Cadillac was Canada’s top luxury electric vehicle (EV) sales leader in 2025 and has achieved six consecutive years of growth. Nearly 40% of Cadillac’s new-vehicle sales are EVs, and over 60% of buyers are new to the brand, providing an opportunity to build a new base of loyal customers. Adding to this momentum is the mid-size Cadillac LYRIQ-V Premium, which we recently drove. It is the newest variant in the popular LYRIQ lineup, and as Cadillac’s fastest-accelerating vehicle yet (0 to 96 km/h in 3.3 seconds), its high-performance identity aligns perfectly with the brand’s investment in a Formula 1® (F1) racing team that debuted this season.
This ties into an old auto industry maxim referring to a brand’s ability to sell more passenger cars as a result of racing success—and this is exactly what Cadillac hopes to achieve through its F1 involvement, in addition to showcasing the brand on a global stage.
In other words, racing prowess is proof of engineering capability. It earns bragging rights, enhances brand desirability, and drives product innovation, as certain race car technologies can trickle down to passenger vehicles (for example, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters were once a race car innovation but are now common in many road cars).
With F1 representing the highest level of motorsport, this is a massive investment by Cadillac, given the astronomical costs of operating a top-tier racing team. Still, the brand is betting on its engineering expertise to build competitive race cars—and we admire that confidence.
LYRIQ-V Premium, MSRP starting at $101,256
The LYRIQ-V Premium is the best overall EV we have driven to date. We were impressed with its power delivery, composed road manners, well-tuned sport brakes, and its ability to transform from a refined luxury cruiser into a road missile at the touch of the “V” drive mode.
If we had to point out any flaws, we’d note that the rear window could benefit from a wiper, and the memory seat system would be improved with one-touch functionality. That said, the LYRIQ-V Premium’s sleek, upscale exterior styling is consistently invigorating. The vehicle looks especially striking in black, which pairs well with the 22-inch matte-black wheels. The choreographed welcome lighting further enhances its sharp design and premium feel.
Its 102-kWh battery and dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrain produce up to 615 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The large battery provides up to 458 km of range on a full charge. However, due to its size, a full recharge takes approximately 6 to 8 hours using a home or public Level 2 charger. With a Level 3 fast charger, expect about 45 minutes to go from 10% to 80%.
Most EVs handle well thanks to their even weight distribution and low centre of gravity, but the LYRIQ-V Premium’s adaptive suspension further enhances ride comfort and handling confidence. Its sport-tuned steering system also delivers precise maneuverability.
The interior is just as polished as the exterior, highlighted by a sweeping 33-inch LED display that integrates both driving information and the infotainment system, which includes Google built-in. The cantilevered centre console is both distinctive and functional, featuring a volume control roller, a mouse-like infotainment controller, a space-saving wireless phone charger, and easily accessible USB-C ports. The 23-speaker AKG® premium audio system with Dolby Atmos® delivers impressively crisp and powerful sound.
Super Cruise comes standard—Cadillac’s hands-free driving system, which is among the best in the industry and can even perform hands-free lane changes.
Other thoughtful features we appreciated include:
- A one-pedal driving system with adjustable regenerative braking strength (a feature unique to electrified vehicles that helps recover energy during braking and coasting), along with a steering wheel-mounted deceleration paddle for quick slowing without using the brake pedal
- Ample interior storage space, including a lower console tray with a sensor-activated light that turns on when you reach in, then switches off automatically. All four lower door panel cupholders are also illuminated
- Front seats with a massage function and dual heating controls—one for the seatback only, and another for both the seatback and seat cushion
Time will tell whether Cadillac’s F1 investment—and any resulting racing success—will translate into increased sales. However, the growing number of LYRIQs on the road already suggests strong demand. Our lasting impression is that this EV feels like a traditional luxury vehicle that happens to be electric.
What we mean is that, unlike some EVs, there are no unconventional steering wheel designs or oddly placed driver displays. Charging is straightforward and relatively quick, and physical buttons are retained for commonly used functions—all of which help first-time EV buyers transition more comfortably to electric ownership.
