The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ represents a significant milestone in luxury electric SUVs, combining Cadillac’s iconic design with cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) technology. As the all-electric iteration of the renowned Escalade, the Escalade IQ offers a harmonious blend of performance, comfort, and advanced features.
Powertrain and Performance
At the heart of the Escalade IQ lies a robust dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, delivering a remarkable 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque. This formidable power enables the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.4 seconds, providing a dynamic driving experience. The vehicle is equipped with a substantial 24-module battery pack, boasting a capacity of over 200 kWh, which contributes to an estimated driving range of around 450 miles on a full charge.
For rapid charging, the Escalade IQ supports DC fast charging at rates up to 350 kW, allowing for quick replenishment of the battery.
Dimensions and Cargo Space
Designed with spaciousness in mind, the Escalade IQ measures 224.3 inches in length, 82.4 inches in width, and 76.1 inches in height. Its wheelbase is 136.2 inches, providing ample interior space for passengers and cargo. The SUV offers 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 69.1 cubic feet with the third row folded flat. For additional storage, the front trunk provides extra capacity, enhancing the vehicle’s practicality.
Interior Features
The Escalade IQ’s interior is a testament to Cadillac’s commitment to luxury and technology. It features a 55-inch combined media and driver display, integrating infotainment and driver information systems into a seamless interface. The vehicle comes standard with a 19-speaker AKG premium audio system, ensuring an immersive listening experience. Comfort is prioritized with heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats, as well as heated second-row seats. The hands-free Super Cruise driver assistance system is also standard, enabling hands-free driving on compatible highways.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is paramount in the Escalade IQ, which is equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. These include forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot intervention, lane departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. These technologies work in unison to enhance driver awareness and provide a secure driving environment.
Pricing and Availability
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is available in multiple trims, including Luxury 1, Luxury 2, Sport 1, and Sport 2. The starting price for the Luxury 1 trim is $127,700, with higher trims offering additional features and amenities at increased prices. Production of the Escalade IQ began in late 2024 at GM’s Factory Zero plant in Detroit, with deliveries to dealerships expected to commence in mid-2025.
Exterior Design
In addition to the standard-length Escalade IQ, Cadillac introduced the extended-length Escalade IQL variant in mid-2025. The IQL adds 4.2 inches to the overall length, providing extra legroom for third-row passengers and increased cargo capacity. It offers 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 75.4 cubic feet with the third row folded flat, plus an additional 12.2 cubic feet in the front trunk. The IQL is equipped with a 205 kWh battery pack, delivering an estimated range of 460 miles, and supports rapid charging capabilities. The starting price for the IQL is $132,695.
Extended-Length Variant: Escalade IQL
- Bold Front Fascia: The front of the Escalade IQ retains the commanding, bold presence of the traditional Escalade, but with a modern twist. The signature vertical LED headlamps are now slimmer and more refined, adding to the futuristic look. The illuminated Cadillac crest on the grille adds a touch of sophistication and draws attention to the vehicle’s premium nature.
- Sculpted Body Lines: The SUV features smooth, flowing lines from front to rear, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency. The body panels are clean with subtle creases that give the vehicle a muscular, athletic profile while maintaining elegance.
- Large, Aerodynamic Wheels: The Escalade IQ is fitted with 22-inch alloy wheels with a sleek, modern design. The wheels are not only visually striking but are also engineered to improve aerodynamic performance, helping the vehicle’s range. The design complements the SUV’s upscale appearance while enhancing its road presence.
- Illuminated Details: As an all-electric luxury SUV, the Escalade IQ features illuminated details such as a full-width light bar that runs across the rear, adding to its modern aesthetic. These lighting features are more than just for show—they help improve visibility and give the vehicle a futuristic glow, especially at night.
- Streamlined, Functional Shape: The design prioritizes both beauty and functionality. The sleek profile reduces drag, improving efficiency and range. The rear end, for example, is sculpted with a high lip, contributing to better aerodynamics while providing a sportier, performance-oriented look.
