2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V electric performance SUV quicker than supercharged V8s, coming to Australia
01/23/2025 08:48 PM
Cadillac’s quickest-accelerating car is a two-tonne-plus electric SUV with blacked-out styling, big brakes and more than 600 horsepower. It’s due in Australia next year.
The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V – the high-performance version of the company’s maiden electric car – has been revealed ahead of an Australian launch due early next year.
The Lyriq-V’s 0-60mph (97km/h) acceleration time of 3.3 seconds in launch control mode makes it Cadillac’s quickest car, thanks to 459kW and 880Nm from dual electric motors and all-wheel drive.
It is fractionally quicker to accelerate than Cadillac’s flagship petrol-powered performance car, the CT5-V Blackwing, which quotes 3.4 seconds from a 498kW 6.2-litre supercharged V8 and rear-wheel drive.
MORE: Cadillac sets sights on AMG and M with Lyriq-V performance electric car
Performance is up from the regular all-wheel-drive Lyriq, which produces 388kW/610Nm for 0-60mph (97km/h) in 4.7 seconds.
Energy is stored in a 102kWh battery pack, estimated to deliver 459km of driving range in US EPA testing – down from the standard AWD’s 513km EPA claim, or 530km in European WLTP testing.
Performance upgrades include retuned adaptive dampers, a lowered ride height, quicker steering ratio, unique synthesised driving sounds, and Brembo front brake calipers available in red.
Maximum power is unlocked in Velocity Max mode, offered alongside a driver-customisable V-Mode accessible by the V button on the steering wheel, and which includes Competitive Mode performance traction-control settings.
Standard is a V-specific 22-inch alloy wheel design in a darkened finish, wrapped in summer or all-season tyres.
Styling differences compared to cheaper models include a restyled front bumper and side skirts, a lower front chin spoiler, mesh front air intake inserts, body-coloured lower trim, V-Series badging, and optional carbon-fibre accents.
A black roof is standard, in conjunction with a colour palette that now includes a limited-edition Magnus Metal Frost option.
Inside, there’s a V-badged steering wheel with sculpted hand grips and a ‘Regen On Demand’ paddle, power-adjustable bolsters in the front seatbacks and cushions, V-Series infotainment graphics, unique sill plates, and V embossing on the seats.
Features shared with the standard Lyriq include a 33-inch dashboard screen, panoramic glass roof, augmented-reality head-up display, a 23-speaker AKG audio system, and available nappa leather upholstery.
The General Motors group’s Super Cruise semi-autonomous technology is available, allowing drivers to take their hands off the wheel – but keep their eyes looking ahead – when on selected mapped sections of North American freeway.
Prices start from $US79,990 before shipping and taxes in Cadillac’s home market, up from $US72,390 for a top-of-the-range Sport 3 AWD model that is similarly, if slightly better specified than the Australian Lyriq Sport ($119,000 before on-road costs).
It suggests an RRP of about $135,000 before on-road costs in Australia for the Lyriq-V.
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