2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ: A Bold Step into the Electric Future
When Cadillac unveiled the all-electric 2025 Escalade IQ, the brand made it clear this EV represented a new chapter. The goal? To bring flagship status and the luxury associated with it fully into the electric vehicle realm. While the IQ will initially be sold alongside its gasoline-powered counterpart, the EV is destined to carry the Escalade legacy forward alone. But does the IQ have what it takes to elevate the iconic nameplate?
To find out, Cadillac invited us to San Francisco for a firsthand experience of the IQ and see for ourselves.
Expressive Styling
First impressions matter, and the IQ’s exterior is a significant departure from the ICE model. The streamlined design features LED lighting integrated into the front grille panel, with animated welcome and goodbye sequences, a party trick seen previously on the Celestiq and Lyriq. However, the canvas here is bigger, and Cadillac designers were given more freedom to shape the vehicle, optimizing it for aerodynamics.
The side profile is athletic, but the rear end is the most controversial element of the design. The two-piece lighting, which takes DNA from the Lyriq, will likely be a talking point. Some observers will appreciate the unique look, while others may take issue with it.
Thankfully, the 24-inch wheels make a powerful styling statement. The Escalade IQ will be offered in Luxury and Sport trims, with the latter adding darkened accents but at the expense of some chrome brightwork. Those seeking more length will have to wait for the “L” version.
Minor changes that can distinguish models include a squared-off design for the side windows and tweaks to the rear.
Tech and Comfort Redefined
Step inside the Escalade IQ, and you’re greeted by a cabin filled with premium materials and advanced technology. Unlike its ICE counterpart, the IQ features a recycled leather substitute. The seats felt comfortable and offered an impressive amount of suppleness.
A massive 55-inch screen stretches across the dashboard, similar to the Celestiq, making a statement. A smaller central screen houses features such as seat controls and climate control functions. A BMW-style controller in the center console is used to navigate through the menus, but some menus required extra steps.
The second row is designed for the premium experience. Cadillac listened closely to customer feedback in crafting the accommodations. Our test vehicle had the standard power-release second-row captain’s chairs and a large dedicated screen for their climate controls. The Executive Second Row seats are designed for chauffeured experiences, adding even more comfort. These seats offer 14-way power adjustments, massage, heat, and cooling. There are dual rear-mounted screens and foldable tables, but they are a bit heavier than those found in Rolls-Royce and use a different mechanism for deployment.
A 19-speaker AKG premium audio system comes standard. Buyers can upgrade to a 36-speaker version with Dolby Atmos immersive sound technology. The Atmos system enhances the audio experience, creating an immersive feel, though its music library leans heavily toward modern music.
Driving Experience: Sporty and Capable
From tech and comfort, we took to the streets of San Francisco to see how the IQ handles. The SUV is powered by two electric motors. While the motors, platform, and battery pack share some similarities with the GMC Hummer EV, some differences were mentioned by Chief Engineer Al Oppenheiser to allow the IQ to truly stand out.
The electric motors produce 680 hp in the default driving mode, increasing to 750 hp in Velocity Max mode. Cadillac says that this mode allows the Escalade IQ to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds—impressive performance for a vehicle weighing 9,000 lbs.
We found that the IQ performed best in Sport mode. Touring mode is the equivalent of comfort, but the adaptive suspension was sometimes unsettled by uneven road surfaces at freeway speeds. The firmer suspension in Sport mode improved the handling and sharpened the steering, offsetting some of the heft.
Cadillac claims a range of up to 460 miles between charges. Oppenheiser mentioned the battery was tested in extreme cold with internal heating features to minimize the drain that can occur during winter weather.
Four-wheel steering and a built-in arrival mode (Caddy’s term for crab walk) enhance handling, especially when maneuvering in tight spaces.
Value Proposition
With the Escalade IQ positioned as a flagship EV model, the pricing reflects its status. The Luxury 1 model starts at $129,990 before taxes and options. The Sport 1 starts higher at $130,490, with a Sport 2 model costing over $150,000. Loaded with options, the IQ can approach $170,000, putting it in the same competitive set as rivals from Range Rover and Rolls Royce.
Despite the price, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is a striking statement for any luxury SUV buyer. Its technology blends seamlessly with the EV powertrain, and the opulent interior lives up to the Cadillac reputation. The model is poised to influence future Cadillac EV models as the brand accelerates its EV plans.
