Henry Payne: V-ery fast: Cadillac Lyriq-V is quickest V-Series yet
Published in Business News
Cadillac is putting the V in EV.
General Motors Co.'s luxury brand is rolling out the first performance V-Series model in its electric lineup with the midsize, 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V. Like its gasoline predecessors, the CT5-V and CT4-V sedans and Escalade-V SUV, the Lyriq-V will bring higher horsepower and a higher sticker price to the Lyriq.
A lot higher.
The Lyriq-V will boast a whopping 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque from its twin motors, resulting in a best-ever Cadillac 0-60 mph sprint of 3.3 seconds. That nearly doubles the horsepower of the gas-fired, 360-horse CT5-V with its twin-turbo V-6 — and bests the CT5-V’s 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds.
All that power will also put a dent in your wallet with the Lyriq-V stickering at $79,990 compared to the standard, rear-wheel-drive, $59,990 Lyriq and well above the $56,390 for the gas-fueled CT5-V. The Lyriq-V joins other luxury performance models in the market like the Mercedes-AMG EQE53, BMW i4 M50 and Tesla Model 3 Performance.
“V-Series captures the spirit of Cadillac, embodying our relentless pursuit of engineering excellence through our racing and production vehicles,” said Vice President for Global Cadillac John Roth. “Lyriq-V takes this commitment a step further in the EV era, pushing our performance pedigree of V-Series to new heights with a powerful, personalized and high-tech driving experience.”
The Lyriq-V’s introduction comes ahead of the Cadillac racing team’s 2025 debut this weekend at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in Florida. The Lyriq-V will be in Cadillac’s infield Daytona customer display while three Cadillac V-Series.R GTP prototypes thunder around the race track for the IMSA Weathertech Sports Car series opener. Powered by a gas-electric, hybrid-V8 powerplant, the 670-horsepower racing cars have just a few more ponies than the Lyriq-V.
But may be an even higher horsepower Lyriq-V in the wings if the CT5-V’s history is any guide. In addition to the CT5-V, Cadillac offers a track-focused CT5-V Blackwing model pumping out 668 horsepower. Is there a Lyriq-V Blackwing under development pushing 1,000 horsepower?
Stay tuned, but for now, Caddy EV fans will get a Lyriq EV on steroids. That boost includes a new, growly signature EV sound to match its gas-powered siblings as well as launch control — part of a suite of traction management features to put the EV’s prodigious power to the road.
The Lyriq-V will also be lowered for better handling and aerodynamics and will feature specifically-calibrated shock absorbers.
“Lyriq-V brings luxury, technology and performance together to push its capabilities to the limit,” said Lyriq-V Chief Engineer Dave Stutzman. “With the combination of its rigid body structure and lower center of gravity, our team was able to improve the suspension to achieve the right level of precision and isolation, adding to its outstanding canyon-carving abilities.”
Careful with your lead foot in the canyons, however as the the Lyriq-V will likely push 6,000 pounds thanks to its big, 102-kWh battery pack, while range will suffer, totaling 285 miles on a full charge (compared to 307 miles on the standard, AWD model).
Other familiar V-Series performance goodies include big front Brembo brakes (your choice of red or blue), summer tires and electronic modes: Velocity Mode for maximum acceleration, and V-Mode (accessed via a button on the steering wheel) to customize your settings — including that V-Series sound experience.
When you’re not snapping your neck with torque-tastic acceleration, Lyriq-V surrounds the driver with rich materials and the latest safety systems.
Cadillac innovated hands-free Super Cruise and the Lyriq-V comes standard with the latest version allowing for automatic lane changes. While the Caddy drives itself, you can score a tan from the standard panoramic sunroof while playing your favorite tunes through the 23-speaker AKG9 audio system. Cadillac’s signature 33-inch-diagonal display sprawls across the dash, complemented by an augmented-reality head-up-display projected over the hood.
The power-adjustable seat included adjustable bolsters. Specific V-Series touches include an illuminated sill plate with available Napa leather seating and V-pattern detailing on the seatbacks.
On the street, you’ll know the Lyriq-V by its exclusive, dark, 22-inch wheels and black painted roof. Also unique to Lyriq-V is a front lower chin spoiler, lower grille mesh, rocker panels and available carbon fiber accents — details familiar from other V-Series models. V-Series badging decorates the rear doors and the tailgate.
To further set apart the Lyriq-V, an exclusive Magnus Metal Frost color is optioned. Lyriq-V rolls off GM’s Spring Hill assembly line early this year and will be available across the globe.
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