What Makes the 2026 LYRIQ-V Different From the Standard LYRIQ? CDC Suspension, Brembo Brakes, and V-MODE Explained

The 2026 Cadillac LYRIQ-V is the first all-electric vehicle in Cadillac's V-Series performance family. It is a mid-size luxury SUV producing 615 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque through a dual-motor AWD setup, with a Cadillac-estimated 0-96 km/h time of 3.3 seconds with Velocity Max engaged. NRCan-rated range is 459 km on a full charge. The LYRIQ-V builds on the standard LYRIQ's platform and technology while adding a focused performance hardware package: Continuous Damping Control suspension, Brembo front performance brakes, 22-inch alloy wheels, and V-MODE with Competitive Mode.

This article covers what differentiates the LYRIQ-V from the standard LYRIQ lineup in terms of powertrain, chassis, technology, and cabin appointments. For a buyer evaluating the V-Series against the standard LYRIQ configurations, or simply researching what the LYRIQ-V delivers as a standalone vehicle, the specifications below are taken directly from confirmed Cadillac documentation.

Powertrain: 615 HP and 650 lb-ft

The LYRIQ-V uses a dual-motor AWD system with permanent magnet bar-wound motors at both axles. Total output is 615 hp and 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque. This makes the LYRIQ-V the highest-output LYRIQ in the lineup and, at time of production, the quickest Cadillac ever built.

Velocity Max is a driver-selectable feature that unlocks the vehicle's full performance capability. With Velocity Max active, the 3.3-second 0-96 km/h time becomes available. In normal driving modes, the LYRIQ-V delivers smooth, progressive acceleration typical of a dual-motor electric SUV, with the full performance output available on demand rather than continuously.

The final drive ratio is 11.59:1 front and 11.63:1 rear, which differs from the standard LYRIQ AWD's 9.87:1 front and 10.49:1 rear. The V-Series uses a higher final drive ratio on both axles, contributing to the stronger low-end torque response that supports the 3.3-second 0-96 km/h capability.

LYRIQ-V Powertrain Summary:

• Horsepower: 615 hp (458.6 kW)
• Torque: 650 lb-ft (880 Nm)
• 0-96 km/h (Velocity Max): 3.3 seconds
• Drivetrain: Dual Motor AWD
• Battery: 102 kWh usable
• NRCan range: 459 km

Chassis: CDC Suspension and Brembo Brakes

The LYRIQ-V's performance chassis is built around three hardware changes from the standard LYRIQ:

Continuous Damping Control (CDC): The LYRIQ-V uses 5-link independent suspension at all four corners with CDC advanced adaptive valve-based damper technology. The system adjusts damper stiffness in real time based on road input, driver mode, and lateral load. This gives the LYRIQ-V a sport-tuned but adaptable ride character and firmer in SPORT and V-MODE, more compliant in TOUR.

Brembo front performance brakes: The front brake setup uses 390 mm fixed-caliper Brembo rotors, delivering the stopping power consistent with the V-Series performance output. Rear brakes use sliding calipers with 345 mm rotors. The quicker steering ratio compared to the standard LYRIQ further contributes to its responsive handling character.

22-inch alloy wheels: Standard fitment on the LYRIQ-V is 22-inch alloy wheels with 275/40R22 low-profile summer-only self-sealing tyres. The larger wheel diameter relative to standard LYRIQ configurations provides sharper cornering response and a more sport-forward visual stance.

V-MODE and Performance Technology

The LYRIQ-V adds the full V-Series technology package on top of the standard LYRIQ's driver mode selector:

V-MODE is accessible via a dedicated V button on the steering wheel and through the Drive Mode app on the 33-inch diagonal LED display. It stores a personalised performance configuration including Competitive Mode settings, Electric Vehicle Sound Enhancement tuning, and custom calibrations for accelerator response, suspension damping, steering weight, and brake feel. A single press of the V button restores the full saved configuration.

Competitive Mode enables a suite of traction management features engineered to extract maximum performance from the chassis, specifically for spirited driving and track-oriented use.

Launch Control delivers consistent 3.3-second 0-96 km/h runs when engaged in V-MODE or Velocity Max. The system holds the vehicle at a prepared launch state and releases power in a controlled manner for repeatable acceleration.

The LYRIQ-V also features a multi-layered sound experience: unique interior and exterior V-Series signature sounds are synchronised for an orchestrated experience during performance driving. This is tunable within V-MODE.

Interior: V-Series Appointments

The LYRIQ-V carries all of the standard LYRIQ's technology, including the 23-speaker AKG Studio audio system with Dolby Atmos, the 33-inch diagonal LED display, and the fixed panoramic glass roof. V-Series-specific interior additions include:

• A V-Series-badged steering wheel with sport rim, sculpted hand grips, and an aluminum Regen On Demand paddle
• Power-adjustable seat bolsters on driver and front passenger seatbacks and seat cushions
• V-Series illuminated sill plate
• Paperwood décor as standard, with available Nappa leather seating and available V-pattern embroidery on seatbacks
• Augmented Reality Head-Up Display standard on the LYRIQ-V (not available on standard LYRIQ trims)
• Infotainment customisation options specific to the V-Series persona

The LYRIQ-V also adds an available dual-plane Augmented Reality Head-Up Display, which layers navigation and performance data onto the windshield in a format designed for the driving position.

Range and Charging

The LYRIQ-V's 102 kWh battery delivers 459 km of NRCan-rated range. This positions the LYRIQ-V at slightly less range than the standard LYRIQ AWD (513 km) and standard LYRIQ RWD (525 km), a difference that reflects the higher-output powertrain calibration and 22-inch low-profile tyre combination.

Charging times confirmed from documentation:

All LYRIQ-V units include a Dual Level Charge Cord. The native NACS charging port provides access to the full North American fast charging network.

LYRIQ-V vs. Standard LYRIQ: Key Differences

Explore the LYRIQ-V at Mont-Royal Cadillac

The team at Mont-Royal Cadillac in Montréal can go through the LYRIQ-V's full specification, V-MODE configuration options, and charging setup with you directly. Contact the dealership to arrange a visit and get specific answers about how the V-Series performance package fits your driving use.