The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ on a city street.The Cadillac Escalade, known for its size and commanding presence, is going electric. The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ signifies General Motors’ commitment to electrifying its entire lineup, bringing battery power to the full-size luxury SUV segment. Production is slated to begin next summer, leveraging the Ultium EV platform already underpinning the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV pickup trucks. While the Escalade IQ retains a familiar name, it boasts a dedicated EV architecture centered around a modular battery pack.
A Bold New Design Language
Interior of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ.The Escalade IQ’s exterior takes design cues from the Cadillac Lyriq, presenting a more futuristic and streamlined interpretation of the classic Escalade aesthetic. While retaining the signature upright profile and substantial proportions, the IQ incorporates a distinctive front fascia, a lower roofline, and split taillights reminiscent of the Lyriq. Despite its imposing 24-inch wheels, GM claims the IQ boasts a 15% improvement in aerodynamics compared to its combustion engine counterparts. The seven-seat IQ is slightly longer than the standard Escalade, with no confirmation yet on an electric equivalent of the extended ESV model. The increased wheelbase provides additional third-row legroom, while overall passenger space remains comparable to the standard Escalade. Cargo space behind the seats is marginally reduced, but the Escalade IQ compensates with a 12.2-cubic-foot front trunk, aptly named the “eTrunk.”
A Technological Showcase
Inside, the Escalade IQ elevates in-car technology to new heights. A massive 55-inch display dominates the dashboard, dwarfing even the standard Escalade’s 38-inch screen. Integrated Google features, including Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, provide seamless connectivity and functionality. An optional Executive Second Row package adds individual 12.6-inch screens, a dedicated control touchscreen, dual wireless charging pads, and a premium 40-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system for rear passengers.
Rear three quarter view of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ.
Power and Range: Addressing Range Anxiety
The Escalade IQ’s impressive range is enabled by a substantial 200-kilowatt-hour battery pack, estimated to deliver up to 450 miles on a single charge. Dual electric motors, one per axle, generate a combined output of 680 horsepower and 615 pound-feet of torque in normal mode. Engaging Velocity Max performance mode unleashes 750 hp and 785 lb.-ft. of torque, propelling the Escalade IQ from zero to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,000 pounds, the IQ closely matches the capabilities of its gasoline-powered sibling.
Charging and Vehicle-to-Home Capabilities
Cadillac projects rapid charging times for the Escalade IQ, with the potential to regain 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes using DC fast charging. Utilizing a 19.2-kilowatt Level 2 AC charger yields an estimated 37 miles of range per hour, while the included 7.7-kW dual-level AC cord provides 14.8 miles per hour. Mirroring the GMC Hummer EV, the Escalade IQ offers both vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging and vehicle-to-home (V2H) functionality. V2H capabilities, enabling the SUV to serve as a backup power source, will be activated via a post-launch software update and require compatible home hardware.
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ on a city street.
Agile Handling and Advanced Driver-Assistance
Four-wheel steering enhances maneuverability, reducing the turning circle to a claimed 39.4 feet and enabling “Arrival Mode” for diagonal low-speed movement, similar to the Hummer EV’s Crab Walk. Air suspension, complemented by a Low Ride Mode, allows for dynamic ride height adjustment. Furthermore, the Escalade IQ will offer GM’s Super Cruise system, enabling hands-free driving on designated highways while still requiring driver attention.
Positioning and Pricing
Cadillac has yet to reveal pricing details, but the Escalade IQ is expected to occupy the space between the Lyriq (starting around $60,000) and the ultra-luxury Celestiq (priced at $340,000). As the first fully electric full-size luxury SUV, the Escalade IQ will carve its own niche, competing primarily with its internal combustion engine counterparts until other manufacturers enter the segment.
