2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ: High-Class Electric SUV with 460 Miles on a Charge
Cadillac’s legendary Escalade has received an electric makeover, introducing the all-new 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ.
Cadillac’s legendary Escalade has received an electric makeover, introducing the all-new 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ. This electric sibling shares little with its gas-powered predecessor apart from the name but delivers jaw-dropping features, from cutting-edge battery technology to luxurious design elements. Let’s break down the key highlights and what makes this electric SUV a force to be reckoned with.
Unmatched Electric Range and Power
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ boasts a massive 200-plus-kWh battery pack, providing an impressive 460 miles of range on a full charge. With the ability to gain 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes using a 350-kW DC fast charger, long road trips won’t be a concern. The 800-volt architecture ensures faster charging, and bidirectional charging allows for powering devices or even homes directly from the vehicle.
Under the hood (or rather, throughout the chassis), dual electric motors power the Escalade IQ’s all-wheel-drive system, offering a staggering 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds when in Velocity Max mode. For a vehicle of its size, this is nothing short of astonishing.
Key Electric Power Metrics
| Feature | Escalade IQ | GMC Hummer EV | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Pack Size | 200+ kWh | 212.7 kWh | 135 kWh |
| Range | 460 miles | 329 miles | 321 miles |
| Horsepower | 750 hp | 1,000 hp | 835 hp |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration | Under 5 seconds | 3.5 seconds | 3 seconds |
Built for Luxury and Practicality
Despite being an electric vehicle, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ maintains the iconic Escalade design but with a modern twist. Its 55-inch-wide screen setup inside includes a 35-inch digital instrument cluster and a 20-inch passenger display. There’s even an 11-inch touchscreen in the center console for climate control and settings. Cadillac has ditched Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in favor of an in-house system for its upcoming EVs, marking a significant departure from industry standards.
Luxury doesn’t stop at technology. The SUV features a three-row seating configuration for seven passengers, with an optional Executive Second Row package for even more comfort. Heated, cooled, and massaging bucket seats with fold-out tables and twin 12.6-inch rear entertainment screens are also available. However, the Escalade IQ uses synthetic leather upholstery instead of real leather, in line with Cadillac’s commitment to sustainability.
Performance and Towing Capability
Beyond luxury, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ brings serious capability. It can tow up to 8,000 pounds, making it a practical choice for those who need heavy-duty performance. Its length of 224.3 inches places it just shy of the long-wheelbase gas-powered Escalade, with a longer 136.2-inch wheelbase for added stability.
Adding to its versatility, the rear-wheel steering system, borrowed from the Hummer EV, allows the Escalade IQ to perform Cadillac’s Arrival Mode, reducing the turning radius by 6.5 feet. This feature enables the vehicle to move diagonally into parking spots, making maneuvering this large SUV in tight spaces much easier.
A New Face for the Escalade Family
While the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ retains some of the signature design features—like its squared-off body and vertical lighting—the front grille has been revamped. The new Cadillac shield-shaped grille is more aerodynamic, offering a 15% lower drag coefficient compared to the gas-powered Escalade. The vehicle rides on massive 24-inch wheels, filling the wheel wells with 275/50R24 tires.
Interior Feature Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Screen Setup | 55.0-inch display (35-inch for driver, 20-inch for passenger) |
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers (Executive package available) |
| Upholstery | Synthetic leather |
| Infotainment | Cadillac’s in-house system (no CarPlay/Android Auto) |
| Rear Entertainment | Twin 12.6-inch screens, fold-out tables |
Advanced Driver-Assist Systems
Safety and convenience are cornerstones of the Escalade IQ’s design. GM’s Super Cruise, a hands-free driver-assist system, comes standard, along with a host of other safety features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, automatic parking assist, and a surround-view camera system.
Here are the key specs for the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ:
Performance:
- Power: 750 horsepower
- Torque: 785 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: Under 5 seconds (in Velocity Max mode)
- Towing Capacity: Up to 8,000 pounds
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (electric motor on each axle)
Battery & Range:
- Battery Pack: 200+ kWh (estimated 205 kWh)
- Range: 460 miles (GM-estimated)
- Charging:
- 800-volt architecture
- 100 miles of range in 10 minutes (350 kW DC fast charging)
- Bidirectional charging capability
Dimensions:
- Length: 224.3 inches (2.7 inches shorter than the long-wheelbase gas Escalade)
- Wheelbase: 136.2 inches (2.1 inches longer than the gas-powered long-wheelbase model)
- Wheels: 24-inch wheels with 275/50R24 tires
Interior:
- Screen Setup:
- 55-inch total screen width
- 35-inch digital instrument cluster + central touchscreen
- 20-inch passenger screen
- 11-inch center console touchscreen (for climate control and settings)
- Seating: 7 passengers (optional Executive Second Row package)
- Heated, cooled, and massaging bucket seats in the second row
- Airline-style fold-out tables
- 12.6-inch rear entertainment screens
- Cargo: 12.2-cubic-foot front trunk (frunk)
Suspension & Handling:
- Rear-Wheel Steering: Reduces turning radius by 6.5 feet
- Adaptive Air Suspension: Four-corner air suspension with adaptive dampers
- Turning Radius: 39.4 feet with Cadillac Arrival Mode (diagonal parking capability)
Technology & Safety:
- Super Cruise: Standard hands-free driver assistance system
- Safety Features:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Automatic parking system
- Surround-view camera system
Price:
- Starting Price: $129,095 (including $1,395 destination charge)
Notable Omissions:
- No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (GM is moving to its own system for upcoming EVs)
The Future of Luxury SUVs
Starting at $129,095, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ offers a glimpse into the future of luxury SUVs. It combines high-end performance with cutting-edge technology, all while maintaining the brand’s iconic design. With features like one-pedal driving, fast charging, and towing capability, the Escalade IQ positions itself as a powerhouse among electric SUVs.
As more automakers transition to electric vehicles, the Escalade IQ stands out by balancing luxury, performance, and sustainability. Its arrival in 2024 will undoubtedly set a new benchmark in the electric SUV market.
So, if you’re in the market for a top-tier electric luxury vehicle, the Escalade IQ is worth keeping an eye on—whether for its performance, tech features, or sheer presence.
Related Post
