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The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is the electric version of Cadillac’s iconic Escalade full-size SUV. The brand’s owner General Motors (GM) already has a large electric SUV, the GMC Hummer, but without the Escalade’s emphasis on luxury.
The new seven-seater EV has an impressive Cadillac-estimated driving range of up to 460 miles — which may help allay drivers’ range anxiety.
The internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the Escalade is a market-leading luxury full-size SUV — how does the electric version compare? Is it worth its hefty $130,000 starting price tag?
Below, Techopedia explores the Escalade IQ’s expected release date, features, and specifications, as well as its implications for the electric vehicle market.
What is the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ?
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ SUV represents GM’s push to compete in the EV space with Tesla, Rivian, and Mercedes-Benz, who have already gained market share.
Cadillac has moved ahead of some of the Escalade’s competitors, such as the Lincoln Navigator and the Jeep Grand Wagoner, putting it at the forefront of the market for three-row, high-end luxury SUVs.
Release date: The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ SUV arrives at the end of 2024. (Cadillac)
The Escalade IQ’s tech-forward features, stylish interior, and high powerhouse are designed to set new standards in the luxury EV segment. It’s a more luxurious version of the Escalade that is faster and quieter while cutting carbon emissions.
The Escalade IQ headline specs are attention-grabbing: the dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) SUV has an estimated 460-mile driving range from the large 200-kilowatt hour (kWh) GM Ultium Battery Platform, up to 750 horsepower, Cadillac-estimated 0-60 mph acceleration in under five seconds, and 785 lb-ft of torque in Velocity Max mode.
The EV comes with 24-inch wheels — the largest ever offered on an Escalade — and the brand’s hands-free driver assistance technology Super Cruise as standard, as well as a 55-inch diagonal LED display.
2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Release Date
Expected Release Date: Q4 2024
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ’s release date is expected to be in late 2024.
As one of the year’s most anticipated luxury vehicle releases, Cadillac is expected to make a limited initial release and expand its availability throughout 2025. Cadillac Escalade IQ rumors indicate that the SUV started rolling off the production line earlier this month.
Drivers eager to get their hands on the first fully-electric Escalade should keep an eye on Cadillac’s announcements in the coming weeks.
2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ EV Features
The Cadillac Escalade IQ’s features vary slightly by the model variant. The SUV comes in four versions: Luxury 1 and 2 and Sport 1 and 2.
High-Tech Luxury Interior
The IQ is as luxurious as you’d expect from a Cadillac. The spacious cabin boasts premium materials like leather upholstery, real wood trim, and a large panoramic sunroof.
The centerpiece of the Escalade IQ is a curved 55-inch diagonal screen across the dashboard area. Rather than a single display, it actually comprises two — a 35-inch driver display and a 25-inch display for the passenger. The passenger’s screen is polarized to avoid distracting the driver.
Below the main screen is an 11-inch touchscreen featuring interior comfort settings such as temperature, lighting, and door controls. The vehicle’s sensors and radars can open the driver’s door automatically when it senses your approach and limit the chances of the door hitting anything.
All versions of the SUV have second-row captain’s chairs and a 60/40-split third row. There is an executive second-row seating package for the Luxury 2 and Sport 2 versions that adds a rear center console with another touchscreen display, 12.6-inch rear headrest monitors with HDMI inputs, stowable tray tables, dual wireless charging pads and heating, ventilation and massage settings for the seating.
The package also comes with a 40-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system.
Large Battery Platform with Fast Charging
The Cadillac Escalade IQ can get around 37 miles of driving range per hour of charge with a GM PowerShift wall charger, and up to 100 miles of range in about 10 minutes at a public fast charging station.
The motorized charging port door opens automatically when touched.
The “mycadillac” mobile and in-vehicle apps help drivers plan routes and locate compatible public charging stations, showing real-time availability.
Home Backup Power
Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technology allows drivers to turn the Escalade IQ equipped with a GM Energy PowerShift Charger and a GM Energy V2H Enablement Kit into a source of home backup power during an outage.
This smart bidirectional charging technology can connect the EV to a compatible EV home energy system, using the energy stored in the vehicle’s battery to power certain household appliances during blackouts.
