2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V Review
Cadillac adds the vaunted V-Series to its growing EV lineup with the all-new high-performance 2026 Lyriq-V.
Perry Stern
For more than a century, Cadillac has built its reputation on producing some of the most luxurious vehicles ever to emerge from the United States. Two decades ago, Cadillac introduced the V-Series performance line, and for the 2023 model year, the iconic automaker entered the electric vehicle (EV) market with the all-new Lyriq. Now, Cadillac has delivered a blend of both with the luxurious, high-performance 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V.
What You Need to Know About the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V
The 2026 Lyriq is the first Cadillac EV to join the exclusive V-Series club. Like the V-enhanced models before it, the Lyriq-V stands out from the rest of the lineup with styling cues that showcase its higher performance. However, unlike the Escalade-V or CT5-V, the Lyriq-V doesn't get quad exhaust outlets or the accompanying internal-combustion roar. But don't let that fool you — the Lyriq-V is the quickest production Cadillac ever.
Is the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V a Good Electric Vehicle?
If you're looking for a luxurious, high-tech crossover SUV with extreme performance, it's hard to go wrong with the Cadillac Lyriq-V. The Lyriq's upscale cabin is comfortable and spacious, the intuitive Google-based infotainment system is easy to use, and the Lyriq-V is exciting to drive. However, if the V's styling and performance aren't important to you, the standard Lyriq dual-motor delivers impressive performance for several thousand dollars less.
Perry Stern
About the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V Review Vehicle
Cadillac offers the 2026 Lyriq in eight trim levels: Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury, Premium Sport, Signature Luxury, Signature Sport, V-Series, and V-Series Premium. A dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is standard with the V-Series and V-Series Premium and available on the rest of the lineup. Base prices range from around $61,000 to about $86,000, including the destination charge to ship the EV to a dealership from the Spring Hill, Tennessee, assembly plant.
For this review, I test-drove a 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V Premium in Dexter, Michigan (near Detroit). Optional equipment included Radiant Red Tintcoat paint and red-painted brake callipers for a total manufacturer's suggested retail price of $87,510, including the $1,795 destination charge. Cadillac provided the vehicle for this Lyriq-V review.
Perry Stern
The 2026 Lyriq-V's Luxury and Performance Styling
At first glance, the Lyriq-V doesn't appear much different from the standard Lyriq; however, subtle styling cues hint at the EV's high performance. The Lyriq-V has a wider-looking stance thanks to the distinct lower front fascia, lower-body trim, and side rockers. Instead of the quad exhaust pipes found on the Escalade V and Cadillac V-Series model, the Lyriq-V sports an air diffuser below the rear bumper. And to complete the look, the V gets 22-inch Satin Graphite-finish wheels and available red brake callipers.
There are certain expectations of quality and luxury when climbing into a new Cadillac, and the Lyriq-V does not disappoint. Soft nappa leather trims the seats and armrests, while open-pore dark ash wood trims the doors, highlighted by backlit accent lighting that adds depth at night.
But the cabin's highlight is the 33.0-inch curved digital display, standard on every Lyriq. I found the infotainment system touchscreen clear and easy to navigate, and there's a configurable digital instrumentation panel on the left, ahead of the driver. Shortcut buttons and a dial selector are in easy reach on the center console, as is a volume roller knob. I appreciated the physical climate controls located below the infotainment display, which eliminate the need to dig through the touchscreen for this oft-used feature.
Perry Stern
The Lyriq-V Offers Comfortable Seats and Plenty of Cargo Space
The Lyriq-V's front seats offer multiple power adjustments and heating, ventilation, and massage functions, making them exceptionally comfortable while cruising or during a spirited drive on twisty roads.
Rear-seat passengers will likely find copious legroom and headroom, and the flat floor means that even the middle-seat passenger is unlikely to feel cramped. Still, while the middle-seat legroom isn't bad, I found the seat stiff and the headrest awkwardly positioned. Outboard seating positions are heated, enhancing comfort on chilly days.
The Lyriq-V may be a luxurious performance vehicle, but it's still an SUV with the expected utility characteristics. With 28 cubic-feet of space behind the rear seats, there's plenty of room for multiple pieces of luggage, and folding the rear seats expands the space to 60.8 cu-ft. There are also good storage spaces around the front seats, thanks to the cantilever-design center console. A large bin below the armrest keeps items out of sight, and the space below the console is ideal for a large bag or purse.
Perry Stern
The Lyriq-V's Google-Based Infotainment Is Among the Best
Like other models in the Cadillac lineup, the Lyriq-V uses the Google built-in infotainment system. With popular features such as Google Maps and Google Assistant, the system has an intuitive menu with shortcuts along the bottom of the screen.
While General Motors no longer offers Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity in most of its EVs, I'm happy to report that the Cadillac Lyriq is an exception. Both forms of smartphone mirroring feature a wireless connection, and my Samsung Galaxy S23+ connected quickly and reconnected every time I started the Lyriq.
