I drove the Cadillac Lyriq-V for a week — and it’s the luxury EV I’d spend my money on

When you’re spending the extra money for a luxury vehicle, it better be worth it, right? Well, that’s exactly how I feel about the Cadillac Lyriq as it sets the bar for what I’d want in an all-electric luxury EV.

After driving the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V Premium for a week, it perfeclt blends luxury and performance into one package. I don’t feel like an old man driving it. That’s because this mid-size luxury crossover SUV packages everything I want, from a stylish and sleek design that turns heads on the road, all the way to premium features that set it apart from basic cars.

This top-of-the-line trim I tested for a week fetches for $85,290 — which is a bit much for what I’d like to spend — but the base 2026 Cadillac Lyriq has a few trade-offs that justify its $60,695 starting cost. Similar to how I felt about last year’s model, the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq is still one of the best electric cars you can buy. Here’s my pros and cons.

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2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V: Specifications

2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V: Testing summary

I drove a total of 217 miles in my week’s worth of testing the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V Premium, accumulating an average efficiency of 2.6 mi/kWh. That’s actually worse than other comparable mid-sized SUVs that I’ve tested, like the 2026 BMW ix xDrive45, which gets a better 3.3 mi/kWh average.

However, I’m not surprised by the weak results here because the Lyriq-V series in particular, is all about power and performance with the 615 hp performance from its dual-motor AWD motor. It drives more like a sports car than a passenger SUV, which can be tuned even more with its customizable driving mode. I suspect that the base trim, the Lyriq Luxury RWD, would probably get closer to that 3 mi/kWh mark.

Despite its less than average efficiency, the Lyriq-V charges much faster at home with Level 1 charging. After 12.85 hours of charging it overnight, it added back 47 miles of range to its 102 kWh battery. That’s a rate of 3.65 mi/hr, which is up from the 2.94 mi/hr rate I got with the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq.

2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V: What I Like

Sleek, modern design that makes a statement

What makes the Lyriq-V compelling almost immediately is the sleek looking design that gives it a luxury-sporty vibe that few other car makers can match. Instead of going for a conventional style, I really love the dramatic low-profile look that screams sports car style — but in an SUV design.

Intense acceleration with Velocity Max

One thing different this time versus last year is a button on the steering wheel with the letter “V” on it, which activates the Velocity Max performance mode. Similar to the boost button in other EVs, like on the Genesis GV60 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, pressing it lets me tap into the vehicle’s full 615 hp performance.

From a complete stop, I’m able to launch the Lyriq-V forward with insane acceleration that puts me back into my seat. I was taken by surprise with the intensity, so I let off the pedal only after a couple of seconds — where I soon found myself cruising at 50 mph.

Stunning light animation at startup

Most EVs have a short light up sequence whenever they’re unlocked with a key fob, but Cadillac surely loves to be elaborate. The choreographed light show starts off with the emblem on the front hood slowly illuminating, where the light slowly cascades through the etched lines — and eventually culminates in the headlights turning on. Trust me, it never gets old watching it in action.

Massive 33-inch panoramic center console display

Inside of the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V Premium, the first thing I take notice of is the 33-inch panoramic curved LED display. It consists of both the driver and center displays but since it’s truly one single display as opposed to the two stacked next to one another that other EVs offer, it makes the whole entire thing look seamless. The only other display that rivals it is the one in the Genesis GV80.

Augmented reality head-up display

Nearly every luxury EV I’ve tested this year comes with a head-up display of some kind, but the Lyriq-V is one of the few to incorporate augmented reality. Not only does it keep my eyes fixed on the road in front of me by displaying my speed, it also does a good job of using arrows within the HUD when I’m using Google Maps for navigation.

It’s clear and very detailed, too, but the only other head-up display that’s better is the one in the Audi A6 Sportback — mainly because it takes the extra step of showing me if I'm drifting from my lane.

Roomy interior with lots of legroom and trunk

Even though Velocity Max mode makes for a sportier drive with a faster pedal response and tighter steering, I love how comfortable it is to drive because of the spacious interior and cushioned seats. Passengers in the back seats will ride in comfort as well, considering the ample amount of legroom that can accommodate the tallest of passengers.

Even though it has a shorter roof than other SUVs, there’s still plenty of room with the trunk — and with the back seats pulled down — it makes more room to fit larger packages with ease. In fact, I’m able to cram my Jackrabbit OG2 Pro ebike without having to fold it over.

Level 1 charging speed is pretty fast

If you’re going to spend this much on an EV, I’m sure installing a Level 2 charger at home won’t be too much of a burden. However, I found that Level 1 charging is also pretty fast compared to other EVs I’ve charged at home. Its average of 3.65 mi/hr is plenty fast if you don’t travel more than 50 miles daily. In fact, it’s faster than the comparably sized Jeep Wagoneer S, which got me a slower average of 3.16 mi/hr.

Base trim has excellent value

For a luxury brand, the base trim of the Lyriq offers excellent value in my opinion — even though there are trade offs. They’re mostly related to convenience features, like not having ventilated seats or active noise cancellation to drown out ambient noise. However, the base trim still gets some of my favorite features, such as Super Cruise Control, fixed glass roof, 7-speaker audio system, and that 33-inch display.

2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V: What I Don't Like

Less than ideal efficiency

When you’re driving an SUV that performs more like a sports car, I’m fairly confident that efficiency isn’t high on your priority list. Despite my best efforts to drive as gently as possible to get the most out of the battery, the 2.6 mi/kWh efficiency I averaged during my testing is disappointing.

I was honestly hoping for better, but what surprises me more is that I got better efficiency with the larger Cadillac Vistiq I tested. Then again, it could be just that the Lyriq-V just has a much more powerful electric motor driving it.

2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V: Bottom Line

I’ve driven more than 40+ electric vehicles this year and the Lyriq remains to be one of my favorite luxury EVs. Even with the pricey cost of the Lyriq-V Premium, I still think it has a more compelling story than other models I’ve tested like the Mercedes-Benz G 580 EV and Rivian R1S.

Likewise, it’s the one I’d spend my money on over the Cadillac Vistiq and Escalade IQ because those models cost more at over $100,000. On the flip side, the Cadillac Optiq is attractive for bearing a similar striking design at a cost that’s slightly less — but I’d still gladly pay for the Lyriq’s stronger driving performance and spacious size.

I wouldn’t hesitate recommending the base trim of the Lyriq either because of its $60,695 starting cost, which has better bang for the buck value than most luxury EVs.

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