Cadillac is serving as the proverbial spearhead for Cadillac’s all-in gamble on electrification and while the brand is also serving as an example for other GM brands to follow in regards to electrification, Cadillac knows that it also needs to make a splash on its own in order to lure in more luxury buyers. The company has already done so with the Celestiq, Lyriq, and the smaller Optiq but it’s now confirmed that the V-Series moniker is entering the all-electric age with the all-new 2026 Lyriq-V.
Speed and quiet the perfect package
Cadillac didn’t reveal too many details about the SUV itself preferring to let a few teaser images and an accompanying video do the bulk of the talking. However, there are some things that can be gleaned from the teaser video itself. For starters, the V-Series moniker on this model suggests that while this will be a spicier offering, it will not be a hardcore track variant with the Blackwing designator now being used to identify models with this purpose. The V in the video does have a V Performance Button in it which would allow the driver to switch the CUV into a model-specific performance tune with this button usually providing sharper steering and throttle responses in ICE-powered models.
Brembo brakes are also part of the package and new wheels will also be making their debut on the V model too. The interior is also expected to get a slight makeover with the V-Series emblem replacing the Cadillac crest in the center of the steering wheel. The seats could get more bolstering and maybe splashes of carbon fiber to help the cabin stand out from its mainstream sibling.
How much power?
Among the things Cadillac chose to omit from today’s release was how much power the Lyriq V will be producing. The Lyriq is built on the Blazer EV’s platform and the SS version of that model makes 557 hp. Naturally, it will be safe to assume that the Lyriq will get a bump up from its existing 500 hp rating and perhaps match the Chevy or slightly surpass it. Either way, it should be a noticeable improvement dynamically when accelerating or even when putting the Lyriq through a sharp turn.
The V will help spice up sales too with the Lyriq being the second strongest-selling Cadillac model in the brand. The Lyriq is only bested by the Escalade when it comes to this category but it’s still a very strong start for the EV which was once Cadillac’s inaugural EV model before the brand fleshed it out in later years with the Escalade IQ, the upcoming Vistiq, Celestiq, and the smaller Optiq
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.