I typically prefer to use Android Auto. However, the integrated Google Maps takes the current battery charge into account, showing not only the time to your destination but also the expected remaining charge upon arrival. Google Assistant provides excellent natural voice interaction, able to adjust the temperature, make calls, provide directions, and answer important questions such as, "How far is it to the moon?" In case you're wondering, it's roughly 238,900 miles.
Perry Stern
Extensive Advanced Safety Features Plus Super Cruise
Every Cadillac Lyriq comes standard with a host of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). In addition to the expected ADAS features, the Lyriq includes intersection automatic emergency braking, side bicyclist alert, and reverse automatic braking. Super Cruise, Cadillac's advanced hands-free driver-assist technology, is also standard. Potential buyers should note that after the complimentary three-year trial period expires, the tech will require a subscription.
I tested the Lyriq-V's Super Cruise on 30 miles of Interstate 94. As soon as I set the adaptive cruise control to 70 mph, the top of the steering wheel lit up green, indicating that Super Cruise was active. From that point on, Super Cruise adjusted speed as needed, slowing for traffic or sharper curves. When the vehicle ahead was traveling below 70 mph, the technology automatically activated the left turn signal and safely changed lanes to pass the slower vehicle, returning to the original lane when it was clear.
Until arriving at my exit, there was no need to touch the steering wheel or pedals. But Super Cruise isn't fully autonomous — a driver-facing camera ensures the driver keeps their eyes on the road.
Perry Stern
The Lyriq-V Boasts Extreme Power With EV Efficiency
A dual-motor electric drivetrain generating 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque powers the Lyriq-V. The full-time AWD provides the traction to harness the power, and means this Cadillac will sprint from zero to 60 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds.
As the most powerful variant in the Lyriq lineup, the V is also the least efficient. The (EPA) rates the 2026 Lyriq-V at 80 MPGe in combined city and highway driving with an estimated range of 285 miles. After fully charging the Cadillac, the trip computer indicated 286 miles of range, but I question its accuracy. During my drive, the trip computer showed 2.1 miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh), or 71 MPGe. With the Lyriq's 102-kWh battery, that average translates into 214 miles of range.
Luckily, the Cadillac charges quickly, which makes range less of an issue. On a Level 2 charger, range can increase by up to 44 miles every hour. With a DC fast charger, the Lyriq's range will increase by about 75 miles in just 10 minutes, and in 40 minutes, it can go from a 10% to an 80% charge.
Perry Stern
The Lyriq-V-Series Is the Fastest Version Ever
The Lyriq-V is the latest in a long line of high-performance V-Series Cadillacs, so the fact that it is the quickest version ever is impressive. The combination of AWD and prodigious, instant torque is the perfect formula for strong acceleration, and full throttle when the light turns green is quite the party trick.
As a driving enthusiast, I miss the experience of a roaring engine and sharp gear changes. Still, it's hard to argue with the Lyriq-V's incredibly smooth and strong power delivery. Cadillac does offer a synthetic soundtrack, but I didn't find it appealing, so I switched to Stealth Mode, which eliminates the generated noise.
Compared with the standard Lyriq, the Lyriq-V stands out, featuring a lowered suspension, adaptive dampers, and quicker steering, all of which improve handling while still delivering a smooth ride. While the vehicle's 3 tons of mass becomes apparent when driven enthusiastically on a twisty road, this performance-tuned Cadillac still provides respectable handling. Otherwise, the weight isn't really noticeable with so much power on tap, and the Lyriq-V feels solid and comfortable when cruising on the freeway.
Perry Stern
Alternatives to the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V
If you're looking for a luxurious and powerful five-seat crossover, it's hard to go wrong with the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V. Considerably less expensive than rivals such as the BMW iX M70 (roughly $113,000), the Lucid Gravity Grand Touring (about $97,000), and the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV (around $99,000), the Cadillac boasts a luxurious, high-tech cabin on par with the competition. While it may be on the heavy side, and it doesn't deliver the aural experience of other V-Series Cadillacs, the Lyriq-V's quick acceleration and standout performance more than make up for any shortcomings.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Perry SternAs a small child, Perry was constantly playing with toy cars and trucks, and that enthusiasm for anything motorized with wheels never faded. After college, he moved to Seattle and began his long automotive career working in an automotive consulting firm, helping customers choose the right vehicle for their needs. In the late 1990s, Perry joined Microsoft to work on CarPoint, part of the new Microsoft Network (MSN). He went on to become editor of the site, remaining on staff for 20 years before venturing out on his own. Today, in addition to his work on Capital One Auto Navigator, he still contributes to MSN, as well as J.D. Power, TrueCar.com, and U.S. News & World Report. Perry lives in the small town of Dexter, Michigan, with his wife and dog, and he still smiles when he sees his 2006 Mazda Miata in the garage.
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