2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ

Another step on Cadillac’s path to a fully electrified lineup, the Escalade IQ will augment a thirsty lineup of combustion-driven full-size luxury SUVs with a version running on electrons. Cadillac says the Escalade IQ should deliver 450 miles of range and be able to hit 60 mph in less than five seconds. The “IQ” designation continues an EV naming strategy initiated with the Lyriq midsize SUV, Optiq compact SUV, and the forthcoming ultra-luxury Celestiq sedan.

The Escalade IQ is totally new. It’s not just an electric version of its gas-powered counterpart, but built on a dedicated EV platform, and produced at a special Cadillac EV facility in Michigan.

We’re sure the Escalade IQ will ooze luxury, benefitting from the smooth, silent power delivery of its all-electric drivetrain, which has up to 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque. Cadillac says it has engineered this large SUV to be the “best-driving, most maneuverable Escalade” so far. An adaptive suspension is on the standard features list, along with 4-wheel steering and the Super Cruise hands-free driving system. A full set of driver assistance features is also standard, while a self-parking function is on the options list.

Escalade models tend to have roomy first- and second-row seating, with a pair of reclining captain’s chairs populating the second row. Unless we need to cart around more than seven people, we prefer the comfort of those captain’s chairs. An Executive Second Row Seating Package available for the Luxury 2 and Sport 2 trims makes the second row even fancier with what Cadillac calls a Rear Command Center and 14-way heated, ventilated, and massaging seats.

The current gas-powered Escalade sports a larger third row than its predecessors. It still doesn’t quite measure up to competitors like the Lincoln Navigator, but at least that area is now functional. The new Escalade IQ has 30.1 inches of legroom in its third row, almost five inches less than its ICE equivalent. The Escalade IQ is the biggest electric Cadillac, but the gas-powered Escalade is still the roomiest Caddy.

The Escalade’s interiors have long featured high-end materials and meticulous craftsmanship, and we think Cadillac will up its game even further with the IQ. For example, it will offer a standard 55-inch, full-width LED digital dashboard, plus 126-color LED ambient lighting, an AKG audio system, and a UV-filtering panoramic glass roof.

Sure, it’s not a Toyota Prius, but the new Escalade IQ full-size SUV is 15 percent more aerodynamically efficient than the established Escalade. With new EV designs like this, the Lyriq, and the Celestiq, Cadillac is definitely mining an intriguing seam of creativity. The Escalade IQ will also offer power-operated doors, massive 24-inch alloy wheels, and 2-tone paintwork. Under the hood, there is 12 cubic feet of storage, about the size of a compact sedan’s trunk.

The Escalade IQ features more than 200 kWh of battery capacity powering front and rear electric motors. That number might not mean much while we’re still all getting used to the particular metrics of electric vehicles (EVs), but considering the biggest battery in a Tesla is a 100-kWh example, then this is mighty.

The two motors combine to deliver an estimated 680 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque, or 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque, plus a standard all-wheel drive setup. Cadillac puts maximum range at 450 miles, and says it should sprint from standstill to 60 mph in less than five seconds. With a state-of-the-EV-art 800-volt architecture, it can absorb 100 miles worth of charge in just 10 minutes. Charging will also be able to go in both directions, so the Cadillac IQ could power appliances or charge another EV.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

There’s no reason to think the Escalade IQ warranty will stray from the current Cadillac warranty. In other words, the basic warranty will be for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is typical for the luxury sector. At six years or 70,000 miles, Cadillac’s powertrain warranty exceeds that of many European luxury marques. Odds are the battery will be covered for eight years or 100,000 miles — which is also typical among EVs, luxury or otherwise.