Who needs a V8! Aussie-bound Cadillac Lyriq-V electric SUV is fabled American luxury brand’s quickest car ever
The all-electric 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V has instantly become the American luxury brand’s quickest-ever vehicle, out-performing a long line of high-performance V8-powered super-sedans.
Confirmed for an a down Under arrival in early 2026, full specification for the Lyriq-V will be released later but expect a big premium over the $122,922.50 (plus on-roads) starting price charged for the Australian-market Lyriq.
Instead, the Lyriq-V could be priced from around $155,000.
Driven by a new dual-motor powertrain, the Cadillac Lyriq-V pumps out a muscular 459kW of power and a herculean 880Nm of torque, allowing it to hurtle from 0-60mph (0-97km/h) in just 3.3 seconds.
That figure humbles the wild 498kW/893Nm Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing sedan, that features a supercharged 6.2-litre V8.
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It can only manage a 3.4 second (0-60mph), although the super sedan must deploy all its might via just the rear wheels and misses out on the EV’s all-wheel drive.
Created to rival the new breed of large luxurious performance EVs, like the 550kW/1100Nm BMW iX M60, the supercar-hustling Caddy easily sees off its German opposition (0-60mph in 3.6sec) – at least in a straight line.
Powered by a 102kWh lithium-ion battery, Cadillac claims the Lyriq-V will still be capable of covering up to 459km.
And thanks to its DC fast-charging capability up to 121km of range can be added after around 10 minutes of charging.
To help it cope with its enhanced performance, the fast Cadillac SUV comes with upgraded adaptive dampers and a lower sportier suspension tune.
A quicker steering rack and uprated Brembo brakes will also feature, while a new Competitive driving mode will be standard that’s been designed to use the firm’s stability control to maximise agility.
Adding drama to every drive, the Lyriq-V gets its own distinct artificial soundtrack that will differ from the standard model.
The Lyriq-V also gets a new front splitter and V-mesh pattern on its lower grille. A black roof and optional carbon-fibre exterior accents can be optioned, while the quickest ever Cadillac rides on large 22-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the 33-inch curved digital instrument cluster and infotainment come standard as well an augmented reality head-up display, plus an a 23-speaker premium sound system that uses the latest Dolby Atmos tech.
A large panoramic roof is also part of the V upgrades. Also includes are a sport steering wheel and Nappa leather sport seats that incorporate neat electric adjustable bolsters.
Finally, Paperwood timber trim covers the dash, while the kickplates gain illuminated V badging.
Many have already pointed out the missing ‘Blackwing’ badging suggests an even faster more extreme version of the Lyriq could come later.
However, in the past Cadillac has suggested only the most extreme track-focused models will carry its new performance sub-brand, presumably ruling out the heavy 2713kg Lyriq luxury EV.