Interior Design
- Luxurious Cabin: The cabin of the Escalade IQ is a sanctuary of luxury. Every surface is thoughtfully designed using premium materials like leather, suede, and wood accents. You’ll find hand-stitched leather upholstery across the dashboard, door panels, and seats, contributing to the opulent feel of the interior.
- Innovative 55-inch OLED Display: One of the most striking features of the interior is the 55-inch OLED screen that spans across the dashboard. This massive curved screen seamlessly integrates driver and passenger displays. It provides easy access to all infotainment features, navigation, and driver-assistance systems. The OLED technology offers vivid colors, deep contrasts, and a visually impressive experience.
- Minimalist Control Layout: The cabin follows a minimalist design approach. The center console, for instance, features a clean, uncluttered design with tactile buttons and a rotary dial for ease of use. There’s a sense of calm and simplicity, with the focus on the technology and driving experience, rather than an overload of physical buttons.
- Seating Comfort: The seats in the Escalade IQ are designed for ultimate comfort. The front seats are not only heated and ventilated, but they also feature massage functionality, adding an extra layer of luxury. The second-row captain’s chairs are spacious and provide ample legroom, while the third-row seats are still roomy, but more suited to shorter trips or for children.
- Ambient Lighting: To enhance the cabin experience, the Escalade IQ offers ambient LED lighting throughout the interior. The lighting can be customized to match your mood, whether you prefer a calming soft white light or vibrant, dynamic colors. The lighting is strategically placed along the door panels, center console, and around the dashboard to add an upscale, modern feel.
- Sustainable Materials: As part of Cadillac’s effort to reduce its carbon footprint, the interior also incorporates sustainable materials, including recycled fabrics, vegan leather options, and reclaimed wood. These materials do not compromise the luxury feel and showcase Cadillac’s commitment to sustainability without sacrificing style.
Technology and Features
- Super Cruise: The Escalade IQ’s Super Cruise system provides hands-free driving on compatible highways, allowing for a more relaxed driving experience. The system uses a combination of radar, cameras, and LiDAR to keep the vehicle centered in its lane, while also being able to adjust to road conditions.
- Wireless Charging and Connectivity: The vehicle is equipped with multiple USB-C charging ports, including a wireless charging pad for devices. The infotainment system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, and the vehicle’s system can receive over-the-air updates, ensuring the car stays current with the latest software improvements.
- Driver-Centric Layout: The driver’s seat has a high-tech yet intuitive layout. With the heads-up display, the driver can view essential information such as speed, navigation instructions, and driving modes without taking their eyes off the road. A digital rearview mirror offers a clearer view behind the vehicle, especially useful when the cabin is fully loaded with passengers or cargo.
Aerodynamic Features
- Active Aerodynamics: The Escalade IQ incorporates advanced active aerodynamic features such as an active grille shutter and a rear spoiler, both of which adjust automatically based on speed and driving conditions. This helps optimize airflow, reduce drag, and improve the SUV’s range.
- Flush Door Handles: The flush door handles are designed to pop out when touched, contributing to a smoother exterior profile and reducing wind resistance when the vehicle is in motion.
Exterior Color Options
- The Escalade IQ offers a range of luxurious and contemporary paint colors, including Gloss Black, Midnight Metallic, Crystal White Tricoat, and a limited-edition Electric Blue that reflects the car’s all-electric nature. These colors are complemented by sleek chrome or matte finishes for a premium look.
Powertrain and Performance
- Electric Motor System: The Escalade IQ features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup, designed to provide excellent traction and power delivery. This allows the Escalade IQ to reach 0-60 mph in a rapid 4.4 seconds, proving it’s as much about performance as luxury.
- Battery Capacity: The SUV boasts a 200 kWh+ battery pack, offering impressive energy density. This means a potential driving range of over 450 miles per charge, making it a practical long-distance electric SUV.
