2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ with 460-mile range for $129,095

General Motors continues its assault on the high-end EV category with the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ, an electrified version of the three-row luxury Escalade SUV, unveiled in New York in August.

The Escalade IQ has its own design, platform, interior, and drivetrain, so its relationship to the gasoline-powered Escalade is in name only.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is expected to hit the market in 2024. It will be sold in sport and luxury models and will be available in one and two trims. The Luxury model will feature brushed aluminum trim, while the Sport model will have a dark metal finish. The Escalade IQ is priced at $129,095, including a $1,395 destination charge. Level 2 equipment adds more, as does the Executive Second Row, and depending on the configuration, the electric SUV exceeds $159,000.

Like the GMC Hummer EV and the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV that follow, the Escalade IQ increases power and battery size. Two motors, one in the front and one in the rear, deliver a maximum output of 750 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque. In what Cadillac calls “Velocity Max” mode, the car delivers maximum power and performance, with 680 hp and 615 lb-ft in normal mode. The one-pedal driving mode is part of a regenerative braking system that Cadillac calls Variable Regen on Demand. Cadillac estimates the maximum towing capacity at 8,000 lbs.

The motor is powered by the same Ultium 24-module, 200+ kwh (estimated 205 kwh) battery as the Hummer EV pickup, and Cadillac gives it a range of 460 miles. The vehicle has an 800-volt architecture and can extend its range by 100 miles in 10 minutes with a 350kw DC fast charger. It can also charge up to 19.2 amps with a 240-volt outlet, adding 37 miles per hour, according to Cadillac. In addition, it has a two-way charging capability that can charge household items offered through GM Energy's Ultium Home product.

The Escalade IQ may be different from its gas siblings, but the family resemblance is still there, with its tall, blocky shape, long, high-set hood, and the brand's signature vertical headlights and taillights. The nose features a “crystal shield” instead of a grille, but it is still in the shape of the Cadillac shield logo. The roofline is also different, with a greater overall slope and a more gentle downward angle at the rear instead of the blocky appearance and sharp downward angle of the gas model. Overall, it has a 15% lower drag coefficient than the gas model.

Buyers can choose from seven colors, including black, and a black roof is offered on all models. Large 275/50R24 tires, 35 inches in diameter, fill the large wheel wells.

Cadillac has sized the Escalade IQ between the regular and long wheelbase versions of the gas model, but at 224.3 inches in length, it is within 2.7 inches of the long wheelbase version. the IQ's wheelbase is actually 2.1 inches longer than the 136.2-inch Escalade L, partly because the front wheels have been moved forward 11.8 inches and the front overhang has been reduced.

However, interior space is closer to the standard Escalade, mainly because Cadillac has moved the greenhouse back almost 11 inches. Cargo space is best at 119.2 cubic feet behind the first row, compared to 121 cubic feet in the standard Escalade. However, the long hood makes room for a 12.2 cubic foot frunk. Cadillac says it can hold two golf bags.

Underneath the Escalade IQ is a four-corner air suspension and fourth-generation GM magnetic dampers. The air suspension can raise the ride height by 1.0 inch and lower it by 2.0 inches. A short-arm/long-arm independent suspension controls front and rear wheel movement. Standard rear wheel steering shortens the turning circle by approximately 6.5 feet to 39. According to Cadillac, at 4 feet, the Cadillac Arrival Mode moves the vehicle at an angle to facilitate entry and exit into parking spaces. All of this is built on a dedicated EV platform with the battery as part of the structure.

Inside, the Escalade IQ features a high-tech dashboard with a full-width 55.0-inch banked digital screen, consisting of a 35.0-inch digital meter cluster and center touchscreen and a 20.0-inch passenger screen. Below that on the center console is an additional 11.0-inch touchscreen that controls climate and vehicle settings, including an available power open door. These doors can open automatically when the driver approaches, and Cadillac also includes a touch-activated power opening charge port. A standard panoramic fixed glass roof adds a sense of openness to the cabin.

The display is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon Cockpit Platform with Unreal Engine graphics and Google Built-in, Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play It runs a Google-based system; it does not include support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which GM announced in April.

Standard seating is for seven passengers, with a choice of second-row captain's chairs or an executive second-row package with mirrored front seats and rear bucket seats with heating, cooling, and massage capabilities. This package includes a rear center console with fold-down airline-style table, a 12.6-inch rear entertainment screen, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen in addition to the two wireless smartphone chargers that come standard up front, comfort controls, including power-opening rear doors. In all versions, seat upholstery is synthetic leather.

A 19-speaker AKG audio system is standard, and a 36-speaker AKG system is included with Level 2 equipment. The Executive Second Row package, which adds two speakers in each second-row headrest, increases the number of speakers to 40.

GM's hands-free Super Cruise driving assist feature is also standard (but only for three years). There is also a blind sport monitor with steering assist, a surround-view camera system, automatic parking, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection.

Note: This article has been updated with official pricing and revised ranges