The Cadillac Escalade has long been the king of American luxury SUVs—a symbol of power, prestige, and chrome. But now, Cadillac is betting big on electric with the 2025 Escalade IQ, its first full-size EV SUV. Is this 7,500-pound beast a game-changer or just a flashy gamble? Here’s the full breakdown.
What Is the Escalade IQ? The Basics
The Escalade IQ is Cadillac’s answer to electric luxury SUVs like the Rivian R1S and Mercedes EQS SUV. It’s built on GM’s Ultium EV platform (same as the Hummer EV) and aims to blend the Escalade’s iconic swagger with zero-emissions tech.
Key Specs at a Glance
- Starting Price: $130,000 (before options or tax credits).
- Range: 450 miles (estimated) on a full charge.
- Power: 750 horsepower, 785 lb-ft of torque (in Velocity Max mode).
- Seating: 7-passenger layout standard; 4-seat “Platinum Lounge” package available.
- Charging: 10-80% in 35 minutes (on a 350kW DC fast charger).
Design: Bigger, Bolder, and (Almost) Unrecognizable
Exterior: A Futuristic Brute
- Size: Nearly 18 feet long—3 inches longer than the gas Escalade.
- Light Show: Over 40 LED elements, including a glowing grille and animated taillights.
- Aerodynamic Tweaks: Flush door handles, a flat underbody, and active air shutters to boost range.
Interior: Spaceship Meets Penthouse
- 55-Inch Curved Display: Stretches across the dashboard, combining the driver’s cluster, infotainment, and passenger screen.
- Materials: Olive wood trim, 36-speaker AKG audio, and massaging seats with 18-way adjustments.
- Storage: A 12-inch frunk (front trunk) + 22 cubic feet behind the third row.
Performance: Can an Electric Tank Handle Like a Sports Car?
The Escalade IQ isn’t just about looking rich—it’s shockingly quick for its size.
Speed & Handling
- 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds (faster than a Porsche Cayenne S).
- Driving Modes:
- Tour: Smooth, quiet, and efficient.
- Sport: Stiffens suspension, sharpens steering.
- Velocity Max: Unleashes full power (requires a full battery).
- Four-Wheel Steering: Tightens the turning circle to 41 feet (same as a Honda Civic).
Towing & Off-Road Chops
- Max Towing: 8,000 lbs (enough for a boat or Airstream).
- Off-Road Features: Adaptive air suspension (lifts 2 inches), underbody cameras, and an “E-Terrain” mode for mud/sand.
The Range Catch
GM claims 450 miles, but real-world tests show ~380 miles at highway speeds or in cold weather. Still, that beats most rivals.
Tech & Features: More Screens Than a Best Buy
Must-Know Upgrades
- Google Built-In: Seamless Maps, Assistant, and Play Store apps.
- Remote Parking: Use your phone to inch the IQ into tight garages.
- Biometric Access: Face recognition unlocks the car and adjusts seats/music to your profile.
- Solar Roof: Adds up to 6 miles of range per day (in sunny states).
Annoying Quirks
- No Apple CarPlay: GM is all-in on Google, so iPhone users must rely on Bluetooth.
- Fingerprint Magnet: The gloss black trim shows every smudge.
How It Compares to the Competition
| Feature | Escalade IQ | Rivian R1S | Mercedes EQS SUV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $130,000 | $78,000 | $105,000 |
| Range | 450 miles (est.) | 321 miles | 285 miles |
| Horsepower | 750 hp | 835 hp (Quad-Motor) | 536 hp |
| Luxury Focus | Ultra-plush | Adventure-ready | Tech-forward |
Verdict: The Escalade IQ is the range king and most luxurious, but the Rivian offers better value for off-roaders.
Who Should Buy the Escalade IQ?
Yes If…
- You want the longest-range electric SUV on the market.
- You’re a luxury addict who needs massage seats and ambient lighting.
- You tow often and need EV muscle.
No If…
- You’re on a budget (even the base model tops $130k).
- You prefer nimble handling (this is a 7,500-pound beast).
- You’re an Apple loyalist (no CarPlay is a dealbreaker).
The Bigger Picture: GM’s Electric Gamble
The Escalade IQ isn’t just a car—it’s GM’s moonshot to prove it can lead the EV luxury market. But with a sky-high price and tech risks (like ditching CarPlay), it’s a risky bet.
If it flops, GM loses credibility. If it succeeds, Cadillac could finally outshine Tesla and Mercedes in the high-end EV race.
Key Takeaways
✔ The Escalade IQ offers 450 miles of range, 750 hp, and a spaceship-like interior.
✔ Priced from $130,000, it’s aimed at luxury buyers who want to stand out.
✔ Missing Apple CarPlay and a hefty weight are its biggest drawbacks.
✔ GM’s reputation hinges on this model’s success.
Would you pay six figures for an electric Escalade? Or is this EV too over-the-top? Let us know in the comments!
