One of General Motors’ most iconic vehicles is getting the all-electric treatment. Due for the 2025 model year, the Cadillac Escalade IQ promises to offer up to 450 miles of driving range and among the most advanced suites of available technology.
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2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ
Starting with the exterior design, when this vehicle is coming at you, you’ll know it’s an Escalade. The expansive grille, vertically oriented headlights, and massive available 24-inch wheels are all signature style pieces. The rest of the look is more utilitarian as according to a media release, Escalade IQ is, “GM’s most aerodynamic full-size SUV ever.” Specific numbers were not available, but the company claims a coefficient of drag 15 percent lower than any previous Escalade. With a wheelbase (distance between the front and rear axles) and overall length of 136.2 and 224.3 inches, respectively, it’s very much a large SUV, but the profile looks more non-descript than we would have expected from a product that built its reputation on bombastic style.
Escalade IQ will use a 200 kilowatt-hour version of GM’s Ultium battery pack. A pair of motors will power all four wheels. Two drive modes are available. Normal delivers 680 horsepower and 615 pound-feet of torque. “Velocity Max” increases output to 750 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque. In its highest output setting, GM claims 0-60-mph acceleration of less than 5 seconds. Maximum towing capacity is projected at 8,000 pounds. Charging options include 7.7 and 19.2 kW at 240V and DC fast charging up to 800V, which GM says can provide up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes.
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Naturally, Escalade IQ will use GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system. The feature requires OnStar telematics to work, and a three-year subscription is included from new with ongoing service available afterward for a monthly fee. The adaptive air ride suspension pairs with Magnetic Ride Control and four-wheel steering. The latter can gently steer the rear wheels to reduce the vehicle’s turning radius and improve stability at higher speeds especially when hauling a trailer. An “Arrival Mode” lets the Escalade IQ move diagonally at low speeds to help it maneuver more easily in tight quarters.
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At least during the launch period, Cadillac plans to offer the vehicle in Luxury and Sport grades, each with different exterior and interior design and trim options. Seating is for up to seven. Instrumentation and infotainment displays will be handed by a single 55-inch diagonal screen that spans the entire dashboard. Google built-in services are included but not Android Auto nor Apple CarPlay. An optional Executive Second-Row Seating Package includes rear captain’s chairs with built-in massage and headrest speakers, plus a pair of 12.6-inch tablet screens. Interior ambient lighting can be customized from among 126 different colors.
The 2025 Cadillac Escalde IQ starts production in summer 2024. Exact pricing will be announced closer to that time, but GM is estimating an initial base price of “around $130,000.”
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CG Says:
When Escalade hit the automotive scene in 1999, it became an instant icon…for better or worse. The IQ is attempting to be a more “responsible” vehicle while also maintaining the high levels of luxury and technology that its clientele have come to expect, though we’re not happy about GM abandoning established smartphone integration systems. We’ll see how it all comes together, especially if it can get even close to the promised 450 miles of driving range.
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2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Gallery
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