Cadillac unveils performance variant Lyriq-V

Cadillac is launching the Lyriq-V, a sporty version of its Lyriq electric model. The 459 kW all-wheel drive variant will launch primarily in Anglo-Saxon markets such as the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is not known yet which other markets could follow.

The Lyriq-V is the first all-electric vehicle in Cadillac’s Performance Series, marketed under the V-Series label. It will go into production this quarter at the Spring Hill plant (Tennessee, US) and go on sale with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $79,990. GM’s luxury subsidiary plans the roll-out “in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, as well as other global markets to be announced later.”

459 kW, 880 Nm

We hinted at the car in November last year when GM first spoke about it. Technical specifications include an all-wheel drive with 459 kW of power and 880 Nm of torque. The 102 kWh battery is already known from the standard model for a range of 459 kilometers.

The sprint from 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) should take 3.3 seconds. Developers have also integrated a boost called Velocity Max, “making it the quickest Cadillac ever.” The manufacturer specifies it as “a driver-selectable feature that unleashes the vehicle’s full performance capability.”

The standard Lyriq is available as a rear-wheel drive model with 253 kW of power and 440 Nm of torque or an all-wheel drive model with 388 kW and 610 Nm. It is the first Cadillac offshoot based on General Motors’ Ultium platform. The manufacturer launched the series production of the standard model in March 2022.

V for… performance

The Lyriq wants to offer more dynamism and sportiness with the ‘V’ version. In addition to the drive, a unique shock absorber calibration, a lowered multi-link suspension, and a faster steering ratio ensure comfortable yet spirited handling.

Externally, the performance variant is distinguished by carbon fiber accents, the side skirts reserved for the V-series, and the characteristic lower front apron. The model also featured a black-painted roof and 22-inch wheels with a dark sports finish.

The Lyriq-V also has certain interior features, such as a panoramic glass roof, an audio system with 23 speakers, a 33-inch display in the cockpit, and an augmented reality head-up display with two levels.

“V-Series captures the spirit of Cadillac, embodying our relentless pursuit of engineering excellence through our racing and production vehicles,” said John Roth, vice president of Global Cadillac.

“Lyriq-V takes this commitment a step further in the EV era, pushing our performance pedigree of V-Series to new heights with a powerful, personalized, and high-tech driving experience that fits perfectly into our customers’ lives.”

In Europe, the Cadillac Lyriq has been available in the all-wheel drive version since 2024. GM celebrated its comeback in Europe with the electric model. In its press release, the manufacturer does not say whether more variants, like this Lyriq-V or the base RWD version, of the electric SUV will be sold in our latitudes in the future.

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