The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ: Everything You Need to Know

Sleek Escalade? Burly Lyriq? Either way, we can’t wait to drive it.

escalade iq in front of a building with red lighting

Published August 13, 2023

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The Escalade SUV has proven a mainstay for Cadillac during a series of rebrandings, reinventions and relocations this century. It’s not too hyperbolic to call the Escalade the reason the Cadillac brand still exists. Thus far, fuel consumption has been an essential part of the Escalade ownership experience. But that’s about to change as Cadillac is launching a new electric version, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ.

The Escalade IQ — not the Escaliq, sadly — is a three-row SUV. It runs on GM’s new Ultium EV platform. It looks kind of like the Escalade and Lyriq had a love child. Here is everything you need to know about it.

Is the Cadillac Escalade IQ replacing the gas Escalade?

No, or at least not yet. Cadillac has announced plans to go all-electric by 2030. The rest of the lineup will likely convert over to EV power before then. But we expect the combustion Escalade may stay in production until 2029.

How much range will the Escalade IQ have?

The Escalade IQ delivers an estimated 450 miles of EV range on a full charge with its massive 200 kWh battery pack. Cadillac says the Escalade IQ can add up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes on a DC fast charger.

How much power does the Escalade IQ have?

The Cadillac Escalade IQ has a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup. It puts out 680 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque in Normal Mode. That jumps to 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque in Velocity Max Mode, which allows the Escalade IQ to accelerate from 0-60 mph in under five seconds. The Escalade IQ can also tow up to 8,000 pounds.

The Escalade IQ will also have the latest and greatest driving tech we’ve seen in other GM vehicles like four-wheel steering, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and an adaptive air suspension with a low-ride mode.

Does the Escalade IQ have a frunk?

Yes. But Cadillac would like you to call it an “eTrunk.” It’s a bit smaller than the Ford F-150 Lightning’s trunk, 12 cubic feet vs. 14.1 cubic feet. But Cadillac says it can hold the all-important two bags of golf clubs.

The Escalade IQ cargo volume of 23.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 69.1 cubic feet with the third row folded is a bit smaller than the combustion Escalade. But when you factor in the eTrunk it actually brings more cargo space.

How big is that massive Escalade IQ infotainment screen?

The Escalade IQ features a curved, pillar-to-pillar 55-inch LED display with a next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit platform. The setup includes features like Google Maps and Google Assistant. But remember that GM, controversially, has opted to remove Apple Carplay and Android Auto phone compatibility from its vehicles.

How big of wheels does the Cadillac Escalade IQ have?

We’re old enough to remember when “rolling on dubs” referred to 20-inch wheels and having such extreme rims made you both a baller and a shot caller. But the Cadillac Escalade IQ comes with 24-inch rims.

When will the Escalade IQ arrive?

Cadillac has not given a firm arrival date for the Escalade IQ yet. But production will start in the summer of 2024 at GM’s Factory Zero Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center. And the Escalade IQ will be a 2025 model year vehicle.

How much will the Escalade IQ cost?

Cadillac says the Escalade IQ will start around $130,000 with destination charge included. That’s about $20,000 more than the Premium Luxury Platinum Escalade. But it’s also $20,000 less than the Supercharged Escalade V.