Driven! The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V Is the Quickest Caddy Ever

In 20 years of V-Series, Cadillac has created legends of speed—roaring wagons and supercharged super-sedans among them, many manually shifted. Now, heading into its third decade, Cadillac’s performance division rolls out a vehicle that can easily out-launch those: the 2026 Lyriq-V.

The quickest Cadillac of all time is somewhat improbable. It’s an electric SUV, a departure from low-slung and copiously combusting V cars from before. Still, the automaker insists it doesn’t just slap the V badge on any model—it must be earned. So is the Lyriq worthy?

More Than a Software Flash

To create the 2026 Lyriq-V, Cadillac didn’t just load in new powertrain control software and call it a day. Software is part of it, and the resulting 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque is a considerable increase. But getting the vehicle up to V-level required extensive revisions.

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The battery discharge current is 25 percent higher for continuous power delivery, all better sustained by an upgraded cooling system. Each of the two motors gets a taller final drive, and the rear motor gains thicker halfshafts to tolerate the torque.

V-specific 22-inch wheels are shod in standard summer tires, and they cover enlarged brakes with six-piston Brembo calipers up front.

Cadillac says it extensively reworked the Lyriq’s chassis in V development; the rear anti-roll bar is 63 percent thicker and 533 percent stiffer. To balance that increased rigidity, this is the only Lyriq that rides on adaptive suspension to provide the duality of character—luxurious comfort and engaging agility—expected from a V car.

MotorTrend testing of a previous dual-motor Lyriq yielded a respectable 4.8-second 0–60-mph launch. Cadillac cites a 3.3-second sprint for the Lyriq-V, which would make it the quickest Cadillac of all time. But on a parking lot dragstrip, we saw a 3.2-second run on the built-in timer, and that wasn’t even with a fully charged battery. It seems the CT5-V Blackwing Precision package (that car being the previous quickest Caddy) wouldn’t keep up.

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Lyriq-V Competitive Mode

At least, not in a straight line. Cadillac set up an autocross course to show off Competitive mode, which slackens the stability control, uses single-wheel braking, and prioritizes rear-axle torque delivery to allow for some tail-out antics. This nearly three-ton EV has a propensity to understeer, but easing into corners before adding power can coax it to slide.

Still, even with the vehicle’s lead dynamics engineer at the wheel, it seems like Competitive mode isn’t so provocative as some full-on drift modes available in other high-performance electric vehicles. Perhaps that relative lack of hooliganism is intentional for a dignified Cadillac.

Competitive mode might be of marginal benefit on the street, and this isn’t Cadillac’s best car for track work. Even so, the autocross course provided a space to show how the Lyriq-V’s Brembo brakes are tight and effective. As the nose dips, the front tracks steadily through some ABS pulsation.

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Very Quick—Very V?

Little time is needed to sense the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V’s powerful potential; its 115 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque over the standard Lyriq AWD is evident throughout the drive. Great traction lets the motors deliver a real punch off the line, and ample power is available up to higher speeds, yet the tuning is gradual enough to avoid feeling jumpy. General Motors uses long-travel accelerator pedals in its EVs, providing more space to modulate acceleration and regenerative braking. Thus, it’s easy to be smooth in the one-pedal drive mode.

The wide, thick steering wheel is also shared with the standard Lyriq, but the rack behind it gains V-specific tuning that adds noticeable accuracy, if not much feel. As an outcome of the chassis revisions, a surprising amount of road texture comes through the suspension. Joints and potholes can arrive with a sharp sensation and expose creaky trim. On smooth surfaces the Lyriq-V nearly glides, but undulations can set the body into vertical rebounding motions. These are blemishes for what is otherwise an overall comfortable and controlled ride.

Still, the V is willing to charge ahead and show off its acceleration. Its standard summer tires stick admirably through curves, and the solid-feeling brake pedal lends confidence. Differences between drive modes aren’t especially pronounced, letting the Lyriq-V demonstrate its eager yet refined attitude whenever it’s asked. In this way, though, the Lyriq-V might not have the depth of some sporty EVs.

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Still a Lyriq

Regardless of scenario, the interior is as attractive and upscale as any other Lyriq. A new V-specific seat-stitching pattern is applied, and the amount of added V logos is appropriate. This stylish layout effectively hides pieces borrowed from GM’s parts bin, though it favors design over function. The 33-inch curved display looks impressive and ultimately functions well, but it commands a lot of attention. A dual-plane augmented reality HUD is standard, and every Lyriq-V comes with a trial subscription to Super Cruise, GM’s award-winning hands-free driving tech.

Although the front seats don’t gain additional bolstering, what’s there is a good mix of comfort and support. In these surroundings, the Lyriq-V provides a nice place to go for a swift cruise.

At 285 miles, the V gives up just 22 miles of range versus the standard AWD Lyriq—a worthwhile trade for its added power and quite good considering the sticky tires and big rims. The peak DC fast-charging rate of 190 kW is only decent, but an available 19.2-kW AC module could greatly hasten home charging.

Priced at slightly more than $81,000, the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V is close enough to highly equipped versions of the standard Lyriq that enthusiasts might be glad they spent extra—this is the most driver-oriented Lyriq by a considerable margin. But beyond the Lyriq, there’s a variety of similarly priced and intentioned sporty SUVs, electric and gas. Even the closely related Chevrolet Blazer EV SS delivers similar slingshot thrills for thousands less.

The new Lyriq-V is quick, though, delivering speed its esteemed V predecessors must respect because in some measures, they couldn’t keep up. With the way it raises the performance of its likable luxury basis, the Cadillac Lyriq-V seems like a worthy vanguard for V's electric ambitions.