The Cadillac Escalade is not exactly known for being eco-friendly, but General Motors is determined to introduce electric options across its entire lineup, including the large, three-row full-size SUV.
The all-electric 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ will start production next summer, using a similar approach to the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV trucks but applied to a luxury SUV. While it uses the name of an existing gas-powered model, this new Escalade is built on GM’s Ultium EV platform, featuring an EV-specific structure and modular battery pack.
Visually, the Escalade IQ resembles a larger version of the Cadillac Lyriq electric SUV. It maintains the hefty and upright appearance of the traditional Escalade but incorporates design elements from the Lyriq, such as a smiling front fascia, a lower roofline, and split taillights. Despite its enormous 24-inch wheels, GM claims it’s 15% more aerodynamic than its gas-powered counterparts.
The seven-seater IQ is just a bit longer than a standard Escalade, though Cadillac hasn’t confirmed if there will be an electric version of the extended Escalade ESV. It stands as tall as the original but has a longer wheelbase, providing more third-row legroom. Cargo space is slightly reduced compared to the gas model, but it compensates with a 12.2-cubic-foot frunk, which Cadillac dubs the “eTrunk.”
Inside, the technology surpasses even the standard Escalade. It boasts a 55-inch display screen that spans the entire dashboard. Integrated with Google services like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, it promises a high-tech user experience. An optional Executive Second Row adds 12.6-inch screens for passengers, a control touchscreen, dual wireless charging pads, and a 40-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system.
Powering the Escalade IQ is a massive 200-kilowatt-hour battery pack, offering an estimated 450 miles of range. This powers two electric motors, one on each axle, delivering 680 horsepower and 615 pound-feet of torque in normal mode. A performance mode called Velocity Max boosts these numbers to 750 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque, enabling the SUV to go from zero to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. Its towing capacity is 8,000 pounds, slightly below the gas model’s 8,200 pounds.
Charging the Escalade IQ is efficient, with the ability to gain 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes using DC fast charging. On a 19.2-kilowatt Level 2 AC charger, it can add 37 miles per hour of charge time, and 14.8 miles per hour with the included 7.7-kW dual-level AC charge cord. It can also charge other EVs or serve as a backup power source through vehicle-to-home (V2H) charging, although this feature will require a future software update and specific home hardware.
Four-wheel steering reduces its turning circle to 39.4 feet and includes an Arrival Mode, allowing the Escalade IQ to move diagonally at low speeds, similar to the Hummer EV’s Crab Walk. The air suspension allows for a Low Ride Mode that drops the SUV close to the ground (again, at low speeds).
Just like the traditional Escalade, the Escalade IQ will feature GM’s Super Cruise system, permitting hands-free driving on mapped highways, although drivers still need to pay attention to the road.
Pricing details for the Escalade IQ have not yet been disclosed, but it’s expected to be positioned between the Cadillac Lyriq, which starts around $60,000, and the Celestiq, a $340,000 handmade flagship EV aimed at the Rolls-Royce market. As the only electric full-size luxury SUV currently available, the Escalade IQ stands alone, at least for now, alongside its gasoline and diesel counterparts in showrooms.