Cars

2026 Cadillac Lyriq Review: Electric Range, Price, & Specs

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

2026 Cadillac Lyriq Review: Electric Range, Price, & Specs

The luxury electric vehicle (EV) market is heating up, and Cadillac is positioning itself as a serious contender with the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq. As the brand’s first fully electric SUV, the Lyriq represents a pivotal shift toward a sustainable, tech-forward future. With impressive electric range, a refined interior, cutting-edge technology, and competitive pricing, the 2026 Lyriq aims to challenge established players like the Tesla Model Y, BMW iX, and Genesis GV70 Electrified.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq’s electric range, price structure, performance specs, safety features, interior and exterior design, tech innovations, and ownership experience. Whether you're considering your first EV or upgrading from a gas-powered luxury SUV, this guide will help you understand what makes the Lyriq a compelling option in the premium EV segment.

2026 Cadillac Lyriq Overview

The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq builds upon the strong foundation of its debut model, incorporating customer feedback and technological advancements for a refined driving experience. As part of General Motors' Ultium platform, the Lyriq features a flexible electric architecture allowing for extended range, rapid charging, and scalable powertrains.

Available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, the 2026 Lyriq offers a balance of performance and efficiency. It’s built for the modern luxury driver who values sustainability without compromising on comfort, style, or tech.

With Cadillac’s renewed focus on design and innovation, the Lyriq stands out with bold styling cues, a futuristic interior, and a commitment to a seamless digital experience. Let’s explore the key features that define this electric SUV.

Exterior Design: Bold, Modern, and Aerodynamic

The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq continues the brand’s signature design language with a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette that turns heads. Measuring 193.9 inches in length and standing just over 64 inches tall, the Lyriq offers a commanding presence while maintaining a low drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd for improved efficiency.

Front fascia highlights include the illuminated black crystal grille, which houses an array of LED lighting elements that animate during vehicle approach or departure. This signature lighting feature, combined with slim vertical LED headlights, enhances the vehicle’s futuristic appeal.

Along the profile, the Lyriq features flush door handles and a gently sloping roofline that flows into a coupe-like rear end. The available 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels further emphasize its athletic stance. At the rear, a full-width LED light bar and sculpted bumper add to the modern aesthetic.

Available exterior colors include Radiant Red Tintcoat, Stellar Black Metallic, Silver Sky Metallic, and the popular Opulent Blue Metallic, which gives the SUV a premium, jewel-like finish under sunlight.

Overall, the 2026 Lyriq strikes a balance between Cadillac’s heritage and forward-thinking design, appealing to both traditional luxury buyers and early EV adopters.

Interior & Comfort: A Digital Luxury Lounge

Step inside the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq, and you’re greeted by a minimalist yet opulent cabin that redefines luxury in the EV age. The centerpiece is the massive 33-inch diagonal LED display that spans the dashboard. This curved screen is not only visually stunning but also integrates instrument cluster, infotainment, and vehicle settings through a 9K resolution touchscreen powered by Google Built-In.

The Lyriq’s interior materials are top-tier, with available semi-aniline leather seating, genuine wood trim, and hand-finished aluminum accents. The heated and ventilated front seats offer 16-way power adjustment with memory settings, while available massaging functions elevate comfort on long drives.

Rear passengers benefit from generous legroom (40.6 inches) and a nearly flat floor — a hallmark of EV platforms. The panoramic fixed glass roof floods the cabin with natural light, creating an airy atmosphere. Noise isolation is exceptional, thanks to acoustic laminated glass and active noise cancellation technology, making for a serene ride whether you're in the city or on the highway.

Storage space is practical, with a 28.1 cubic foot trunk behind the rear seats and additional underfloor storage for charging cables or small items. The absence of a traditional transmission tunnel frees up space for center console storage and a wireless charging pad.

Electric Range & Charging: Real-World Performance

One of the most critical aspects of any EV is its electric range, and the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq delivers impressively. Thanks to its 100.4 kWh Ultium battery pack, the RWD version of the Lyriq is EPA-estimated to achieve up to 312 miles on a single charge. The AWD variant, with dual motors, sees a slight reduction in range, delivering up to 295 miles.

These figures place the Lyriq competitively within its class. For comparison, the Tesla Model Y Long Range offers 330 miles, while the BMW iX xDrive50 offers 324 miles. The Lyriq’s range is more than sufficient for daily commutes, weekend getaways, and even cross-state travel with proper planning.

