After months of teasing, Cadillac has officially announced the Lyriq-V as a 615-horsepower high-performance electric SUV that will set a record as the “fastest” vehicle the luxury automaker has ever produced.
With that much power and 650 pound-feet of torque, Cadillac claims the Lyriq-V is capable of going from zero to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, outpacing the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing by a tenth. of second. That may not sound like much, but considering the CT5-V Blackwing is considered one of the most expertly designed American cars ever made, And When you realize that the CT5-V Blackwing is likely the last of its kind, you begin to see the importance of the Lyriq-V’s performance specs.
Of course, there is some fine print to consider. This acceleration time is measured on a closed course, using the Lyriq-V’s Velocity Max, also available on Cadillac’s upcoming EV range which includes the Vistiq, Optiq and Escalade IQ. And it includes a metric called “Initial Vehicle Movement,” which is when the vehicle starts moving rather than when the green light goes out.
And yes, many electric vehicles can accelerate to 60 mph in less than three seconds. But I don’t think Cadillac was looking to break records with the Lyriq-V. She wanted to make a car that “fits seamlessly” into people’s lives, as Cadillac boss John Roth says.
To that end, the Lyriq-V appears to take much of what worked with the original Lyriq and make it more powerful. Its 102 kWh battery will help power this V-Series for an estimated range of 285 miles. It gains about 75 miles of range in about 10 minutes when plugged into a DC fast charger or about 19 miles per hour sipping on a 240-volt Level 2 charger. And it will come with a CCS port for charging, rather than the Tesla-backed NACS standard.
The Lyriq-V sits on 22-inch wheels with Brembo brake calipers. Handling is “comfortable, yet bouncy,” with 5-link independent suspension and continuous damping control for stiffer shocks.
And now we come to the part where I inform you that, yes, the Lyriq-V offers a “unique sound experience” that simulates an engine growl. Cadillac is the latest automaker to resort to fake exhaust sounds played through external speakers to comfort car buyers who may be a little hesitant to leave the warm bosom of the internal combustion engine.
Another unique feature is a button on the steering wheel for V mode, which is “a suite of traction management features specifically designed to increase vehicle agility.” And like the original Lyriq – but unlike GM’s other electric vehicles – the Lyriq-V will support phone mirroring via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The electric V series has been in the works for a while now. Cadillac first introduced the concept of an electrified V with the introduction of three V-Series.R hybrid race cars at the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship races .
It then debuted an all-electric Lyriq-V in March 2024 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the inaugural V-Series launch at Sebring International Raceway in March 2004. That year saw the introduction of the Cadillac CTS -V 2004, signaling the automaker’s intention to compete with other successful luxury sub-brands like BMW M and Mercedes AMG.
With their fast, smooth acceleration and aerodynamic shapes, electric vehicles fit perfectly into the performance segment. Indeed, BMW, Mercedes and Audi all have performance electric vehicles for sale – or at least have announced plans to sell them. Cadillac would be the latest to add its own version of rechargeable power.
Starting at $79,990 (including destination charge), the 2026 Lyriq-V is expected to begin production at GM’s Spring Hill, Tennessee, plant in early 2025.
