The V-Series has been an important part of the Cadillac brand image since the original CTS-V was unveiled just in time to star in the 2003 movie “The Matrix Reloaded.” Today, the V-Series is headlined by the fire-breathing CT5-V Blackwing, which is a throwback to the days of muscle cars with its supercharged V8, six-speed manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive. However, as Cadillac continues to unveil more electric vehicles as part of its goal to transition to an EV-only brand, it was inevitable that an electric V-Series model would arrive eventually. Well, here it is—the 2026 Cadillac LYRIQ-V. Is it fast and powerful? Yes. Does it live up to the V-Series name? Well, that might be up for debate.
Breaking Ground for Cadillac, But Not the EV Segment
While adding a “V” to the name of a Cadillac model usually entails an all-new powertrain, the LYRIQ-V is mechanically very similar to the standard LYRIQ. It’s powered by the same 102 kWh battery pack with a pair of electric motors. However, while the base dual motor LYRIQ produces 515 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, the LYRIQ-V takes things up a notch with an estimated 615 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to make the LYRIQ-V the third most powerful Cadillac on the market, after the CT5-V Blackwing and Escalade-V. Still, it’s not a particularly spectacular showing compared to mass-market performance EV options like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N (641 hp and 545 lb-ft) and Mustang Mach-E GT (480 hp and 700 lb-ft), let alone luxury models like the BMW iX (610 hp and 749 lb-ft).
On top of the increase in power, Cadillac made an attempt to increase the performance credentials of the LYRIQ-V, but again, it didn’t go particularly far. This includes Brembo front brakes, a quicker steering rack, a unique suspension calibration, and all-season tires. However, it gets the same 22-inch wheels and 275/40 tires as the LYRIQ Sport. The rear brakes also remain your typical floating calipers, and the rotors are the same size as on the lower trims. The lack of tire and brake upgrades is particularly worrying given the astounding 5,980 lb curb weight of the LYRIQ-V. That’s just 240 lbs lighter than the full-size Escalade-V! While this car is certainly quick off the line, with an estimated 0-60 mph time of 3.3 when using launch control, it does not appear Cadillac was trying to make it a serious performance model like the other members of the V-Series family.
A Step Forward, or a Misstep?
Cadillac has enjoyed a massive surge in popularity among the enthusiast crowd in recent years with the unveiling of gloriously unapologetic cars like the CT5-V Blackwing and Escalade-V. Their supercharged V8 thrills have given the brand a level of excitement it hasn’t seen in quite a while, but these throwback cars are largely at odds with the larger brand image Cadillac has been trying to present as it navigates towards an electric future. Trying to bridge this gap requires building an electric V-Series model that can go toe to toe with its gasoline-powered predecessors and show fans that an EV has what it takes. Unfortunately, the 2026 LYRIQ-V is not that car. If you are looking for real electric performance, then you will likely want to look elsewhere, at models from Tesla, Hyundai, Lucid, or BMW. However, if you are looking for a more traditional Cadillac luxury experience with a car that surrounds you with luxury while having a bit more pep in its step, then the LYRIQ-V may just be the model for you.
