--- title: "The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq V Is the Quickest Cadillac Ever" date: "2025-01-23" modified: "2025-01-23" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/2026-cadillac-lyriq-v-is-the-quickest-cadillac-ever" categories: - "Cadillac News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Cadillac" - "Electric" - "Lyriq" --- # The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq V Is the Quickest Cadillac Ever ![]() *Cadillac* Ever since the [Cadillac]() [CTS-V Wagon]() died, there's been nothing to replace it. Of course, it's hard to follow up a low-slung longroof with a snarling V8 when that type of car barely exists anymore. It's unlikely to exist in Cadillac form ever again, but the 2026 Cadillac [Lyriq V]() isn't too far off as a practical pavement pounder. And while nobody's pretending that electric motors could provide the same audible experience as that old LSA engine, it's still the quickest Cadillac ever made. Let's run through the headline figures straight away. Two electric motors, one at each axle, combine to make a "Cadillac estimated" 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. Cadillac claims a zero-to-60 time of 3.3 seconds, which makes it quicker than any other V model that came before it—even the 668-horsepower [CT5-V Blackwing]() is a tenth of a second behind. All that go lowers its maximum range a bit, from 307 miles in the dual-motor Lyriq down to 285 miles using the same 102 kilowatt-hour battery pack. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() To unlock that Blackwing-beating acceleration, you'll need to use launch control. Unfortunately, Cadillac decided to take the BMW approach of offering way too many modes and customizable settings. To use launch control, you'll need to use the Velocity Max mode, which unlocks the Lyriq V's full power and performance. Then there's Competition Mode, which lets the driver choose from a suite of traction management settings. Even the interior and exterior "engine" noises are customizable. Thankfully, all of those preferred settings can be saved to the V-Mode that's accessed via the steering wheel's "V" button or the infotainment screen. There are some more performance hardware upgrades, too. Cadillac lowered the Lyriq V's multi-link suspension (though, oddly, it doesn't say specifically how much lower it is) and gave it a quicker steering rack than the normal Lyriq. Big red Brembos provide the necessary extra stopping power, which you'll surely want. Cadillac says the Lyriq V tips the scales at 5,980 pounds—not that the beloved CTS-V Wagon was a featherweight either. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() The Lyriq was always a pretty wagon-y SUV, so dropping the ride height as much as Cadillac has gives it big fast wagon vibes. Plus, those 22-inch wheels and tires fill out the wheel arches well, and its new front and rear fascias are so much lower. To my eye, the Lyriq V is the best-looking Cadillac and second only to the Corvette in GM's entire portfolio, especially in its new Magnus Metal Frost color. For all that's been done to make this a hotter EV, not much has changed inside. The regular Lyriq's cabin ain't too shabby, and no one's going to complain about spending time inside, but I do wish Cadillac did a bit more to set the V apart. There are some red accents, nice aluminum trim, quilted leather seats with contrast stitching, and the steering wheel gets aluminum trim for its bottom spokes and a "V" logo instead of a typical Cadillac crest. But otherwise, it just looks like a Lyriq. ![]() ![]() It'll definitely be well-equipped, though. As the top-dog Lyriq, the V comes with a 23-speaker AKG surround sound system with Dolby Atmos, a panoramic fixed glass roof, and a new dual-plane augmented reality heads-up display. Those may not be things you care about if you're more into carving up autocross courses than zipping to Nobu in a hurry, but needless to say, the Lyriq V isn't aimed at that anyway. Cadillac isn't saying when the Lyriq V will go on sale but production is said to start "early 2025," and pricing starts at $79,990 after destination. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()