A New Era for Cadillac with the Lyriq-V
Whether you’re stuck in traffic or speeding down a back road, the Lyriq-V is an absolute delight. Cadillac has been on a roll lately, with its electric-vehicle ambitions gaining momentum after some initial challenges. The brand’s first EV, the Lyriq, faced some software issues at launch, but it has since evolved into a strong contender in the luxury EV market.
Over the past year, Cadillac has introduced several models, including the Optiq, Vistiq, Celestiq, and Escalade IQ. This expansion has helped the Lyriq regain its footing, steadily climbing the sales charts. Now, the Lyriq is taking a significant step forward with the introduction of the 615-horsepower Lyriq-V, a model that promises to elevate the brand’s status in the EV landscape.
What Is the Lyriq-V?
The Lyriq was both Cadillac’s first electric vehicle and a rebranding effort for the company. With its long, low profile and dramatic design, the electric crossover exudes the grandeur of a classic Cadillac while maintaining a modern, refined aesthetic. The original Lyriq already offered over 500 horsepower, making it a quick performer. However, the Lyriq-V takes things even further by incorporating the brand’s V-Series heritage, akin to BMW M or Mercedes AMG.
The Lyriq-V features a powerful 615-horsepower engine and 650 lb-ft of torque, thanks to reworked motors. This power allows the Lyriq-V to achieve a 0-60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds, outpacing even the tire-shredding CT5-V Blackwing. It can complete the quarter mile in under 12 seconds and reach speeds over 130 mph.
Despite these impressive numbers, the Lyriq-V still manages to deliver an EPA range of 285 miles. It can accept up to 190 kilowatts from a DC fast charger, with a 10-80% charge taking around 40 minutes.
Features and Performance
What stands out about the Lyriq-V is its ability to blend comfort with performance. While it’s not a traditional sports car, it offers a fun driving experience on winding roads. The car’s chassis engineers have made several improvements, including stiffer anti-roll bars, Sachs Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adaptive dampers, and a retuned cooling system.
The Lyriq-V also comes with various drive modes, such as Competitive Mode, which maximizes power and enables brake-based torque-vectoring. V-Mode sharpens the suspension, while Velocity Max mode provides maximum power without affecting chassis settings.
Despite its aggressive running gear and standard summer performance tires, the Lyriq-V still delivers a comfortable ride. The Sachs CDC dampers allow for a wide range of adjustment, making the Lyriq-V an excellent city and highway cruiser.
Tech and Comfort
The Lyriq-V also offers some of Cadillac’s best tech features as standard, including Super Cruise hands-free driving and AKG surround sound. These features make the Lyriq-V an excellent daily driver, especially in heavy traffic.
Inside, the Lyriq-V boasts a crisp and quick software interface, along with a luxurious interior. The combination of comfort and technology makes it a standout in the luxury EV market.
Areas for Improvement
While the Lyriq-V is a remarkable vehicle, it’s important to note that it’s primarily an electric crossover rather than a dedicated performance car. Those looking for a track-focused vehicle may find it lacking. The Lyriq-V also carries over some issues from the regular version, such as front seat thigh support and rear seat LATCH anchor placement.
Additionally, the charging curve is still not the best in class, although engineers have improved cooling to address hot-weather charging concerns. The Lyriq-V also has a curb weight of 5,980 pounds and lacks a frunk, highlighting areas where General Motors needs to focus on future EV development.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Lyriq-V is a testament to Cadillac’s commitment to the electric vehicle market. Despite its weight, it offers an exceptional driving experience that blends the best of American luxury with modern technology. The Lyriq-V isn’t just an alternative to traditional luxury SUVs—it’s a superior product in terms of performance, software, and simplicity.
For those seeking a reliable and enjoyable daily driver, the Lyriq-V is a top choice. It represents a new era for Cadillac, proving that the transition to EVs is not just a necessity but an opportunity for innovation and excellence.
