2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V: First-Ever Electric V-Series SUV is a Game Changer

In January 2025 Cadillac officially unveiled the Lyriq‑V, the first-ever all-electric model to bear its vaunted V‑Series badge. The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V redefines what Cadillac means by performance, luxury, and modern tech—melding zero-emissions propulsion with the visceral flair of high-end, racetrack-inspired engineering .

“Lyriq‑V takes this commitment a step further in the EV era… pushing our performance pedigree of V‑Series to new heights,” said Cadillac’s VP of Global Cadillac, John Roth .

Performance: Velocity Max Breaks the Mold

At the core of Cadillac’s electrified flagship is a twin-motor AWD system delivering an estimated 615 hp and 650 lb‑ft (880 Nm) of instant torque. The headline figure: 0–60 mph in 3.3 seconds in “Velocity Max” mode—making it the fastest‑accelerating Cadillac ever .

• Velocity Max unlocks full power and torque with Launch Control .
• Continuous Damping Control with adaptive dampers provides ride comfort and handling precision uncommon in EVs .
• Brembo® performance front brakes (six-piston front calipers) offer strong, fade-free stopping power .
• Competitive Mode adjusts traction systems for sharper cornering response .

Behind the Wheel: Brute Force in Elegant Silence

A firsthand experience from GM News writer Bob Sorokanich describes the first 0–60 run as “built for brutal acceleration” yet “in elegant near silence” . The launch is described as a “wallop of immediate speed” that pins passengers “to the back of my seat,” with no drama other than pure surge . A testament to electric torque managed by newfound sophistication.

Battery, Range & Charging: Balanced for the Real World

With a 102 kWh battery pack, 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V estimates an EPA range of 285 miles—ideal for daily driving or spirited road trips .

Charging capability includes:

• DC fast charging: ~75 miles added in 10 minutes (190 kW peak rate)
• Level 2 charging: 27–44 miles per hour .
• Supports the GM-approved NACS adapter, enabling access to Tesla Superchargers .
• Optional backup power feature allows vehicle-to-home support .

Design: Sporty Persona Meets Cadillac Elegance

2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V distinguishes itself with unmistakable visual and structural accents.

Exterior Cues

• Lower ride height, bold front fascia, body-colored side skirts and lower trim
• Unique chin spoiler, V‑pattern grille mesh, and integrated V‑Series lighting signature
• 22‑inch dark-finish wheels etched with the V logo, shod with summer or all‑season tires
• Standard blacked-out roof and exclusive Magnus Metal Frost paint

Interior Craftsmanship

• V-Series branded steering wheel with V‑Mode button and aluminum Regen-on-Demand paddle
• Power seat bolsters, illuminated V logo sill plates, and embossed V‑pattern seatbacks
• Premium finishes: Nappa leather (some trims), paperwood décor, and V-Series embroidery
• Panoramic fixed glass roof, 23-speaker AKG Studio system with Dolby Atmos, and 33‑inch LED display

Tech Features: The Smart, Hands-Free Edge Of 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V

2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V marries performance with cutting-edge convenience:

• Dual-plane Augmented Reality HUD, projecting critical info at eye‑level
• GM’s Super Cruise hands-free highway driving, with 3‑year OnStar service included
• Driver Modes: Track-worthy settings like Launch Control and Competitive Mode are easily accessed via steering wheel

The Sound of Electric Performance: Five-Layer Signature

With EVs inherently quiet, 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V sound identity is a multi-layered experience:

• Five audio layers—from base hum to simulated revs and high-pitch tones—deliver a dynamic soundscape .
• When V‑Mode is engaged, all layers activate for Launch Control, with six layers total adding depth .
• Engineers captured tonal inspiration from the CT5‑V Blackwing and Cadillac’s LMDh race car .

Jay Kapadia, GM’s lead sound designer, explains, “It’s basically like a smell of a perfume … five different layers that unfold” to evoke emotion and performance feel .

Production & Pricing Of 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V: The Road to Showrooms

Announced in January 2025, production began early that year at GM’s Spring Hill, Tennessee plant .

