2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V Preview

More than 20 years after Cadillac introduced its first high-performance V-Series model, the luxury automaker applies the “V” treatment to one of its battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) for the first time and, in the process, makes the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V the quickest Cadillac ever.

What You Need to Know About the New 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V - Find the best Cadillac Lyriq deals!

When Cadillac introduced the first V-Series model—the 2004 CTS-V sedan—it represented a radical departure from the brand’s traditional luxury cars of the time, which focused more on design and passenger comfort than all-out performance. Indeed, the original CTS-V was a legitimate driver’s car with a 400-horsepower V8 engine, six-speed manual transmission, and a sport suspension tuned on the famed Nürburgring racetrack in Germany.

Fast forward twenty-plus years, and Cadillac is again making “V” history, transforming the otherwise reserved Lyriq all-electric crossover SUV into a performance luxury EV. With dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), the 615-hp Lyriq-V draws power from a 102-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack.

As was the case in 2004 with the CTS-V, Cadillac engineers focused heavily on refining the Lyriq-V’s suspension to deliver world-class handling performance. Cadillac lowered and tuned the Lyriq’s adaptive damping suspension and gave it quicker steering to provide sportier ride and handling characteristics. Standard Brembo front brakes with available red calipers enhance the Lyriq-V’s performance and aesthetics.

In addition to the suspension upgrades, Cadillac includes a small handful of driver-selectable technologies to enhance performance further. Velocity Max unlocks the Lyriq-V’s full performance potential, Competitive Mode allows customized traction management to improve handling, and launch control helps to ensure consistent performance off the line.

V-Mode—accessed via a button on the steering wheel or the Drive Mode app on the infotainment touchscreen—allows drivers to save their preferred settings related to performance. Through V-Mode, drivers can access Competitive Mode and custom sound settings.

With Velocity Max and launch control enabled, Cadillac says the Lyriq-V can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in 3.3 seconds, taking full advantage of the SUV’s 650 pound-feet of torque. The automaker estimates the Lyriq-V will deliver 285 miles of range.

In addition to the performance goodies, the new Lyriq-V also looks the part, with a front lower grille with V-pattern mesh, unique lower front fascia, chin spoiler, side skirts, and body-colored trim. Buyers can further customize their V with available carbon fiber accents. V-Series logos appear on the rear doors and liftgate. The SUV rides on unique 22-inch wheels with an etched V-Series logo wrapped in summer or available all-season tires. A black-painted roof is also standard.

Inside, you’ll find a V-exclusive sport steering wheel with an aluminum Regen on Demand paddle, paperwood décor, available Nappa leather seats, power seat bolsters for the driver and passenger, and a V-Series illuminated sill plate.

Regarding infotainment, the Lyriq-V shares the same 33-inch LED display as the mainstream Lyriq but with V-Series customization options. A 23-speaker AKG Studio audio system with Dolby Atmos technology is standard, as is a dual-plane head-up display leveraging augmented-reality technology.

Pricing for the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V begins at $79,990, including the destination charge. Cadillac will build the SUV at General Motors’ Spring Hill, Tennessee, manufacturing facility.

2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V Competitors - Find EV charging stations near you

The luxury-branded, all-electric performance SUV market isn't yet mature. However, you can expect the Lyriq-V to face competition from the usual suspects—Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. Models such as the Audi SQ6 E-tron, BMW iX M60, and Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV are likely competitors.

While, on paper, the Lyriq-V appears to be a proper performance SUV, one must wonder if it will do for Cadillac what the CTS-V did over 20 years ago. That is, give Cadillac instant street cred while offering performance enthusiasts a legitimate, domestically produced option to engage its European adversaries fully.

Remember, the CTS-V had a (then-eye-popping) 400-hp, Corvette-sourced 5.7-liter V8 engine and a six-speed manual transmission to tempt performance enthusiasts. It also had that addictive engine roar and an exhaust note that only a big V8 can produce. The Lyriq-V does not have either, so it must rely on design, technological prowess, and world-class driving dynamics to earn performance enthusiasts' respect (and their business).

Cadillac is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of January 23, 2025, but it may have changed since then. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.

Jeff Youngs has 30 years of experience in the auto industry, including 19 years with JD Power in marketing and editorial management roles. He also spent nearly six years with General Motors as a media relations professional. More recently, as a freelance automotive journalist, his work has appeared on JDPower.com, CarGurus, Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader, Autolist, and iSeeCars.

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