The Escalade is getting the electric treatment. Cadillac took the wraps off of the electric version of the big, flashy SUV last year — and boy will it be luxurious. In fact, the Escalade IQ will likely end up being one of the most luxurious electric SUVs to date, and it’ll have a price tag to match.
Curious about the Escalade IQ and what it’ll end up offering? Here’s everything we know about the Cadillac Escalade IQ so far.
Cadillac Escalade IQ: design
The design of the Escalade is iconic, and it’s getting a serious face-lift for the electric model. The new Escalade has a huge faux grille on the front, with vertical headlights along the the sides and an imposing Cadillac logo emblazoned in the middle.
The overall look isn’t surprising — and it’s very in line with the general design of the Cadillac Lyriq, the company’s first big EV release. It has a similar faux grille, and similar vertical headlights on the front.
The EV version of the Escalade is actually bigger than the standard model — though it doesn’t necessarily look like it. The SUV measures in at 224.3 inches long and 85.3 inches wide — and it has massive 24-inch wheels.
Toward the back, the SUV mixes things up a little with a more curved rear — unlike the current Escalade. Overall, the Escalade IQ looks sportier than the gas-guzzling model — and that’s a good thing. It’s a little more modern, and a little more interesting.
Cadillac Escalade IQ: price
Like its gasoline-powered predecessor, the Escalade IQ will demand a hefty premium. That’s to be expected, though — it’s a luxury car and always has been, and given the fact that it’s the first generation of an electric version, it’s sure to appeal to buyers who want a luxury option that’s easier on the environment.
So what about that price tag? The Escalade IQ will start at $127,700, making it one of the most expensive electric SUVs to date. Prices will range up from there, and you can expect that there will be multiple models on offer — though Cadillac has yet to officially announce them.
Cadillac Escalade IQ: release date
We don’t yet know exactly when the Cadillac Escalade IQ will go on sale, but we do know around when it’ll be available. The Escalade IQ will be released as part of 2025 model year, and will go into production in summer 2024 in Michigan. It’ll likely be available for purchase starting in the fourth quarter of 2024. And when it does, it may be hard to purchase — depending on the state of the supply chain at that point. Given that timing, we’re hoping to start seeing it on the streets in the very near future.
Cadillac Escalade IQ: colors and models
Cadillac has announced four trims for the Escalade IQ — Luxury 1, Luxury 2, Sport 1, and Sport 2. The “1” models are the cheaper models, but even they offer a Cadillac-estimated range of an impressive 460 miles.
The Luxury 1 and Sport 1 models have features like a 19-speaker AKG sound system, air suspension, and 24-inch wheels. The Luxury 2 and Sport 2 models step that up to a 36-speaker AKG sound system, plus have 16-way power seating and massage seats.
The main differences between the Luxury and Sport models appear to be aesthetic, rather than performance-based.
We also have an idea of the colors that will be on offer. You can see them all for yourself at the Escalade IQ website, and there are quite a few of them. Most of them are different variations of white, gray, and black, with a few blues in there along with some great-looking deep reds.
Cadillac Escalade IQ: charging speed and range
The Escalade IQ will be no slouch as an electric car. It’ll be built on the General Motors Ultium battery platform, and Cadillac says that it’ll offer a range of 460 miles, which is excellent. That puts the car ahead of most other electric cars out there right now — except for the Lucid Air — and it gives us high hopes for other Ultium-based EVs. That said, that range estimate comes from Cadillac — and it’s likely the EPA estimate will be a little lower. We’ll have to wait and see though.
The Escalade IQ will come with an NACS connector, and will be able to charge at a rate of 100 miles of range every 10 minutes. Cadillac says that the Escalade IQ will have 350kW fast-charging support as standard — so you’ll be able to take full advantage of the maximum DC fast-charging speeds out there right now.
Cadillac Escalade IQ: performance
The Escalade IQ is built for a luxury driving experience — so it won’t necessarily drive faster than the sportier and more nimble cars out there, but it certainly won’t be slow either. According to Cadillac, the Escalade IQ will be able to reach 60 miles per hour in under five seconds, which is no small feat for such a big and heavy vehicle.
The IQ may be a little more nimble than you might expect, too. Cadillac says that it’ll offer rear-wheel steering as standard, helping reduce the turning circle while remaining more stable. Cadillac also says that it can move diagonally out of a parking space, which should come in handy.
Cadillac Escalade IQ: tech features
The tech on the inside of the Escalade IQ is particularly impressive. At the front of the car, there’s a massive 55-inch display that stretches all the way along the dashboard, similar to the Hyperscreen on offer in the Mercedes EQS. You won’t be able to use CarPlay or Android Auto on the display, but it will make use of Android Automotive, which will offer access to Google apps and services. The overall software experience will likely be similar to the Cadillac Lyriq, which is fine — though not amazing.
The optional Executive Second Row of seats will offer some sweet tech too. With these optional seats, you’ll get 12.6-inch rear headrest monitors for private watching. Apart from that, the second row can also include fold-out tray tables and reclining seats.
You’ll also get some helpful autonomous driving tech. Cadillac says that the car will come with Super Cruise, which boasts hands-free driving on the highway.
Overall, the Escalade IQ should offer a comfortable ride for the driver and passengers alike.
Cadillac Escalade IQ: tax credit status
The Cadillac Escalade IQ will not be eligible for the federal tax credit, as it’s too expensive. The limit for EVs is $80,000 — and the Escalade IQ starts at $130,000.
