Earlier this month, we reported on the official introduction of the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V in China. Normally, this wouldn’t be very big news since the Lyriq is a world car that is available in many global markets. However, the launch of the Lyriq-V in China is a big deal because it’s the very first Cadillac V-Series model to be available in the world’s biggest automotive market.
The Chinese-market Cadillac Lyriq-V will be built locally at the SAIC-GM Cadillac Jinquiao plant in Shanghai, alongside the non-V variants of the Lyriq already sold in China. This is also the production site of the Chinese-market Cadillac Optiq.
The Chinese version of the Cadillac Lyriq-V has a few small differences setting it apart from the USDM version. For starters, its dual-motor powertrain produces 595 horsepower, a little less than the 615-horsepower rating of the American Lyriq-V. The front bumper has smoothed lower moldings, and more gloss black is integrated into the front end. Also, the Chinese model has bigger mirrors and 21-inch wheels rather than the American version’s 22-inch wheels.
GM has shown off Cadillac V-Series models in China in the past, but it has never marketed any gas-powered V variants there. GM unveiled the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing in China in 2022 and again when it was refreshed in 2025, but these unveilings were purely for marketing purposes; GM has never actually sold these cars in China.
The Durant Guild markets high-end GM models in China from the Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac brands, but never a V-Series Cadillac. A few current models available in China via the Durant Guild include the Chevy Corvette, GMC Hummer EV, and Cadillac Celestiq.
With the introduction of the Cadillac Lyriq-V in the Chinese market, it’s reasonable to assume China will get future V-Series EVs. If and when V-Series models of the Optiq, Vistiq, and Escalade IQ are introduced, they’ll likely be more globally available than the ICE-powered V-Series models, whose days may be numbered.
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