Although cars like the Cadillac CT5-V and CT4-V Blackwing – to say nothing of the Escalade-V – are what enthusiasts have always hoped for, the harsh reality is that the V division, like all performance arms for that matter, will eventually need to shift to electric propulsion.
We’ve already seen AMG graft its logo on fully-electric machines like the EQE, while Ford has been slapping the GT badge on the Mustang Mach-E since launch. Carmakers are beginning to transfer their performance image to a zero-emission future, even if some enthusiasts don’t necessarily agree with that. So, it comes as no surprise that the next V-Series product from Cadillac will not be powered by a fire-breathing V8, or even an internal combustion engine altogether. It’ll be the all-electric LYRIQ-V.
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2026 Cadillac LYRIQ-V Will Be Sold In The U.S, Canada, Australia And New Zealand
Cadillac is not saying much about the upcoming LYRIQ-V, except for the fact that, at launch, it’ll be sold as a 2026 model year in four different countries. Specifications and additional footage, like images, will be released in 2025, said our Cadillac correspondent. Here’s what we received through email:
Joining the brand portfolio early next year, LYRIQ V- is a stunning technical achievement, pushing the performance pedigree of the preeminent sub-brand to new heights. Cadillac will offer LYRIQ-V in select markets around the world in both left-hand-drive and right-hand-drive, and today we can confirm those markets include the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. More markets will be announced at a later date.
All we have for now are two images of the model in question, which is easily distinguishable from a regular LYRIQ by its slightly more aggressive front and rear bumpers, blacked out accents and massive brake calipers hidden behind model-specific tires. Below are images of the regular model for reference.
It seems as though the LYRIQ-V will be a global car. This makes sense since the current model is built both in the U.S. and in China. The LYRIQ is also a sales success for GM, so it’s totally understandable to see Cadillac trying to expand the lineup.
It’s still unclear if the V will be powered by the same 100.4-kWh battery as the regular LYRIQ, but it’s all but certain that it’s dual electric motor all-wheel drive system will churn out considerably more horsepower and torque. We could, however, expect the same 190-kW rating for fast charging. Here’s a short clip sent to us by Cadillac:
What will be particularly interesting about the LYRIQ-V is how the folks at Cadillac will manage to transcend the V-Series legacy into the electric age. In an interview with Alex MacDonald, Global Chief Engineer at Cadillac V during the 2024 Canadian Auto Show, he made sure to underline that even in electric vehicles (EV), his team will make sure to preserve the “V Spirit” found in the Blackwing cars.
But that’s easier said than done. The CT5 and CT4-V Blackwing are highly emotional machines due to their powerful and audibly distinctive ICEs. Creating this sort of character in an EV is no easy task, although Hyundai has proven that it can be done with the IONIQ 5 N. What’s more, Cadillac released a teaser last spring of the Opulent Velocity concept which seemed to emit some form of digital exhaust note. The LYRIQ-V could have this as well.
One thing’s for certain, Cadillac’s performance future is electric. We’ll circle back here with more details about the 2026 LYRIQ-V once we know more.
