We Regret to Inform You the Cadillac Lyriq-V Is Amazing
Not a replacement for your favorite V8 — just better than most things you actually buy
Electric cars tend to trigger strong opinions—usually before anyone has actually driven one.
They’re dismissed as soulless, boring, or somehow lesser by default. And for a long time, that criticism wasn’t entirely wrong.
Someone leans back, folds their arms, and announces—usually without being asked—that they could never own an electric car. Not because they’ve tried one. Just because they’ve decided.
Fine. More for the rest of us.
Because sitting here, behind the wheel of the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V, it’s painfully obvious that this thing doesn’t care about debates. It cares about going fast, riding well, and being easy to live with. And in those areas, it’s better than most of what’s for sale today—electric or otherwise.
With 615 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and genuine V-Series intent, this isn’t an electric car asking for permission. It doesn’t explain itself. It doesn’t soften its edges. It just goes very, very fast—and does it with a confidence that makes old arguments feel suddenly tired.
Electric cars have been living rent-free in people’s heads for years—usually without ever being driven. And no, this isn’t some environmental sermon. I’m not here to save the planet, hug a tree, or cancel your V8. I love engines. Some of them deserve to live forever. A CT5-V Blackwing, a Z06, a 911—we protect those at all costs.
But the rest?
Yeah. The rest can go.
Let’s Get Something Uncomfortable Out of the Way
Most internal-combustion engines… kind of suck.
They drone.
They whine.
They’re underpowered, overworked, and far more complicated than they need to be. Keep one long enough and it will break—no mystery there.
And before you jump in: electric cars aren’t inherently greener. That argument is mostly nonsense. This isn’t about morality.
It’s about driving experience.
Why would I miss the engine in a Subaru Outback when I can have this?
Look at it.
Low. Wide. Futuristic without being weird.
Like the wagons everyone claims to love but never actually buys.
“But I Wanted a V8 Wagon With the Blackwing Engine…”
Cool. You should have bought one when you had the chance.
You didn’t.
You’re probably not buying a Blackwing now either.
And that’s okay—because this Lyriq-V exists.
And it doesn’t apologize for itself.
Dardoor Scorecard — 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V
Overall Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 9 / 10
GET ONE
- Whiplash fast
- Looks the business
- Composed in all situations
DON’T GET ONE
- Interior is almost there
- Expensive—more than you think
- Curb weight hurts all goals
Dardoor Verdict:
One of the easiest fast cars to live with we’ve driven all year—electric or otherwise.
Go ahead. Smirk. I love it.
The Lyriq-V Mission Statement
Cadillac didn’t just want to make an electric SUV. They wanted to make a V-Series car that happens to be electric.
That distinction matters.
The regular Lyriq is fine. Pleasant. Calm. Sensible. The Lyriq-V takes the same bones and adds K9 teeth.
Same motors, yes—but tuned harder.
Same platform—but sharpened everywhere it counts.
Underneath you’ve got dual permanent-magnet electric motors, one at each axle, feeding all four wheels through a direct-drive system. No gears. No shifts. No nonsense.
The numbers matter here:
- 615 horsepower
- 650 lb-ft of torque
- 0–60 mph in 3.3 seconds
That’s one-tenth off a brand-new BMW M5 Touring, in a luxury EV shaped like a spaceship.
Performance: Fast Enough to Make the Point
Performance Score: 9 / 10
At nearly 6,000 pounds, the Lyriq-V needs every one of those horses—and it uses them well.
In normal mode, it’s docile. Almost gentle. Anyone could drive it. My grandmother could drive it, and she’s got a tombstone over her face.
Floor it, and things happen quickly—but there’s a slight delay. Not lag, exactly. More like the computer checking in to make sure this is really what you want.
Hit the V button on the steering wheel and that hesitation disappears.
Now you get the full EV experience:
Instant torque.
A surge that feels endless.
No gaps, no drama—just speed.
And yet, here’s the funny part: most of the time, I left it out of V mode. The Lyriq-V is responsive and fun without going nuclear, and you simply can’t use all that power all the time unless you enjoy court dates.
Transmission (Or Lack Thereof)
There’s no transmission tunnel. No shifting logic. No gear ratios.
