General Motors is making a bold statement in the electric vehicle (EV) market, proving that size does indeed matter, especially when it comes to range. The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ emerges as a testament to this, packing a massive battery to deliver an impressive range of up to 450 miles, outperforming many electric SUVs in the AWD category.
While the Escalade IQ shares its name and design cues with the traditional Cadillac Escalade, it’s fundamentally different. Built on GM’s dedicated Ultium EV platform, this three-row, seven-seat SUV is tailored for the electric age. It’s slightly wider and a bit shorter than the extended Escalade ESV, marking a significant shift in proportions and engineering.
However, the Cadillac Escalade IQ is not for every SUV buyer. With an expected starting price around $130,000, it positions itself firmly in the luxury segment. This price point is over 20% higher than the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, another luxury three-row all-electric SUV with all-wheel drive capabilities.
Alt text: Front view of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ showcasing its bold and modern electric SUV design, emphasizing its presence as a top contender in the best SUV AWD category.
Cadillac Escalade IQ vs. AWD Electric SUV Competition
In the realm of electric SUVs with all-wheel drive, the GMC Hummer EV SUV stands out as a size competitor. Yet, the Escalade IQ surpasses it in range. The Hummer EV SUV, starting at a lower price of $98,845, is heavier and wider, albeit shorter and with only five seats. Despite having a similar battery size, its greater mass reduces its range to 314 miles.
Comparing it to the luxury rivals, the top-tier seven-passenger Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, priced at $127,100, still comes in slightly under the Escalade IQ’s starting price. However, it’s significantly shorter and narrower, with a range that barely touches 300 miles in its rear-wheel-drive base model and only 285 miles in the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration.
Tesla’s Model X, another all-wheel-drive electric SUV, starts at a more accessible $81,630 (or $91,630 for the Plaid version). It’s considerably shorter than the Escalade IQ, features a smaller third-row seat, and offers an official range of 348 miles. While the Model X boasts all-wheel drive, it competes in a different segment regarding size and luxury compared to the Escalade IQ.
The Weight and Efficiency Factor
The Cadillac Escalade IQ is anticipated to weigh between 8,000 to 9,000 pounds, with its battery pack alone contributing 3,000 pounds to this figure. While weight typically diminishes an EV’s energy efficiency, it’s expected that the 2025 Escalade IQ will still be more efficient than its traditional gasoline-powered counterparts, despite potentially being among the less energy-efficient EVs on the market due to its size and weight.
Conclusion: Is the Escalade IQ the Best AWD SUV?
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is setting new benchmarks for range in the electric SUV AWD segment. Its combination of size, luxury, and extended range positions it as a strong contender for the title of “Best Suv Awd,” particularly for buyers prioritizing space and long-distance travel in an electric vehicle. While its price point is premium, it reflects the advanced technology, battery capacity, and luxury offered in this groundbreaking electric SUV. For those seeking a large, luxurious, all-wheel-drive electric SUV with unparalleled range, the Cadillac Escalade IQ is undoubtedly a leading option to consider.
