2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Electrifies Its Biggest SUV

The Cadillac Escalade has made a name for itself as a luxury ride for the rich and famous. Now the full-size SUV is getting parent company General Motors’ electric treatment and naming convention as the redesigned all-electric Escalade IQ. It follows the Cadillac Lyriq, the brand’s first EV, and Cadillac Celestiq, its ultra-luxury flagship EV. 

The IQ version looks similar enough to the original Escalade that dates back to the turn of the 21st century, but the 2025 version is battery-powered with up to 450 miles of range. The new design has a wider stance and lower, flatter floor because of its low-lying battery. It has a sloping roof and longer hood, making it look slightly more athletic than the traditional Escalade. 

Like the GMC Hummer EV before it, the Escalade IQ takes a car known for gas guzzling and makes it a zero-emissions machine. But the efficiency of the battery is still a big question that Cadillac evades with overwhelming details about design and technology, most noticeably the 55-inch pillar-to-pillar LED display up front.

It will be built on the same 24-module Ultium battery platform as other GM EVs, such as the Hummer EV and Lyriq, but with 200 kWh of energy. With such a big ute you might be spending all your time at the charging station. The Hummer EV gets 1.8 kWh per mile and only 47 MPGe. The smaller Lyriq gets 3.8 kWh and 105 MPGe. Cadillac anticipates DC fast charging on a 800-volt system taking 10 minutes for 100 miles. 

Big SUV, Big Specs

The Escalade IQ is expected to go big. Its dual-motor eAWD system will offer up to 750 horsepower, 785 pound-feet of torque and make it to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. Cadillac estimates 8,000-pound towing capacity, a slight reduction from the original’s 8,200-pound load limit.

These numbers are closer to the V performance option on the gas version. The V8 and six-cylinder diesel offer 420 hp and 277, respectively. The V, a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, gets up to 682 hp. But unlike the IQ, the V is not a quiet ride. 

The SUV will have independent front and rear suspension and adaptive suspension to lower and raise the vehicle, similar to its gas counterpart. Low Ride Mode makes for a calmer ride at low speeds and like Hummer EV’s Crab Walk Mode, the Caddy will have Cadillac Arrival Mode for diagonal moves. 

GM claims the IQ is the most aerodynamic full-size SUV with its slimmer profile and less drag. 

Calling it an eTrunk instead of a frunk (front trunk), Cadillac is promoting 12 cubic-feet of cargo space under the hood. Cargo space in the rear hatch hasn’t been posted yet.

Luxury & Sport  

The IQ will be available in two trim levels: Luxury and Sport with 24-inch wheels and a panoramic glass roof.

Sport will feature dark metal finishes while Luxury has brushed aluminum. Both can be configured with two-tone paint with a black roof. There are six body colors. 

More interior goodies include the massive curved front display with Google built-in for Google apps such as Maps for navigation. Second row screens are available and the standard system is a 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system.

Another tech feature: GM’s hands-free Super Cruise system will come standard for three years. Ultra Cruise, the advanced driving system’s next generation, will be part of the IQ with more information coming soon. Advanced safety features come standard with Blind Zone Steering Assist and Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking.

The Escalade IQ will join other GM EVs on the Ultium platform in vehicle-to-home or load bidirectional charging ability. This means the car can serve as a back-up power source. All Ultium vehicles by 2026 will offer this update including the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST, 2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1, 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV and 2024 Cadillac Lyriq.

When Will the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Be Available? How Much Will It Cost?

With a 2025 model year, the IQ will start production at GM’s Factory Zero Detroit Hamtramck plant in Michigan next summer. 

Pricing will start around $130,000, including destination fees, which is a big number compared to the base gas-powered Escalade that starts at $79,295.