2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Review

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ – Overview

The Cadillac Escalade is a true pop-culture icon—synonymous with luxury, size, and bold presence. Now, Cadillac electrifies the legacy with the Escalade IQ, an all-electric version that redefines the mega-luxury SUV for the modern era. Like its gasoline-powered predecessor, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ offers an expansive and lavish interior filled with top-tier creature comforts and striking curb appeal. However, it takes a radically different approach under the skin, embracing zero-emissions driving with a powerful, dual-motor electric drivetrain.

Where the traditional Escalade-V packs a 682-horsepower V-8 engine known for its raw performance but also hefty fuel consumption, the Escalade IQ steps up the game with a formidable 750 horsepower output from its electric motors. This impressive power is paired with a massive battery pack that delivers a claimed driving range of up to 460 miles on a single charge. This range surpasses that of its platform siblings, the GMC Hummer SUV and Silverado EV, making the Escalade IQ not only a statement in luxury but also a leader in electric SUV endurance.

When Is The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Coming Out?

Cadillac announced the Escalade IQ’s debut for the 2025 model year, with production slated to begin in the second half of 2024. The first deliveries are expected to arrive in dealerships by late 2024 or early 2025, depending on market and supply chain conditions.

Reservations opened soon after the announcement, and Cadillac expects to ramp up production steadily to meet initial high demand from luxury buyers seeking a bold electric flagship with exceptional presence and technology.

What’s New for 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ?

Since its debut in 1998, the Cadillac Escalade has been a bold declaration of wealth, power, and American luxury—an unmistakable presence on roads and in popular culture alike. For the 2025 model year, Cadillac takes a historic leap by introducing its first-ever all-electric Escalade IQ, marking a new chapter in the SUV’s legacy that embraces both luxury and sustainability.

The Escalade IQ brings cutting-edge electric propulsion to the lineup, catering to buyers who want the iconic Escalade experience without the environmental impact of a traditional gasoline engine. Alongside the standard Escalade IQ, Cadillac will expand the range in mid-2025 with the arrival of the Escalade IQL, a longer-wheelbase version offering even more interior space and rear-seat luxury. The IQL will be released as a 2026 model, delivering a grander, more spacious option for those seeking the ultimate in electric SUV luxury.

This shift toward electrification highlights Cadillac’s commitment to innovation, making the Escalade IQ a compelling choice for luxury SUV buyers who want to combine status with sustainability.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ starts at $130,090 for the base trim and climbs to around $150,740 with higher trims and added options. This places it firmly in the luxury electric SUV segment, reflecting its premium features, size, and advanced technology.

If you’re investing in an Escalade, it makes sense to opt for a well-equipped version to fully enjoy what this flagship luxury SUV has to offer. Our recommendation is the Luxury 2 trim, which strikes an excellent balance between price and upscale amenities. This trim upgrades the interior with sumptuous premium upholstery and features 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functionality for maximum comfort on long drives. The audio experience is elevated by a rich 36-speaker AKG studio-grade sound system, delivering concert-hall quality inside the cabin. For added safety and convenience, the Luxury 2 also includes advanced tech like a night-vision feature, helping you detect pedestrians and animals in low-light conditions, plus a host of other desirable driver-assistance and comfort features.

Choosing the Luxury 2 trim ensures you get a comprehensive luxury experience that truly justifies the Escalade IQ’s lofty price tag.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ comes standard with all-wheel drive, powered by a sophisticated dual-motor setup delivering up to 750 horsepower and an impressive 785 pound-feet of torque. This peak output is accessible in the exclusive Velocity Max drive mode, which Cadillac designed to provide sustained maximum power as long as the driver keeps it engaged—unlike many other EVs that offer only short-lived boost modes.

Under typical driving conditions, the Escalade IQ produces a solid 680 horsepower, offering plenty of muscle for everyday use while maintaining smooth and confident power delivery. Despite its electric drivetrain’s power, the Escalade IQ is no lightweight; it tips the scales significantly heavier than the traditional V-8-powered Escalade, which weighs around 6,290 pounds. Expect the Escalade IQ to approach the heft of its platform mate, the GMC Hummer EV, which clocks in at roughly 9,640 pounds.

