The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V is already shaping up to be a potent performance EV with the brand revealing it last October. However, Cadillac chose to keep the bulk of its performance numbers and other data largely to itself with a wafer-thin release and some teaser images being our only glimpse at the CUV. This is changing though with the company formally revealing all of the details about the Lyriq-V earlier today.
Lyriq-V clips Blackwing’s feathers
The Lyriq-V is the brand’s first performance EV and is also the spearhead model for V-Series performance into the EV segment after several decades of it being exclusively used for ICE-powered models. The Lyriq makes 615 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque with these figures allowing the EV to make the sprint to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds which is a hair quicker than the CT5-V Blackwing which makes its mojo with the help of a supercharged V8.
The electric motors allow the Lyriq-V to have standard all-wheel drive while a built-in Competition Mode switches up the traction management software that Cadillac “specifically engineered to increase vehicle agility,” but the company didn’t detail the specifics. Like other V-Series models, the Lyriq gets a model-exclusive V-Mode that allows the driver to personalize a wide range of vehicle settings to suit their tastes. All of this power and performance is impressive when you consider the fact that the Lyriq-V weighs just under 6,000 lbs with the engineers undoubtedly having a tall order on their plate when it came to prepping it for the extra infusion of power. Large 15.35-inch Brembo brakes provide plenty of stopping power but its range does dip slightly to 285 miles despite the beefy 102 kWh battery pack.
Exterior styling gets a light touch
With the bulk of the performance upgrades being found under the skin, the exterior styling gets a light touch in its transformation into V-Series bruiser. While V-Series badges are scattered about, the model also gets a unique lower front fascia and side rockers with body color matching lower trim giving the Lyriq-V a ground-hugging look. A slick set of 22-inch wheels are also standard and the V-Series debuts a new color choice called Magnus Metal Frost.
Meanwhile, the interior gets power-adjustable front seat bolsters, V-Series graphics for the digital instrument cluster, and a large 33.0-inch screen with Super Cruise also being added in as standard equipment. Pricing for the Lyriq-V will start at $79,990 with production of the model expected to begin this year at GM’s plant in Tennessee. In addition to being sold in the United States and Canada, GM and Cadillac will also sell the model in global markets with Australia and New Zealand being confirmed out the gate. Other markets are also expected to get it too but Cadillac and GM will reveal that information at a later date.
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.