When I say I like my tea hot, I mean nearly boiling, and that’s the temperature of the rumors going around about Cadillac releasing a V-Series badged Cadillac LYRIQ for sale. Do I think the rumor could be even remotely true? Well, dear reader, let’s roll up our sleeves and dig through the details to find out if Cadillac’s premiere all-electric SUV can hold a candle to the standards Cadillac reserves for vehicles deemed worthy of wearing the iconic performance-signifying V-Series badge or if the rumored release is just a bunch of hot air.
There is a high bar to clear when it comes to the V-Series badge when you look at options like the Cadillac Escalade-V or Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. As stated by Cadillac itself, to flaunt the respected V-Series designation, the vehicle in question must achieve the highest level of Cadillac performance, be bold, have sleek and innovative design, and possess cutting-edge technology. The outstanding, literally sold-out-in-hours LYRIQ deserves the accolades and excitement surrounding it because the electrified American luxury vehicle could seriously pass the V-Series test. Let’s dig in deeper.
A Look Back at V-Series History
The V-Series development began at Cadillac back in the late 1990s as a way to fight back against the high-performance luxury cars coming out of Europe. Introduced in 2004, the first-ever V-Series badged Cadillac was the CTS-V, which, for trivia purposes, was featured in the movie “The Matrix.” The team assigned to create the first-generation CTS-V recognized early on that a high-performance variant was necessary, not only to rival the competition and display Cadillac’s resurgence but also to appeal to younger new customers.
The V-Series Cadillac cars quickly made a name for themselves with high-performance V8 engines, manual transmissions, revised suspensions, sportier interiors, and more aggressive bodywork that was intended to improve the vehicles’ aerodynamic performance as well as differentiate them from their normal production counterparts. But how well can this transfer over to the world of all-electric performance and the Cadillac LYRIQ?
Bold Everything, Everywhere, All at Once
Unleashed onto the world in early 2022, the LYRIQ experienced unprecedented demand from drivers eager to own Cadillac’s first fully electric offering, and pre-ordering sold out in under four hours on a Thursday morning. I believe that when Cadillac delivers, it delivers boldly––bold in performance, bold in innovation, bold in technology, and bold in design. The LYRIQ is the full package; I’m drawn to the beautiful elegance in design, the futuristic capability of the electric powertrain, and the tech-forward features and styling of the interior that includes ambient mood lighting as well as AKG Studio’s crystal clear, booming 19-speaker audio system.
I’ve never seen such a sophisticated blend of tech-forward design with such lavish luxury within nearly every inch of a vehicle. Cadillac has made sure that when it releases an all-new model, everybody will be talking about it. The welcoming animation from hidden LED lights within the grille and incorporated into the headlights is such a unique statement. Bold flourishes like the flush door handles that present themselves, the LED unlock animation, pressing the Cadillac emblem to open the rear liftgate, intuitive lighting in a personalized color, and the well-placed charging port cover that also opens with a light press of the Cadillac emblem can be found all throughout the LYRIQ.
I find the interior is just as superior in elegance. An arcing 9K touchscreen display that is one single piece of glass provides the driver information and infotainment displays and emits over one billion colors. I am impressed with how Cadillac combines driver-focused innovations and intuitive features to launch the LYRIQ ahead of its class. Connectivity is key in getting the most out of an electric SUV, and the LYRIQ provides smart device connectivity with the MyCadillac app. Google built-in compatibility allows you to connect and access live traffic, entertainment, and more.
Some of the most innovative features are tech-forward luxury––Super Cruise allows hands-free driving on compatible roads when you want your SUV to simply drive itself while you relax. There is also one-touch access to the 360-degree HD camera view of the surrounding area in the infotainment center. These cameras are integral to the slew of advanced safety features. However, it is the model’s performance that really sets the LYRIQ apart and gives it a shot at the coveted V-Series badge.
An Electrifying Performance
The incredible thing about electric vehicles that I don’t think gets raved about enough is the instant gratification of the raw torque the moment you smash the throttle pedal. It doesn’t get much better than the Ultium all-wheel drive system available for the LYRIQ. The dual electric motors powering all four wheels deliver an astonishing 515 hp and 450 lb-ft torque in the upgraded 2025 model. Thanks to the Ultium platform being designed with a near 50/50 vehicle weight distribution that keeps the center of gravity low, driving feels refined with balanced agility.
For a midsize crossover SUV, the ability to go 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds with a top speed of over 130 mph is what I and the rest of the auto industry formally call quick! To compare that to another Cadillac that currently wears the V-Series badge, the 2024 Escalade-V can scoot to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph. Or take a look at the CT5-V (non-Blackwing), which takes 4.8 seconds to get to 60 mph, even if it does have a higher top speed of 168 mph. The LYRIQ is already a serious contender in terms of quickness and top speed to join the V-Series ranks. With power like that wrapped in the luxury that I can always look forward to in a Cadillac, the LYRIQ is not only thrilling but a must-have if you’re anything like me and love performance-based, pinned-to-the-back-of-your-seat fun in highly-praised elegance.
The LYRIQ is also equipped with drive modes that are selected at the touch of a screen. The mode for everyday driving, Tour, provides a tuned and tailored mode for a smooth ride for commuting or running errands around town. On top of a Snow/Ice mode for harsh weather and slippery driving, there is a Sport mode that I’d like to draw your attention to. When selected, Sport mode powerfully elevates your daily driving feel to the proverbial race track. In this mode, the LYRIQ is calibrated for an enhanced feeling of road connection, gives you more immediate torque, and improves steering at higher rates of speed for responsive, controlled handling. In checking these performance boxes, Cadillac has given the LYRIQ a clear run for V-Series badging.
A Serious V-Series Contender
So we’ve done the digging…do I think the Cadillac LYRIQ could join the ranks of the CT4-V, CT5-V, and Escalade-V? Becoming the first electric member of the V-Series would be the crowning achievement of this incredible American luxury machine, which is shaping the future of driving here and now. If Cadillac’s criteria include high-level performance, cutting-edge technology, and a bold, sleek, and innovative design, I believe the LYRIQ hits all the marks. And if we see Cadillac announce the release of a LYRIQ-V, I will not be surprised in the slightest.