In real-world driving, the Escalade IQ delivers a surprisingly plush and composed ride, aided by advanced features like rear-wheel steering, which improves maneuverability despite the SUV’s substantial size. While it doesn’t provide the aggressive, launch-like acceleration of some performance-oriented rivals, the Escalade IQ offers a refined driving experience that prioritizes comfort and control without sacrificing power.

0–60-MPH Times

The Cadillac Escalade IQ is estimated to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.7 seconds. While this is impressively quick for such a large luxury electric SUV, it falls just short of the gas-powered Escalade V’s 4.3-second sprint, which benefits from its 682-horsepower V-8 engine. Once we get the opportunity to test the Escalade IQ on our track, we’ll be able to provide precise acceleration figures and see how it stacks up against its powerful gasoline counterpart.

Towing and Payload Capacity

What’s a luxury SUV without the capability to haul your biggest gear? The Cadillac Escalade IQ doesn’t disappoint, offering an impressive 8,000-pound towing capacity. That’s just 200 pounds shy of the gas-powered Escalade’s maximum towing rating of 8,200 pounds, proving the electric Escalade is no slouch when it comes to towing.

However, while the Escalade IQ can handle heavy trailers, the real challenge lies in managing the impact towing has on driving range. The extra weight and increased rolling resistance from towing can significantly reduce how far the battery will take you between charges, a consideration that’s critical for electric SUV owners planning heavy hauls or long trips.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The EPA has yet to release an official driving range estimate for the Cadillac Escalade IQ, but General Motors states that this electric luxury SUV can cover up to an impressive 460 miles on a single full charge. This substantial range is made possible by the Escalade IQ’s massive 205.0-kWh battery pack, one of the largest battery capacities available in a production electric SUV today.

When it comes time to recharge, the Escalade IQ’s advanced 800-volt electrical architecture minimizes downtime. The system supports DC fast charging at rates that can reportedly add about 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes, making it practical for longer trips with quick pit stops. For home or overnight charging, the Escalade IQ accepts up to 19.2 kW on Level 2 AC chargers, which translates to roughly 36.5 miles of range gained per hour of charging.

We look forward to conducting our own real-world 75-mph highway driving range test to verify these figures and will update this section with our findings as soon as they become available.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The EPA has not yet released official MPGe ratings for the Cadillac Escalade IQ. However, based on its 205.0-kWh usable battery capacity and the estimated maximum driving range of 460 miles, we calculate an approximate 59 MPGe on the highway. This estimate aligns closely with the Chevy Silverado EV Work Truck, which shares the same platform and has similar range figures.

Once we have the opportunity to conduct our own highway fuel economy tests, we’ll update this section with real-world MPGe results to give a more precise picture of the Escalade IQ’s efficiency.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The interior of the Cadillac Escalade IQ is a showcase of cutting-edge technology blended with traditional luxury touches. The cabin is dominated by a massive 55-inch curved display that stretches seamlessly from the left to the right A-pillars, offering an immersive digital experience and unprecedented screen real estate for infotainment, navigation, and vehicle information.

In addition to this expansive display, an 11.0-inch touchscreen is positioned for easy access to climate controls and ambient lighting settings, putting a host of customizable comfort features right at your fingertips. Beyond the digital interface, the Escalade IQ surrounds occupants with classic luxury materials—sumptuous leather upholstery, polished aluminum trim, and tasteful ambient lighting embedded into the door panels just above the armrests enhance the cabin’s premium atmosphere.

Seating arrangements are designed for both family and executive transport. All Escalade IQ models come standard with captain’s chairs in the second row for added comfort and easy aisle access, paired with a 60/40 split power bench in the third row to maximize passenger versatility. For those who prefer a chauffeur-driven experience, Cadillac offers an optional Executive Second Row package. This upgrade adds a rear center console complete with its own touchscreen control panel and two 12.6-inch rear headrest monitors, transforming the backseat into a private entertainment lounge.