- Charging Speed: It comes with DC fast-charging capability, offering charging speeds up to 350 kW. In optimal conditions, the battery can gain 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes of charging, providing convenience for long road trips.
Dimensions and Cargo Capacity
- Length: 224.3 inches (about 18.7 feet).
- Width: 82.4 inches.
- Height: 76.1 inches.
- Wheelbase: 136.2 inches.This size gives it a commanding presence on the road, while still maintaining an interior that’s spacious and comfortable for up to seven passengers.
- Cargo Space: The rear cargo area offers 23.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats. When the third row is folded down, this increases significantly to 69.1 cubic feet. Additionally, the front trunk area (frunk) provides extra storage capacity, ideal for smaller items you want to keep separate from the main cabin.
Interior and Technology
- Infotainment System: The centerpiece of the cabin is a 55-inch curved OLED display that seamlessly integrates driver and passenger displays. The system provides advanced navigation, media, and driver assistance features in a visually stunning way.
- Audio System: Cadillac partners with AKG to deliver a 19-speaker premium audio system, offering crystal-clear sound throughout the cabin, perfect for audiophiles and music lovers.
- Seating: Premium materials like leather and suede are used throughout the interior. The front seats are power-adjustable, ventilated, and heated. The second-row seats also offer heating and ample legroom. The third-row seating, while spacious, is ideal for shorter trips, though the extended Escalade IQL model improves this with added legroom.
- Driver Assistance: The Escalade IQ is equipped with Cadillac’s Super Cruise hands-free driving technology, which works on over 200,000 miles of compatible highways in North America. It also features adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and other autonomous driving aids to reduce driver fatigue.
Safety Features
- Comprehensive Safety Suite: As expected from a luxury brand, Cadillac includes a full range of safety features:
- Forward Collision Warning: Alerts you if a potential collision is detected ahead.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Can apply brakes to avoid or reduce the severity of a collision.
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection: An essential feature for urban environments.
- Surround-View Camera System: Provides a 360-degree view of your surroundings, aiding parking and low-speed maneuvering.
- Blind-Spot Intervention: Alerts and helps steer you back into your lane if you inadvertently move into another vehicle’s blind spot.
Pricing and Trim Levels
- Luxury 1: The base model starts at around $127,700 and comes with a wide range of premium features like leather upholstery, a 19-speaker sound system, and the impressive 55-inch OLED display.
- Luxury 2: A step up in features and finishes, offering enhanced materials, additional technology, and more advanced safety systems.
- Sport 1 and 2: These trims cater to those seeking a sportier edge, with unique exterior styling, a more aggressive suspension setup, and performance-oriented features.
Extended-Length Escalade IQL
- For those who need even more space, the Escalade IQL variant offers an extended length, adding over 4 inches to the overall length of the SUV. This means more room for passengers in the third row and an increase in cargo space. With a starting price of $132,695, the IQL is an ideal choice for families or those who require maximum space.
Driving Experience
- Handling: Despite its size, the Escalade IQ features advanced air suspension and rear-wheel steering, making it surprisingly nimble for such a large vehicle. This allows the SUV to handle tight corners and narrow parking spaces with ease.
- Comfort: Cadillac has designed the Escalade IQ with the utmost comfort in mind, incorporating a multi-zone climate control system, massaging seats, and noise-reducing materials for a serene cabin environment.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Features
- Carbon Footprint: As an all-electric vehicle, the Escalade IQ offers a cleaner alternative to its gasoline-powered counterparts, reducing carbon emissions significantly.
- Recycled Materials: Cadillac uses sustainable materials in the construction of the Escalade IQ, including recycled plastics and vegan leather options, in an effort to minimize the vehicle’s environmental impact.
Conclusion
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is an extraordinary combination of performance, luxury, and sustainability. With its bold design, electrifying performance, cutting-edge technology, and spacious interior, it is a game-changer in the luxury electric SUV market. Whether you prioritize long-range capability, advanced tech, or simply the prestige of driving a Cadillac, the Escalade IQ delivers in every department.
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