MSRP Guide

• Base Lyriq‑V: ≈ $78,595
• Lyriq‑V Premium: around $85,290
• Starting MSRP at launch: $79,990 including destination charges

Deliveries began in May 2025, marking the official market entry of Cadillac’s first high-performance EV SUV .

In-Depth Stats: From Car & Driver and Autoblog

Car & Driver confirms 615 hp/650 lb‑ft AWD setup .

Autoblog adds impressive figures:

• DC charging: low-to-80% in ~41 minutes
• 0–60 time beats CT5‑V Blackwing despite lower peak power
• Passenger room: 44.3″ front / 39.6″ rear
• Cargo: 28 cu‑ft behind seats, 60.8 cu‑ft folded
• Towing: up to 3,500 lb

Driving Dynamics: Precision on the Thrill Ride

MotorTrend’s first look highlights: lower ride height, adaptive dampers, quick steering and Brembos deliver “athleticism without compromise”—ride quality remains high even with high-performance setup .

They also note that some trims don’t come standard with Nappa leather, making “Super Cruise” a key value-add.

Who Is the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V For?

If you love the blend of green propulsion, tech immersion, and adrenaline, Lyriq‑V is a meticulously engineered proposition:

• Performance seekers: 3.3‑sec 0–60, Launch Control, Competitive modes
• Tech lovers: AR HUD, massive infotainment, immersive audio
• Luxury fans: handcrafted finishes, premium materials, V branding
• EV enthusiasts: 285‑mile range, DC fast charging, Tesla Supercharger compatibility

Pros and Cons Of 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V

✅ Pros	⚠️ Cons
Historic performance: Fastest-ever Cadillac, 615 hp, 3.3 sec burst	High price: Starting near $80k puts it in fierce company
Luxurious & tech-forward: AR HUD, panoramic glass, 33″ screen	Heavy weight: Large 102 kWh battery adds mass
V-Series pedigree: Brembos, adaptive dampers, launch control	EV trade-off: Aerodynamics and chassis tuned more for performance, less for range
Exclusive styling: V‑badged, carbon-fiber accents, unique paint	Niche: Performance-focused may compromise quiet highway refinement

Rivals and Market Context

The Lyriq‑V competes in a performance EV segment including:

• Tesla Model X Plaid (≈ 2.5 sec 0–60, higher price)
• Audi e-tron S / RS e-tron GT (less range, comparable performance)
• BMW iX M60 (similar power but less EV heritage)
• Mercedes EQE EQS and EQE 53 AMG (luxury but less raw acceleration)

Lyriq‑V stands out with its V‑Series heritage, workmanship, and uniquely Cadillac character.

Final Verdict

The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq‑V marks a watershed moment—a true performance EV wearing the V badge, without compromise. It delivers racetrack-worthy acceleration, plus finely tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, immersive tech, and Cadillac luxury. Its estimated $79–85k price places it in elite company—but few rivals offer the same blend of power, style, and V‑Series soul.

If you’re seeking EV speed and control, wrapped in premium craftsmanship and forward-thinking tech, the Lyriq‑V is the performance SUV that Cadillac fans—and EV enthusiasts—have been waiting for.

TL;DR Recap

• First electric V‑Series SUV: 2026 model, production started Q1 2025
• Powertrain: Dual-motor AWD, 615 hp, 650 lb‑ft
• 0–60 mph: 3.3 seconds (Velocity Max + Launch Control)
• Range: ~285 miles (102 kWh battery)
• Charging: DC fast ~75 miles/10 min, Level 2 ~44 miles/hour
• Signature styling: V badging, carbon accents, 22″ wheels, Magnus Metal Frost paint
• Luxury cabin: 33″ LED display, AR HUD, Nappa leather, AKG Atmos audio
• Tech: Super Cruise included, power seats, driver selectable V‑Mode
• Price: ~$79k–85k, with deliveries underway

The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V doesn’t just represent Cadillac’s electric future—it cements its performance legacy in a bold and thoroughly modern way. Have thoughts or want updates on availability in your region? I’d love to dive deeper!

Also Checkout 2025 Dodge Charger Refresh: Reinventing Muscle For A New Era