Shockingly Fast (and Expensive) Cadillac Lyriq-V
Image Credit: Cadillac.
After waiting for what felt like forever, Cadillac has finally decided to electrify its performance line with the introduction of the 2026 Lyriq-V. That's quite important - Cadillac didn't slap a "V" onto its electric SUV. It electrified its famous V - the ultimate performance line. Semantics? I don't think so. Gone is the image of your grandma wafting along in a Caddy. Unless your grandma happens to be a speed demon with a penchant for silent but deadly acceleration.
All Cadillacs that ever wore the "V" on their grille were naughty. Fast in a way they weren't supposed to be. Too fast for their cushion-like suspension and yet capable of flipping a birdie to anyone who dared to challenge their driver. And the new Lyriq-V? I'm glad to report that this electric sled is no different. It packs no less than 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. That's probably enough power to launch a small moon into orbit. And since the Lyriq weighs as much as a small moon, even this much power won't make a difference, right?
Image Credit: Cadillac.
Wrong! Cadillac claims this beast can hit 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, and go all the way to become the quickest Caddy ever. I've always been a bit skeptical of manufacturer claims, but if this thing is even close to that, it's going to be seriously quick. No, it won't beat Tesla or Lucid - but it is not supposed to. This is a proper luxo barge, and yet, it is as quick as any decent supercar.
Of course, as always, with great power comes a heavy price, and I'm not just talking about the eye-watering $79,990 starting price. The Lyriq-V's range takes a bit of a hit compared to its less powerful siblings, dropping from 307 miles down to 285 miles. But do you really care about the range when you can go from zero to hero in the blink of an eye?
Image Credit: Cadillac.
With the 102 kWh battery weighing it down, this thing should handle like a boat. Surprisingly, it's not the case. Cadillac has fitted the Lyriq-V with a new suspension setup that's specifically calibrated for specifically not handling like a boat. It features Continuous Damping Control, which is a fancy way of saying it has shock absorbers that adjust themselves to provide a smooth and comfortable ride. In plain English, it means you can enjoy all that power without feeling like you're riding a bucking bronco.
Looking at the all-new Lyriq-V, you couldn't really tell there's a speed monster hiding under its understated body. It has the obligatory V-series badges and a slightly more aggressive front fascia, but that's about it. No massive wings or spoilers here. Playing it cool and all.
Image Credit: Cadillac.
The interior is equally understated, with just a few V-series badges and a new head-up display to differentiate it from the standard Lyriq. The steering wheel is a bit more sporty, and there's a dedicated paddle to adjust the regen, and seats have self-adjusting bolsters to keep you in place while you're trying out the throttle - but that's about that. Same luxurious comfy Cadillac as the "civilian" Lyriq. And that's not a bad thing at all.
Well then - an eighty-grand question: is the Cadillac Lyriq-V worth the price of admission? That really depends. If you want a luxurious and comfortable SUV that can also outrun a sports car, then this is the perfect car for you. But if you're looking for a practical and affordable EV, you shouldn't really be looking at a Cadillac in the first place. Personally, I'm just happy to see Cadillac fully embracing the electric future, and giving the Lyriq the beans it deserves. But I'm biased, I always had a soft spot for fast Cadillacs, and this one? This one ticks all the boxes for me. Now, how do I convince the wife that this should be our next chariot?
