The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V, the American luxury brand’s first electric performance SUV, has been detailed and it boasts some heady performance figures.
Its dual-motor electric powertrain pumps out 459kW of power and 880Nm of torque, giving it a 0-60mph (0-96km/h) time of just 3.3 seconds in V-Mode or Velocity Max mode.
That just shades the 3.4-second sprint time of the supercharged V8-powered CT5-V Blackwing sedan when equipped with an auto, despite being down 40kW and 13Nm and weighing more.
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It also puts the Lyriq-V in the same rarefied air as performance electric SUVs like the BMW iX M60, which has a 0-60mph claim of 3.6 seconds and pumps out 455kW and 110Nm.
General Motors had already confirmed the Lyriq-V for Australia. It’ll go on sale in early 2026, with pricing and specifications to be announced closer to then.
However, Cadillac has confirmed it’ll be priced at US$79,990 (~$127,000) in its home market, while the regular Lyriq range opens at US$58,595 (~A$93,000).
For context, the Australian-market Lyriq range opens at $117,000 before on-roads.
Production will begin in early 2025 at GM’s Spring Hill, Tennessee plant.
Here are the key stats:
| Powertrain | Dual electric motors |
|---|---|
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Power | 459kW |
| Torque | 880Nm |
| Battery capacity | 102kWh |
| Battery chemistry | Lithium-ion NCMA |
| Range | 459km (GM-estimated) |
| Kerb weight | 2713kg |
Cadillac claims it’ll take 41 minutes to bring the Lyriq-V from a “low state of charge” to 80 per cent, with up to 121km of range added in 10 minutes of charging.
The Lyriq-V pumps out an extra 71kW and 270Nm over the regular dual-motor Lyriq.
Cadillac hasn’t just upped the outputs and called it a day, however, with the Lyriq-V receiving various mechanical upgrades.
Continuous Damping Control is standard, and has been calibrated for the Lyriq-V and its five-link independent suspension. There’s no Magnetic Ride Control, Cadillac’s magnetorheological damping system found in other models like the CT5-V Blackwing.
The Lyriq-V sits lower than the regular Lyriq and also boasts a quicker steering ratio plus standard Brembo front brakes with red calipers.
Cadillac says a new Competitive Mode enables “a suite of traction management features specifically engineered to increase vehicle agility”, and a customisable V-Mode allows drivers to save performance-focused settings.
V-Mode is activated with the press of a steering wheel button.
There’s also a “unique, multi-layered sound experience”, indicating the Lyriq-V’s artificial propulsion sound is different to that of the regular Lyriq.
“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,” said Dave Stutzman, chief engineer of the Lyriq-V.
The Lyriq-V is distinguished visually via a unique lower front fascia with a new chin spoiler and V-pattern mesh on the lower front grille.
There are also unique rocker panels, as well as body-coloured lower trim, a black roof, and available carbon-fibre accents.
It rides on unique 22-inch alloy wheels with a dark finish, and is available with a unique Magnus Metal Frost exterior finish.
Inside, the 33-inch wraparound display and 23-speaker AKG9 sound system with Dolby Atmos remain standard, as does a panoramic fixed glass roof.
The Lyriq-V gains a ‘dual-plane’ augmented reality head-up display, while there’s a new steering wheel with sculpted hand grips and aluminium Regen on Demand paddle.
The seats have power-adjustable bolsters, and are available in Nappa leather. Paperwood decor is standard, and there are illuminated sill plates with V-Series badging.
The Lyriq-V is only the second V-Series SUV, after the V8-powered Escalade-V, and the first electric V-Series model.
Cadillac repositioned the V-Series as a less hardcore performance line with its latest V-Series sedans, the CT4-V and CT5-V, introducing the Blackwing line to sit above it.
While the Lyriq-V is unlikely to be as track-focused as the CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing, however, it still offers a sprint time better than either.
