2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ: Power, Luxury, and Electric Excellence
SAN FRANCISCO – The electric 2025 Escalade IQ is here, and it asserts Cadillac’s dominance in the luxury SUV market. I recently spent a day driving this impressive machine down the California coast, and the experience left a lasting impression. This isn’t just an electric vehicle; it’s a statement.
Cadillac’s iconic Escalade has long been synonymous with luxury and space, accommodating everyone from families to celebrities. The all-electric Escalade IQ builds on this legacy, offering impressive performance, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to sustainability. With a starting price of $127,700, the Escalade IQ is positioned to redefine the luxury EV segment.
Power, Performance, and Range
Underneath its elegant exterior, the Escalade IQ boasts a robust all-wheel-drive system, thanks to two electric motors, one on each axle. In normal mode, it delivers a substantial 680 horsepower and 614 pound-feet of torque. Need even more? The “velocity max” setting, activated with a touch of the steering wheel, unleashes a staggering 750 hp and 785 pound-feet of torque. During my drive in crowded San Francisco, the IQ’s eager acceleration was immediately apparent. I’d wager most owners will rarely need the full power, but it’s there when you want it.
With a range of 460 miles on a single charge, the Escalade IQ offers impressive long-distance capability. The IQ’s DC fast-charging capabilities are equally impressive, allowing it to add up to 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes. While concrete data on charging times is forthcoming, the Escalade IQ’s charging speed puts it firmly in the competitive range.
Charging at home is also convenient. Level 2 chargers with 240 volts can deliver 14 to 37 miles range an hour, depending on the charger. The IQ initially comes with a CCS DCFC charging port and can charge at Tesla NACS chargers with an adapter; the Escalade will switch to a factory-installed NACS port soon.
A Spacious and Luxurious Interior
Luxury is at the forefront of the Escalade IQ’s design, and this starts by maintaining the Escalade’s spaciousness. The wheelbase is two inches longer than the extended-wheelbase version of the gasoline Escalade ESV, contributing significantly to passenger comfort. The overall length is more than a foot greater than the standard wheelbase model. (An even bigger Escalade IQL model goes on sale as a 2026 model.)
Power-opening and closing doors set the tone, adjustable to three widths and equipped with sensors to prevent collisions. The dashboard is dominated by a 55-inch display and touchscreens. Wood and metal trim, along with customizable ambient lighting in 126 colors, elevate the interior experience. The front trunk, with 12.2 cubic feet of lockable storage, adds practicality, and optional executive second-row seats enhance passenger comfort with power rear doors, massage, heating, ventilation, and dual 12.6-inch video screens. The second row seating does sacrifice some third-row legroom.
Features and Technology
The Escalade IQ’s four-wheel steering enhances maneuverability, making the large vehicle surprisingly agile in city environments and parking lots. Its turning radius is about 6.5 feet smaller than the conventional gasoline-powered Escalade. The IQ also boasts an adaptive air suspension and magnetic ride control dampers, enhancing stability and responsiveness. Another available feature is “arrival mode,” which angles all four wheels in the same direction for easier parking. The low ride mode drops the vehicle’s height for a sleek look and improved aerodynamics at lower speeds.
What Could Be Better
While the Escalade IQ is an impressive feat of engineering, a few areas could be improved. I found that the climate controls, integrated into a touchscreen, could be distracting. Additionally, the destination charge of $2,290 seems high.
Conclusion
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ sets a new benchmark for luxury electric SUVs. It successfully blends power, range, and advanced technology. The Escalade IQ will be a perfect vehicle for prestigious events, as well as everyday driving. This is a vehicle that truly stands alone in its class.
2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ at a Glance
- All-wheel drive, seven-seat full-size electric SUV
- Base price: $127,700 (excluding $2,290 destination charge)
- Model tested: Escalade IQ Sport 2
- Price as tested: $152,785
- Power: One electric motor on each axle
- Output: Normal mode: 680 hp; 614 pound-feet of torque. Velocity Max: 750 hp, 785 pound-feet.
- Transmission: Single-speed automatic
- Battery: Lithium-ion, 205 kWh usable power
- Maximum charging rate: 350 kW DC fast charging
- EPA estimated range: 460 miles
- 0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds
- Wheelbase: 136.2 inches
- Length: 224.3 inches
- Width: 94.1 inches (mirrors out); 85.3 (mirrors folded)
- Height: 76.1 inches
- Curb weight: NA
- Towing capacity: 8,000 pounds
