2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V first drive: The fastest V-Series ever goes electric
Forget for a moment, the convenience of having a genie from the electric company fill your battery nightly as you sleep ― it's really an app, but I'm a romantic. Forget that your Gucci purse will never again suffer smudges from hands soiled by oil or gasoline.
Forget the bugaboo of EV battery range. At full throttle, a Bugatti famously burns through a tank of gas in less than 15 minutes.
You think EV owners have range anxiety? That's range anxiety.
The Lyriq-V can cover 285 on a charge.
Electricity wins because EVs seamlessly blend thrilling performance and smooth, quiet power delivery. The Lyriq-V morphs from elegant and understated to a track-ready beast at the push of a button.
In dealerships now, it's also the fastest V-series ever, reaching 60 mph in 3.3 seconds.
A second electric Cadillac V-series, the smaller Optiq-V, arrives in dealerships this fall.
Car shopping research: The cheapest hybrid car of 2025 costs under $24K. Here's which one it is
2026 Cadillac Lyriq trim levels and prices
Luxury: $59,200
Sport: $59,700
Premium Luxury: $63,200
Premium Sport: $63,700
Signature Luxury: $67,800
Signature Sport: $68,300
Lyriq-V: $78,595
Lyriq-V Premium: $83,795
Source: Edmunds. Prices exclude $1,395 destination charge
What makes the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V special?
The Lyriq-V is one of a handful of EVs that are setting a new standard for high-performance midsize luxury SUVs.
It gets standard all-wheel drive from two motors producing 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque when the driver summons 'Velocity Max' mode by holding a button on the steering wheel. In addition to freeing the motors and battery from all restraint, Velocity Max delivers launch control for ultimate straight-line performance.
The same button allows the driver to summon V-mode for canyon carving and track days. V-mode adjusts the continuously variable dampers, traction control, steering, throttle response and more. You can create a personal drive mode or choose among programmed ones using a big bright touch screen that's part of a 33-inch array of gauges, displays and controls.
In addition to adjustable dampers, the Lyriq-V boasts a lowered suspension with components stiffened 10% to 600% from the base Lyriq, which was already a sporty and responsive SUV.
Other features include 22-inch summer tires, a 19.2 kW charging module for quick 240-volt charging at home, performance sounds, Brembo front brakes and continuously variable electric power steering.
Lyriq-V competitors include the Audi SQ8, BMW iX M70, Mercedes AMG EQE SUV and Porsche Macan electric.
2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V key features
Interior comfort and features
The Lyriq-V's five-passenger interior is roomy and comfortable. The front seat offers supportive and comfortable Nappa leather sport seats. There's open-pore wood trim with backlit accents, brushed aluminum trim, a wide range of ambient lights and three-zone climate control.
The 23-speaker AKG audio system delivers the immersive experience of Dolby Atmos.
A multicolor head-up display incorporates augmented reality for navigation by indicating turns with glowing arrows projected onto the landscape in front of the driver.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a convenient wireless charging pad.
The cargo compartment is accommodating, with a practical underfloor compartment. There's no front trunk; the electric motor and suspension fill the space.
Driving impressions
The Lyriq is a speedy and responsive vehicle even without V trappings. The upgraded suspension, steering and power take it to another level.
Despite weighing nearly 3 tons, the SUV feels lithe and precise. It's planted and level on twisting country roads and amenable to crowded parking lots. On the highway, the V is quiet, comfortable and speedy, delivering real-world range that is in line with its official range.
The Lyriq's long nose and roof create a sporty profile that's emphasized by big wheel openings with subtle fender flares and a steeply raked rear window. Its 6.1 inches of ground clearance is 0.9 inch less than the standard Lyriq, accentuating the V's sporty character while preserving easy entry and egress.
GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system continues to add hands-free roads. Improvements for '26 include subtle lane centering in hands-on mode, increasing safety and reducing the driver's cognitive load even when hands-free driving isn't available.
What could be better?
The Lyriq has a couple of minor ergonomic shortcomings.
Stylish, but narrow and oddly located, air vents in the instrument panel are harder to direct to the driver than typical vents. Cooling could have been better during a run of hot humid days. Passenger-side air flow was satisfactory.
Headliner-mounted speakers contribute to outstanding audio quality, but their locations prevent the ceiling mounted grab handles many SUVs offer. I frequently prop my elbow on the door and hold them on long drives.
Why buy a 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V?
The Lyriq-V delivers exceptional power, handling, style and technology in a comfortable and accommodating package.
With a base price just under $80,000, the Lyriq-V undercuts German rivals by tens of thousands of dollars.
Despite that, the Lyriq-V's looks, comfort and features are as good as anything on the road. It's not just the quickest, but one of the best entries in V-series history.
2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V at a glance
All-wheel drive midsize electric luxury-performance SUV
Seats five
Base price: $78,595 All prices exclude destination charges.
On sale now
Model tested: Lyriq-V Premium
Price as tested: $86,615
Power: Two electric motors, one on each axle
Output: 615 hp; 650 pound-feet of torque
Transmission: Single-speed direct drive
0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds
Battery: 102 kWh lithium-ion NCMA
EPA estimated range on a charge: 285 miles
Charging time: 240 volts ― 19 to 44 miles of range per hour, depending on charger; DC fast charging 75 miles in 10 minutes or 'from a low state of charge to 80% in about 41 minutes.' 314 miles FWD; 288 miles AWD; 236 miles FWD 57.7 kWh battery
Maximum charging rate: 190 kW DC; 19.2 kW 240v
Wheelbase: 121.8 inches
Length: 197 inches
Width: 86.9 inches with mirrors
Height: 64.1 inches
Passenger volume: 105.1 cubic feet
Cargo volume: 28 cubic feet behind rear seat, 60.8 behind front seat
Curb weight: 5,980 pounds
Assembled in Spring Hill, Tennessee
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
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