Cadillac has discontinued the Velocity powertrain upgrade with the launch of the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq, eliminating the $1,200 software-based performance boost previously offered for the 2024 model year. The upgrade previously unlocked more torque and quicker 0-to-60 mph times. Nevertheless, performance fans can still wait for the launch of the new 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V.
For readers who may have missed it, the Velocity upgrade was an over-the-air update specific to the 2024 Lyriq AWD. Vehicle owners who opted for this upgrade received Velocity Mode as a replacement for Sport Mode, with maximum torque increased by 74 pound-feet, up from 450 pound-feet to 524 pound-feet, matching specs the Chinese-spec Lyriq AWD. The extra twist also cut the 0-to-60 mph time from 4.7 seconds to 4.4 seconds, all while providing a more exciting and engaging driving experience.
Unfortunately, the upgrade will not return with the launch of the 2025 Lyriq. Additionally, Cadillac has also scrapped plans to offer the upgrade for 2023-model-year vehicles, despite prior statements to the contrary.
Lyriq-V
While the Velocity upgrade is no longer an option, Cadillac is still offering performance enthusiasts a shot at some of that go-fast goodness via the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V. Making its formal debut in October of 2024, the Cadillac Lyriq-V brings a substantial performance boost compared to the standard Lyriq AWD, running a dual-motor setup with a 102 kWh Ultium battery pack and 615 horsepower with 650 pound-feet of torque, dropping the 0-to-60 mph time to 3.3 seconds with Velocity Max mode activated.
Handling is managed by a five-link independent suspension Continuous Damping Control, advanced adaptive valve-based dampers, and Continuously Variable Electric Power Steering, plus large 15.35-inch Brembo brakes in front and 13.6-inch brakes in back.
Lyriq-V
Pricing for the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V starts at $79,990, including destination freight charge, with production scheduled to begin in early 2025.
All Cadillac Lyriq variants are built on GM’s BEV3 platform and feature by GM Ultium Drive motors and an Ultium battery pack. Production takes place at the GM Spring Hill plant in Tennessee.
Comments
This “upgrade” was NEVER available! It only existed on paper. They might have performed an OTA a few times as a trial (I assume GM was unhappy with the results).
I got my 2024 LYRIQ AWD in May of ’24 and immediately reached out to OnStar (the client point-of-contact for purchasing this) to discuss VELOCITY but was told it is not yet available. They passed me on to the Cadillac EV Concierge who was very polite and took my info, with a promise to reach out when the feature came online. I never heard from anyone. Over the last 7 months, I have reached out to OnStar on 4 occasions for different things and asked about VELOCITY each time. I was given the same answer each time.
I have also spoke to Cadillac trainers about the subject (I’ve been part of Cadillac’s dealer body for 25 years). They all told me not to hold my breath.
VELOCITY Upgrade was the definition of Vaporware.
It was available but it caused issues with future OTA updates so they stopped it. It wasn’t just a test. I know some on the Cadillac forums that purchased it.
It could only be purchased via a link on the OnStar webpage and it was only available for a short time. Calling OnStar isn’t how you got it.
They could have made the same gains by just having a sport mode that didn’t limit torque until you were going 40 MPH. While the “swell” style power delivery is very smooth, the Lyriq does not ever feel punchy and I’m curious if this upgrade would have changed that.