By: Krish Persaud
July 7, 2026
Walking up to the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V for the first time, it immediately looked more purposeful than the standard Lyriq. Finished in Stellar Black Metallic with the optional Red Accent Package, the black 22-inch wheels and bright red Brembo brake calipers give it an unmistakably more aggressive appearance. It still carries the clean, modern styling that has made the Lyriq one of the better-looking luxury EVs on the road, but there is enough visual attitude to remind you this isn’t Cadillac’s typical electric SUV.
Before getting behind the wheel, it was easy to assume the Lyriq-V would simply be a faster version of the regular model. More power, a firmer suspension and a few visual upgrades. After a week of living with it, that assumption proved to be wrong.
The additional performance certainly grabs your attention, but it never overwhelms what already made the Lyriq such a compelling luxury SUV. Instead, Cadillac has created something that blends effortless performance with everyday refinement. Around town it feels quiet, composed and remarkably easy to drive, yet the moment the road opens up, it reminds you why it wears the V-Series badge.
Acceleration is immediate, with the dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivering its power without hesitation. Merging onto the highway or passing slower traffic requires little more than a squeeze of the accelerator, making every drive feel effortless. Launch Control also deserves mentioning. While it’s not something most owners will use regularly, it serves as an excellent demonstration of what the Lyriq-V is capable of. The acceleration from a standstill is genuinely impressive and immediately reinforces why this SUV earns its V-Series badge.
Despite its performance credentials, the Lyriq-V never feels intimidating. The steering is accurate without becoming artificially heavy, the brake pedal delivers a natural feel and the overall driving experience feels approachable from the moment you climb behind the wheel. One-pedal driving was quickly switched off, as traditional driving simply felt more natural, and the transition between regenerative and conventional braking remained smooth throughout the week.
The luxury side of the Lyriq-V proved just as impressive. The Nappa leather seats remained exceptionally comfortable during both short commutes and longer highway drives, while the heating, ventilation and massage functions added another layer of refinement. Even riding on 22-inch wheels, the suspension never became harsh, absorbing broken pavement with confidence while still feeling composed through faster corners.
Practicality hasn’t been sacrificed either. A rear-facing child seat fit comfortably in the second row without forcing the front seats into awkward positions, making the Lyriq-V just as capable of handling family duties as it is spirited weekend drives. The cargo area also proved more than adequate for everyday errands, reinforcing that this remains a luxury SUV first.
Technology is another area where Cadillac continues to impress. The massive curved display dominates the dashboard without feeling overwhelming, while Wireless Apple CarPlay quickly became the preferred interface throughout the week. One feature that stood out more than expected was Super Cruise. Initially it felt like something that would be demonstrated once before taking full control again, but it gradually became part of the daily routine. Long highway drives were noticeably less tiring, and it quickly became one of the features that would be missed most after returning the vehicle.
As someone who works in the A/V industry, the available AKG 23-speaker audio system with Dolby Atmos also deserved attention. Rather than simply playing music, it created an immersive listening experience with impressive clarity and excellent separation between instruments. It was easily one of the highlights of the cabin.
Living with the Lyriq-V as an electric vehicle proved refreshingly straightforward. Cadillac estimates up to 459 kilometres of driving range, and real-world results came surprisingly close. Charging quickly became part of the normal routine rather than something that required constant planning, allowing the focus to remain on simply enjoying the drive.
If there was one area that left room for improvement, it was the way the power was delivered once already moving. From a standstill, the Lyriq-V is genuinely exhilarating. At highway speeds, however, the power delivery became more progressive than explosive. It remained unquestionably quick, but it didn’t always deliver the same dramatic shove that made acceleration from a stop so memorable.
Returning the Lyriq-V at the end of the week brought an interesting realization. The acceleration was always going to leave an impression, but it wasn’t what lingered most. Instead, it was the balance Cadillac managed to achieve. It was quiet when comfort mattered, genuinely quick when asked and practical enough to handle everyday family life without compromise. Rather than trying to be the loudest or most extreme performance EV on the market, the Lyriq-V succeeds by making luxury and performance feel like natural partners. That balance is ultimately what makes it such a compelling electric SUV.
Vehicle Specs
Segment: Mid-Size Luxury Performance Electric SUV
Powertrain: Dual Permanent Magnet Electric Motors
Battery: 102 kWh Lithium-Ion Battery
Horsepower: 615 horsepower
Torque: 650 lb-ft. of torque
Transmission: Single-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
NRCan Driving Range: 459 km
Observed Driving Range: 430 km
NRCan Energy Consumption: 26.3 kWh/100 km combined
Price as Tested: $109,533 CAD before taxes and fees