The competition in the luxury electric SUV segment is heating up, and Cadillac is determined to lead the charge. The brand has just unveiled its first high-performance electric SUV, the 2026 LYRIQ-V, which combines impressive power with the luxury Cadillac is known for.
“Is this really an electric SUV?” enthusiasts are asking, as the LYRIQ-V’s performance far exceeds expectations for a vehicle of its class. Cadillac is positioning the LYRIQ-V as the “fastest Cadillac ever,” hoping to carve out a dominant presence in the growing market, including the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, BMW iX, and Audi Q8 e-tron.
615 Horsepower, 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 Seconds – Pushing the Limits
Under the hood, the LYRIQ-V boasts a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that produces an astounding 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. This electrified powerhouse propels the LYRIQ-V from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds—over a second quicker than the current AWD LYRIQ model, which clocks in at 4.6 seconds.
Cadillac has added a V-mode button on the steering wheel to give drivers even more control. This feature allows drivers to adjust steering sensitivity, pedal response, and even virtual engine sounds, offering a tailored driving experience that puts the power in the driver’s hands.
Striking Luxury and Aggressive Design Elements
While the LYRIQ-V retains the luxury and quietness of the original LYRIQ, Cadillac has infused it with a more aggressive design. The front bumper has been redesigned for a sportier look, while the V-series logo is proudly displayed on the rear. The vehicle’s lower skirt is color-matched to the body, and carbon fiber accents are available for an extra touch of sophistication.
The LYRIQ-V’s interior mirrors that of the original LYRIQ, but it has added V-badging and LED-lit door sill plates to differentiate it as a performance model further. A new dual-plane augmented reality head-up display adds a cutting-edge touch, emphasizing the vehicle’s advanced technology.
Battery and Range – Balancing Performance with Practicality
As expected from a high-performance model, the LYRIQ-V’s battery efficiency has undergone adjustments. It still uses the same 102.0 kWh battery as the base LYRIQ, but the driving range has slightly decreased. The LYRIQ-V now offers a range of 285 miles (459 km) on a full charge, down from the 307 miles (494 km) provided by the AWD LYRIQ.
Despite the decrease in range, the LYRIQ-V supports 190kW DC fast charging, meaning a 10-minute charge can provide up to 86 miles (138 km) of range—minimizing concerns about charging times and making long-distance trips more feasible.
Pricing and Market Response – A Critical Launch
The 2026 LYRIQ-V starts at $79,990, putting it on par with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and BMW iX. However, some consumers question the price-performance ratio, especially as competitors ramp up their offerings.
While some automotive communities have expressed skepticism, questioning the timing of the launch and its competitive edge, others are excited by the LYRIQ-V’s powerful performance and elegant design. The real test will be how Cadillac can increase its presence in the electric SUV market, particularly in the U.S. and beyond.
The 2026 LYRIQ-V will begin mass production in the U.S. early this year, and global sales are expected to follow. Cadillac is betting that the LYRIQ-V will shift the balance of power in the electric SUV market and challenge its competitors head-on.
