Cadillac’s first EV is now also the quickest Cadillac ever offered. Meanwhile, nothing about the way it looks or sounds suggests it’s capable of accelerating from zero to 60 in just over three seconds. This, in my opinion, makes the Cadillac Lyriq-V the ultimate (please pardon the pun) Q-ship.
The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V gives buyers a unique mix of luxury, technology and performance.
Introduced in 2023, as the opening act of Cadillac’s diversification into full EV offerings, the Lyriq successfully wedded the marque’s tradition of smoothness and elegance with contemporary attributes. However, that was just the beginning. Cadillac also has a history of high performance, going all the way back to 1902.
What’s more, the first mass-produced V8 to find its way into the engine bay of a production car was flitted to a Cadillac. Continuing this legacy, the marque introduced its V-series cars in 2004, which brings us to the subject of this review — the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V.
Powertrains and Fuel Economy
Where the base-model Lyriq uses a single electric motor, Lyriq-V runs a pair of them for a combined output of 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. These are fed by a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack, which is good for 102 kWh. The two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors drive their wheels directly.
The Lyriq-V also uses shorter final drive ratios than the standard model to improve acceleration. Its battery pack gets an enhanced cooling system to deal with the 25% higher discharge current and the rear half shafts are thicker to handle the increased power output.
Where the base-model Lyriq uses a single electric motor, Lyriq-V runs a pair of them for a combined output of 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque.
According to the EPA, the powertrain system is good for 80 MPGe in the city, 87 on the highway and 72 combined. The Lyriq-V’s range estimate is 285 miles on a full charge. The best I saw was 265.
Interior Accommodations
Juxtaposing metallic accents against open pore wood trim and colorful accent lighting imbues the Lyriq-V’s passenger compartment with a decidedly upscale appearance. Cantilevered, the center console leaves space for a large storage tray on the floor between the front seats.
Upholstered in quilted Nappa leather, the seats are at once inviting and handsome. Enhancing the airiness of the cabin, the dual-panel sunroof renders the majority of the roof translucent. Head, shoulder, hip and legroom are good at all seating positions, and the flat floor makes ingress and egress easily accomplished.
In other words, there is no questioning the Lyriq-V’s luxurious positioning. This Caddy is nice.
Comfort, Convenience & Safety Tech
A 33-inch curvilinear frame dominates the dash with OLED screens for instrumentation and infotainment.
A 33-inch curvilinear monitor frame dominates the dash with OLED screens for instrumentation and infotainment functions. Voice activation as well as a dial on the center console afford additional input options. Satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Wi-Fi are standard features.
A 23-speaker Dolby Atmos audio system, exhibiting outstanding clarity and details is also standard. Engineered by AKG, it also features two supplemental speakers in each of the front headrests.
Primary seating positions are heated, as is the steering wheel. Ventilation is provided for the front seats, in addition to massage functions. Tri-zone climate control and an augmented reality head up display are also included as standard equipment.
Standard driver’s aids include blind-spot monitoring as well as automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist. GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system is installed, though it requires a subscription to be used. However, Cadillac includes the subscription as part of the standard package for three years, after which the subscription must be renewed.
Driving Impressions
Upholstered in quilted Nappa leather, the seats are at once inviting and handsome.
Gaining access to the full potential of the Lyriq-V’s powertrain requires setting the drive mode to “Velocity Max”, which requires a bit of screen mining.
Fortunately, a “V-Mode” button on the steering wheel provides a shortcut and switches the Lyriq-V into “Competitive mode.” This sets the car up so each of the motors respond individually and the stability-control system is recalibrated to maximize traction.
And yes, this is exactly what I did, every time I settled behind the wheel. Handling is greatly improved, plus you never know when you’re going to need all 650 lb-ft of torque on short notice. Better to have it already dialed up than to be futzing with the screen when the need suddenly makes itself apparent.
In addition to the powertrain enhancements, the Lyriq’s engineering team lowered the V’s ride height slightly and tuned its adaptive suspension system to provide a smooth ride when you want it and crisp handling when you need it. Lyriq-V also gets a quicker steering rack, along with stiffened springs, mounts and anti-roll bars.
The Lyriq-V’s range estimate is 285 miles on a full charge. The best I saw was 265.
Rounding things out, the front brakes get upgraded to six-piston Brembo calipers, with larger rotors than the other models get. Taken altogether, these fitments give the Lyriq-V the acceleration and reflexes of a world-class grand touring performance sedan.
In Summary
If ever an automobile could be said to provide the best of all worlds, the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V comes very close to doing so. Tastefully handsome styling, a plush interior treatment, cutting edge tech, quiet comfort and outstanding performance make the Cadillac Lyriq-V one of the most enjoyable cars I’ve driven.
What’s more, it does all of this without attracting attention to itself. I like it. Pricing starts at $83,795. Price as tested for the example with which I spent a week was $87,510.
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