One of the perks of the electric platform is the absence of a bulky engine or transmission tunnel, which opens up additional storage possibilities. This design allows the Escalade IQ to offer a 12-cubic-foot front trunk (frunk) under the hood—a useful space for luggage or groceries, enhancing the already generous cargo capacity.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Cadillac Escalade IQ takes a bold step into the future with its dashboard dominated by a massive Google-based operating system, signaling a shift from traditional controls to a fully digital-first experience. This platform delivers seamless access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings, all optimized for a modern, connected lifestyle.

Interestingly, the Escalade IQ does not support Apple CarPlay—a deliberate move by General Motors announced in 2023. GM chose to remove Apple CarPlay from its electric vehicles to achieve deeper integration with the Google-based system, while retaining it in its gasoline-powered models. This decision reflects GM’s strategy to build a more unified, streamlined user experience on its EV platforms.

Despite the touchscreen-centric layout, Cadillac hasn’t abandoned tactile controls entirely. The Escalade IQ includes two intuitive knob-like dials on the center console for quick adjustments, alongside haptic buttons embedded in the steering wheel to keep key functions within easy reach without distraction. However, most of the SUV’s advanced tech features—whether adjusting climate, managing infotainment, or accessing driver-assistance settings—are designed to be operated with simple touch gestures.

This blend of hardware and software marks a clear evolution in the Escalade’s identity, marrying the iconic luxury SUV’s heritage with cutting-edge technology tailored for the digital age.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Cadillac Escalade IQ comes equipped with an impressive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies, designed to keep occupants and others on the road safer than ever. A standout feature is Cadillac’s Super Cruise system, which offers hands-free driving on compatible highways, allowing for a more relaxed and confident driving experience.

For enhanced nighttime safety, buyers can opt for the optional night vision system, which uses an infrared sensor to detect pedestrians, animals, and other obstacles beyond the reach of the headlights, alerting the driver to potential hazards in low-light conditions.

While official crash test ratings for the Escalade IQ are not yet available, you can check the latest safety scores and evaluations through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites for ongoing updates.

Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking, which includes cyclist and pedestrian detection to help avoid or mitigate collisions.

• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, providing alerts and gentle steering corrections if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane.

• Standard adaptive cruise control, featuring a hands-free driving mode that works in conjunction with Super Cruise for enhanced highway driving assistance.

Together, these technologies underline Cadillac’s commitment to combining luxury with cutting-edge safety in the Escalade IQ.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Cadillac Escalade IQ carries over Cadillac’s strong commitment to customer assurance, offering a powertrain warranty that surpasses many other luxury electric SUVs. While it aligns with the brand’s gas-powered models in coverage, it provides solid peace of mind for EV buyers.

Cadillac includes one complimentary dealer maintenance visit, though this is more limited compared to competitors like the BMW iX and Volvo EX90, which offer longer periods of free scheduled maintenance.

Warranty coverage details include:

• Limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

• Powertrain warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles

• Complimentary maintenance: Covered for the first scheduled dealer visit

This warranty package reflects Cadillac’s confidence in the Escalade IQ’s durability and reliability, while offering competitive protection in the premium electric SUV segment.

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ successfully redefines luxury electric SUVs, combining the iconic Escalade presence with future-focused electric power and technology. It offers:

• Stunning electric range and performance

• Opulent and spacious interiors loaded with tech

• Advanced driver assistance with Super Cruise

• Competitive pricing for a luxury flagship EV

Its biggest challenge will be competition from Tesla Model X, Mercedes EQS SUV, and Rivian R1S. However, the Escalade IQ’s distinct styling, GM’s Ultium battery, and Cadillac’s luxury pedigree make it an extremely compelling choice for buyers wanting electric without sacrificing size or luxury.

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Videos