Charging speed is another strong point. The Lyriq supports DC fast charging at up to 190 kW, allowing it to regain up to 76 miles of range in just 10 minutes when connected to a compatible charger. Using a Level 2 home charger (11.5 kW), owners can fully recharge the battery in approximately 10–11 hours, making overnight charging convenient.

Cadillac also includes access to the GM-owned Ultium Charge 360 network, which features over 100,000 public charging points across North America. The onboard navigation system intelligently routes drivers to available chargers and can pre-condition the battery for optimal charging speed in cold weather.

Performance & Driving Dynamics

The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq is more than just a comfortable cruiser — it’s a capable performer. The base RWD model is powered by a single electric motor producing 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0–60 mph sprint in about 6.5 seconds. For drivers seeking more power and better traction, the AWD version uses dual motors to generate 455 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque, slashing acceleration time to under 5 seconds.

Despite its substantial weight (around 5,200 lbs), the Lyriq handles corners with confidence thanks to its adaptive air suspension (available on Premium and Sport trims) and precise electric power steering. The low center of gravity from the floor-mounted battery enhances stability and reduces body roll.

Regenerative braking is adjustable via steering wheel paddles, offering one-pedal driving capability. In higher regen modes, lifting off the accelerator slows the vehicle significantly, allowing for fewer brake applications in city driving.

Ride comfort is excellent, with the Lyriq absorbing bumps and road imperfections with ease. The standard suspension provides a plush ride, while the adaptive version fine-tunes damping in real time based on road conditions and driving mode.

Driving modes — Tour, Sport, and Snow/Ice — allow drivers to tailor the vehicle’s responsiveness, steering weight, and traction control. The Lyriq also features a unique “QuietTuning” strategy, reducing cabin noise and enhancing the electric driving experience.

Technology & Infotainment

The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq is a showcase of next-generation technology. The centerpiece is the 33-inch LED display — the largest in any production vehicle — which delivers vibrant visuals and intuitive controls. The system runs on Google Built-In, offering:

Additional tech highlights include a 14-speaker AKG audio system, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and a digital key that allows smartphone-based locking, unlocking, and starting of the vehicle via the Cadillac Mobile app.

The Lyriq also features a 15-inch head-up display (HUD) that projects speed, navigation, and driver assistance alerts directly onto the windshield. This reduces the need to glance down at the instrument cluster, increasing safety.

Wireless device charging, Bluetooth 5.0, and multiple USB-C ports ensure all passengers stay connected. The vehicle also supports over-the-air (OTA) software updates, allowing Cadillac to improve performance, add new features, and fix bugs remotely — a feature increasingly important in modern EV ownership.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety is a top priority in the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq, which comes standard with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features known as Cadillac Active Safety Package. This includes:

Available upgrades include Super Cruise, Cadillac’s hands-free highway driving system. Super Cruise allows for autonomous driving on over 400,000 miles of compatible highways in the U.S. and Canada. Using a driver attention system, LiDAR map data, and real-time sensor input, Super Cruise ensures safe and relaxed long-distance travel.

The Lyriq also features a surround-view camera system, rear pedestrian alert, and night vision assist (available on higher trims), which detects pedestrians and large animals in low-light conditions.

While official NHTSA and IIHS crash test ratings for the 2026 model are pending, the structural integrity of the Ultium platform and advanced safety systems suggest strong performance in evaluations.

Trim Levels & Pricing

The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq is available in three primary trim levels: Luxury, Premium, and Sport. Each offers a different balance of features, performance, and price to suit various buyer preferences.

1. Lyriq Luxury (RWD)

2. Lyriq Premium (RWD or AWD)

3. Lyriq Sport (AWD only)

Additional options include the Technology Package (adds Super Cruise and night vision), the Enhanced Vision Package (includes heads-up display and surround vision), and various appearance packages.

It’s important to note that eligible buyers may qualify for the federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500 under the Inflation Reduction Act. State and local incentives may further reduce the effective purchase price. Always check with your dealer and the IRS for current eligibility.

Ownership & Maintenance

EV ownership brings lower maintenance costs compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq has fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and reduced brake wear due to regenerative braking.

Cadillac offers a comprehensive warranty package:

The Ultium battery is designed for long-term durability, with Cadillac projecting less than 10% capacity loss over 10 years under normal usage. Battery preconditioning and thermal management help maintain longevity in extreme temperatures.

Owners also benefit from