Google Assistant voice interface is one of the best on the market, accurately responding to natural-language requests. Activated by saying, "Hey, Google," the system adjusted the cabin temperature, found the closest donut shop, provided directions, and called my wife so I could ask what kind of donut she wanted. I did all this without taking my hands off the wheel or my eyes off the road.
Directions are easy to follow on Google Maps, thanks to the augmented-reality head-up display (HUD) that comes standard on the Lyriq-V. Directions appear on the HUD, along with large, bright arrows that seem to float above the road, making it almost impossible to miss a turn.
Photo: Perry Stern
The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V features a dual-motor electric drivetrain that produces 615 hp and 650 pound-feet of torque with full-time AWD. With that much power available, the Lyriq-V can hit 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, making it the fastest production Cadillac ever. It is also one of the most efficient Cadillacs with a V-Series badge.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Lyriq-V achieves an estimated 80 MPGe combined with a range of 285 miles. Cadillac states that the Lyriq-V can gain 86 miles of range in about 10 minutes using a DC fast charger, or roughly 31 miles per hour on a Level 2 charger.
During my time with the Lyriq-V, a full charge showed 286 miles of range—spot on with the estimate. However, on my standard route with a mix of highway and winding back roads, the trip computer indicated 2.1 miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh), or 71 MPGe.
Like other V-Series models I have driven, the Lyriq-V is exciting to drive. With excellent grip thanks to its dual-motor AWD setup, the Cadillac leaps off the line, pressing everyone firmly into their seats. The power is smooth and easy to control with a responsive throttle, letting you choose between terrifying your passengers with its outrageous acceleration or just cruising through town.
With a lowered suspension, a quicker steering ratio, and continuous damping control, the Lyriq-V handles well on twisty roads. Although it has plenty of power, it still feels heavy when driven hard on a twisty road. However, with strong brakes and responsive steering, the EV remains fun to drive.
The only thing missing from the high performance experience is the throaty exhaust sound typical of other V-Series Cadillacs. There is an option to activate a simulated exhaust note, but the electronic sound is underwhelming and does not adequately replace the sport exhaust of a powerful internal combustion engine.
Photo: Perry Stern
All 2026 Cadillac Lyriq trims feature a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These include:
One of the most impressive driver assist features on the Lyriq-V is Super Cruise, GM's advanced semi-autonomous, hands-free driving system. Super Cruise requires an OnStar data plan to operate, but every new Lyriq includes a three-year subscription. Currently, more than 600,000 miles of limited-access divided highways are compatible with Super Cruise.
I drove the Lyriq-V to the Detroit airport, about 30 miles of highway driving from my home. Once on Interstate 94, I set the cruise control to 70 mph, and the light at the top of the steering wheel turned green, indicating that Super Cruise was operating and I could take my hands off the wheel. The system still requires the driver to watch the road, and if the driver-facing camera detects inattention, it will disengage Super Cruise.
During the 30-mile drive, I did not touch the steering wheel or pedals. The Lyriq stayed centered in the lane and automatically slowed down for sharper turns. When it detected a slower vehicle ahead, the turn signal activated, the Lyriq changed lanes, resumed the set speed, and, when there was space, signaled and moved back to the original lane.
Although the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) does not have ratings for the 2026 model, the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq received the highest rating of Good in multiple crashworthiness tests. Additionally, the 2025 Lyriq earned an overall safety rating of five out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
According to the JD Power 2025 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the BMW X6 ranks highest in the Upper Midsize Premium SUV segment. The Genesis GV80 and the Porsche Cayenne are the next highest-ranked models.
According to the JD Power 2025 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, the BMW X6 ranks highest in the Upper Midsize Premium SUV segment. The Porsche Cayenne ranks second, and the Genesis GV80 and Land Rover Range Rover Sport rank third (in a tie).
Other 2026 Lyriq competitors include the Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Volvo XC90.
The first-ever high performance V-Series Cadillac with an electric drivetrain, the 2026 Lyriq-V lives up to expectations as the fastest production Cadillac ever. While its straight-line acceleration is thrilling, the Lyriq-V also offers a full Cadillac experience with an elegant, high-tech cabin and a long list of standard features. If you are seeking performance and luxury in an efficient five-passenger crossover SUV, the stylish Lyriq-V is an excellent choice.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving nearly every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for JDPower.com. Recently relocated to southeast Michigan, Perry remains passionate about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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