Meanwhile, vehicle-to-load (V2L) offboard power can be used to power external devices.
ETrunk Front Storage Compartment
One of the advantages of EV design is the availability of space under the front bonnet where the gasoline engine would be in an ICE vehicle. The Escalade IQ’s lockable eTrunk front storage compartment offers an extra 12.2 cubic feet of storage, features a carpet lining, lighting, power outlet, tie-downs, and an available sliding tray to not only safeguard belongings but keep out cargo noise and odors.
Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The Escalade IQ comes packed with advanced safety and driver assistance (ADAS) technology, such as its Super Cruise system, which supports hands-free driving on compatible highways across North America. The extensive range of features includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Enhanced lane keep assist with lane departure warning
- Traffic sign recognition
- Blind-zone steering assist
- Pedestrian and cyclist collision alert
- IntelliBeam adaptive forward lighting
- Intersection automatic emergency braking
- Advanced parking assist
Cadillac Escalade IQ EV Specs
The Cadillac Escalade IQ aims for luxury and powerful performance, much like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, it is a styled like a much smaller vehicle than it is, but it carries significantly more horsepower and towing capacity
The Rivian R1S is a more direct competitor to the Cadillac Escalade IQ’s specs in terms of power. It has a shorter driving range and slightly lower towing capacity but accelerates faster with a 0-60mph time of just 3 seconds.
Here are the Escalade IQ RV specs:
| Specification | 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ | Rivian R1S | Hyundai Ioniq 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 750 hp | 835 hp | 320 hp |
| Torque | 800+ lb-ft | 908 lb-ft | 446 lb-ft |
| Battery Capacity | 200 kWh | 135 kWh | 77.4 kWh |
| Range (Miles) | 400 miles | 316 miles | 303 miles |
| 0-60 MPH | Under 5 seconds | 3 seconds | 5.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 125 mph (estimated) | 112 mph | 115 mph |
| Towing Capacity | 8,000 lbs | 7,700 lbs | 2,300 lbs |
| Charging Time | 30 minutes to 80% (DC Fast) | 40 minutes to 80% (DC Fast) | 18 minutes to 80% (DC Fast) |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Two-Motor or Quad-Motor AWD | Dual-Motor AWD or RWD |
| Seats | 7-8 seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Infotainment Display | 55-inch split display | 15.6-inch touchscreen | 12.3-inch dual displays |
| Interior Volume | 142.8 cu ft | 104.7 cu ft | 106.5 cu ft |
| Curb Weight | 7,000+ lbs | 6,900 lbs | 4,200 lbs |
| Starting Price | $130,000 | $77,000 | $45,000 |
2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Colors
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is expected to come in a range of colors, including Flare Metallic, Black Raven, Black Cherry Tintcoat, Deep Space Metallic, Summit White and Midnight Steel Frost. Each color also comes with the option to have a black roof.
Cadillac is known for offering customizable, high-end finishes, and the IQ is no exception, offering multiple options to customize its exterior and interior color schemes.
Interior options include Sheer with Medium Dark Cinder Gray or Backen Black with Santorini for its Luxury 1 and Sport 1 model variants, and Camelia with Backen Black or Harbor Blue with Backen Black for the Luxury 2 and Sport 2 variants.
2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Price
Expected Price: $130,000+
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ’s price will start around $130,000, positioning it at the high end of Cadillac’s luxury lineup and the overall EV market.
The price point reflects the EV’s advanced features, high performance and premium build materials and its status as Cadillac’s flagship EV.
Adding optional packages like additional driver assistance systems, executive seating and custom interior packages or enhanced performance features will push the price above $150,000.
| Cadillac IQ Version | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Luxury 1 | $129,900 |
| Sport 1 | $130,490 |
| Luxury 2 | $149,990 |
| Sport 2 | $150,490 |
The Bottom Line
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is not just a new model for 2025 but a completely new vehicle in the Cadillac lineup. It is the first electric version of the high-end Escalade, built on a dedicated battery platform rather than adapted from the gasoline version.
Its impressive driving range, innovative technology, and luxurious design position the Escalade IQ to compete in the luxury EV market.
However, with its high price tag and competition from less extravagant but still luxurious EVs at lower price points, buyers will need to consider whether the IQ is worth the investment.