Power flows straight from the battery to the wheels. Smooth, seamless, and shockingly refined. People compare EVs to CVTs, which is unfair—to EVs.
This thing doesn’t whine. It doesn’t drone. It just goes.
Chassis & Steering: Cadillac Found the Sweet Spot
This is one of the smoothest-riding performance vehicles I’ve driven in years.
Even in V mode, on 22-inch summer tires, the Lyriq-V never feels out of control. The low center of gravity does wonders here, masking its weight better than expected.
There’s an adaptive sport suspension and a larger rear anti-roll bar, and together they give the Lyriq-V a surprising sense of balance. Push hard and it will start to understeer—but it does so progressively, honestly.
And the steering?
Excellent.
Heavy. Precise. Calm.
Never twitchy. Never nervous.
One of the better racks on the market right now.
Brakes: Massive and Almost Unnecessary
Six-piston Brembo front calipers clamp down on 15.3-inch rotors, and they look absolutely ridiculous behind those wheels.
Truth is, you rarely need them.
I drove most of the time in max regen, using one-pedal driving to manage speed and flow through corners. It teaches you restraint. Smoothness. Efficiency.
But when you do need the brakes?
They respond with extreme prejudice.
Once again, the Lyriq-V feels lighter than it has any right to.
Living With It: The Open Floor Plan Era
Lifestyle Score: 9 / 10
No transmission tunnel means acres of foot room. Flat floors everywhere. Storage where storage should be. Add in a massive panoramic sunroof and the whole cabin feels open and calm.
It’s not tall or awkward to climb into. It doesn’t feel like a truck pretending to be a car. It’s genuinely easy to live with.
My only real issue? Seating position.
I could never get perfectly comfortable. My legs felt too splayed, arms a bit far away. The seats look plush, but they’re flatter than I’d like. This is personal, though—try before you buy.
Range, Charging, and Reality
EPA range is 285 miles, though V mode will burn through that quicker. Still, that’s enough for most people to go several days—or a full work week—without plugging in.
Charging infrastructure still matters. If it works for you, great. If it doesn’t, no amount of praise will change that.
As for efficiency:
80 MPGe combined sounds impressive… and kind of meaningless. Electricity prices are rising. Operating costs feel closer to a regular car than EV marketing suggests.
Still, never stopping for gas? That part is nice.
Interior: Cadillac Is Catching Up
Features & Comfort Score: 9 / 10
GM—and Cadillac in particular—have made serious strides inside. The Lyriq-V is closer to the Germans than ever, helped by the fact that the Germans have quietly gotten cheaper.
Open the door and you get that new-car smell—leather, wood, something vaguely expensive. Inside, materials feel substantial. Black Zebra wood. Chrome accents. Screens that finally feel modern.
Apple CarPlay is still here (for now). Infotainment is fine. HVAC controls are real buttons (thank you). The volume knob placement is bizarre, though. Stop doing this, everyone.
Aside from the seat quibble, it’s an easy place to get comfortable quickly.
Looks: Opulent Blue or Don’t Bother
Stop scrolling colors.
Opulent Blue Metallic is the one.
The Lyriq-V blends Cadillac’s past and future beautifully. Futuristic grille. Spaceship rear. Massive black wheels showing off those brakes. Black chrome trim that BMW should take notes on.
It’s subtle, too. Few V badges. No shouting. I like that. Extroverts may want more theater, but this feels confident.
Price Check
- Base price: $83,795
- As tested: $86,910
Yes, it’s expensive. Probably more than you expect. But in context—against M cars, AMGs, and other performance SUVs—it makes sense.
You’re Not Cheating on ICE
When my friend Bill—who supplies many of these press cars—first met me, he asked how I’d handle EVs.
After all, doesn’t personality come from an engine?
Valid question, right?
But adaptation isn’t betrayal. The Lyriq-V isn’t replacing a Blackwing. It’s not trying to. They can coexist. I like regen braking. I like instant speed. I like never stopping for fuel.
Why can’t I like both?
I think. I can.
If you’re going to a Cadillac dealer to buy a Blackwing—congratulations.
If you’re going to buy anything else that isn’t supercharged and screaming?
This Lyriq-V is very hard to pass up and we regret to inform you that this car Is amazing
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Lyriq-V different from the regular Lyriq?
The Lyriq-V takes the standard dual-motor setup and turns the volume up. Power jumps to 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, suspension tuning is sportier, brakes are significantly larger, and V-mode sharpens throttle and chassis responses. It’s not just quicker—it feels more intentional.
Is the Lyriq-V actually fast, or just “EV fast”?
It’s genuinely fast. A 0–60 mph time of around 3.3 seconds puts it within a tenth of cars like the BMW M5 Touring. It doesn’t feel dramatic, but that’s the point—speed arrives instantly and effortlessly.
Does the Lyriq-V feel heavy when driving?
Sometimes, but less than the numbers suggest. At just over 6,000 pounds, the mass is real, yet the low center of gravity and suspension tuning hide it well in everyday driving. Push hard and you’ll feel the weight—but it’s progressive and controlled.
How far can the Lyriq-V go on a charge?
The EPA-rated range is 285 miles. Drive gently and that’s realistic. Use V mode often and expect noticeably less. For most owners, it’s still several days of commuting without plugging in.
Is the interior good enough for an $85,000+ Cadillac?
Mostly yes. Materials, screens, and build quality are a big leap forward for Cadillac. The only weak point is the front seating position—it won’t fit everyone perfectly, and the seat bottoms could offer more support.
How does one-pedal driving work in the Lyriq-V?
Very well. Max regen allows near one-pedal driving and quickly becomes second nature. It encourages smooth driving and makes the Lyriq-V feel lighter and more responsive in traffic.
Is the Lyriq-V expensive to own?
Purchase price is higher than it looks on paper, but running costs depend heavily on local electricity rates. Charging at home is convenient, though rising utility prices narrow the savings gap versus gas-powered alternatives.
Is this a replacement for V8 V-Series cars?
No—and it’s not trying to be. The Lyriq-V complements cars like the CT5-V Blackwing rather than replacing them. One is emotional and mechanical; the other is smooth, immediate, and modern.
Is the Lyriq-V fun, or just competent?
It’s genuinely fun. Not playful like a lightweight sports car, but confidence-inspiring, responsive, and easy to drive quickly. The steering and chassis tuning make it engaging without being stressful.
Who is the Lyriq-V really for?
Drivers who want speed, comfort, and presence—and are open to electric power without feeling like they’re sacrificing personality. If you’re shopping a high-performance luxury SUV, it deserves a serious look.
🧠 2. “Should You Buy One?” Decision FAQ
Should you buy the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V?
Buy it if:
- You want serious performance without noise or drama
- Daily comfort matters as much as speed
- You like instant torque and one-pedal driving
- You’re ready for an EV that feels finished, not experimental
Skip it if:
- You crave engine sound and mechanical engagement
- You regularly drive long distances without reliable charging
- You’re sensitive to curb weight and want something playful
- You expect perfection from interior ergonomics
Bottom line:
If you’re shopping anything other than a screaming V8, the Lyriq-V is one of the best all-around performance vehicles on sale today—electric or not.
⚔️ 3. Comparison FAQ: Lyriq-V vs Rivals
Lyriq-V vs BMW M5 Touring
The M5 Touring is louder, heavier-feeling, and more emotionally engaging—but also more complex and less comfortable day to day. The Lyriq-V is smoother, easier to drive fast, and far less stressful in traffic.
Lyriq-V vs Audi RS6
The RS6 is still the styling and sound king, but it feels old-school next to the Lyriq-V. The Cadillac is quieter, more composed, and easier to live with—while giving up some theater.
Lyriq-V vs Kia EV6 GT
The EV6 GT is raw, aggressive, and borderline unhinged. The Lyriq-V is calmer, more luxurious, and better suited to daily life. One is a hot hatch on stilts; the other is a refined performance cruiser.
Lyriq-V vs Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
The Porsche is sharper, lighter-feeling, and more focused—but significantly more expensive. The Lyriq-V delivers 80–85% of the performance experience for far less money and far more comfort.
