General Motors’ luxury division, Cadillac, has officially introduced the all-electric version of its flagship SUV, the Escalade, named the ESCALADE IQ. Unveiled in New York City, this electric SUV represents a significant departure from its gasoline-powered predecessors, showcasing Cadillac’s commitment to the electric future while maintaining its iconic status. The ESCALADE IQ boasts a complete redesign, incorporating cutting-edge EV technology and luxury features, but this innovation comes with a substantial price tag that positions it firmly in the premium EV market.
The ESCALADE IQ has been anticipated for over a year since Cadillac first announced its development. While initial information was limited to the name and its alignment with Cadillac’s “IQ” naming convention for BEVs like the LYRIQ and CELESTIQ, speculation about its performance and specifications has been rife. Cadillac strategically built anticipation with teaser videos showcasing design elements like the headlamps, culminating in the full reveal event. Just prior to the unveiling, GM announced that all future Ultium platform-based BEVs, including the 2025 ESCALADE IQ, would feature bi-directional vehicle-to-home (V2H) capabilities, adding another layer of technological sophistication to this electric SUV.
Today, the full picture of the ESCALADE IQ is available, confirming V2H charging and revealing a wealth of design, performance, and technological advancements. However, the “Cadillac Escalade Electric Price” is a key aspect that potential buyers will need to consider.
Cadillac Escalade IQ Front View
Cadillac Escalade IQ Side Profile
Cadillac Escalade IQ Rear Design
Cadillac Escalade IQ Brand Logo
Cadillac Escalade IQ Trunk Space
Reimagining the Escalade for the Electric Era
Attending the ESCALADE IQ unveiling in New York City provided firsthand insight into Cadillac’s vision for this electric transformation. Chief Engineer Mandi Damman, a long-time GM veteran, shared details about the development process and the engineering philosophy behind the vehicle. The shift to an all-electric powertrain allowed Cadillac designers to approach the Escalade with a fresh perspective, retaining iconic design cues while eliminating elements associated with internal combustion engines.
The result is an electric SUV that is unmistakably an Escalade, yet boasts a more aerodynamic and streamlined silhouette. GM President Mark Reuss emphasized the ESCALADE IQ’s enhanced driving dynamics and maneuverability, positioning it as the best-driving Escalade to date. The design incorporates pushed-out wheels, enabled by the Ultium platform, contributing to a wider stance and a longer wheelbase. The passenger compartment is shifted back by 11 inches, maximizing interior space. The elongated hood and sloping rear further enhance aerodynamics, reducing the drag coefficient by 15% compared to the previous generation Escalade.
Mandi Damman highlighted the driving experience as a key achievement, noting that despite its large size, the ESCALADE IQ feels surprisingly agile and maneuverable from behind the wheel. She emphasized the lack of compromise in technology and features, stating that the ESCALADE IQ is “all in,” with no base model and a full suite of advanced features as standard.
Cadillac Escalade IQ Digital Dashboard
Cadillac Escalade IQ Luxurious Interior
Cadillac Escalade IQ Sensor Technology
Cadillac Escalade IQ Rear Touchscreen Control
Interior Tech and Luxury Features
The interior of the ESCALADE IQ is dominated by a massive 55-inch diagonal LED display, stretching pillar-to-pillar. This screen integrates a 35-inch driver display and a 20-inch passenger display, powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. The cantilevered center console creates an open and airy feel, offering storage space and the potential for accessories like a cooler. Rear passengers are well-catered to with HDMI ports, integrated displays with internet and streaming app access, and a central touchscreen for climate and door controls. An optional 40-speaker AKG audio system takes the in-cabin experience to another level, delivering immersive 360-degree sound.
Beyond passenger comfort, the ESCALADE IQ offers practical cargo solutions. With 212 cubic feet of interior cargo volume, it is already spacious. However, the addition of a substantial front trunk, or “etrunk,” provides an extra 12.2 cubic feet of storage. Mandi Damman pointed out the etrunk’s versatility, easily accommodating items like golf bags or strollers. Cadillac has also designed a removable tray with a rubber liner for the etrunk, enhancing its utility for groceries or beverages, potentially making the ESCALADE IQ a unique vehicle for various lifestyle needs, though perhaps not solely as a tailgate vehicle.
Cadillac Chief Engineer Mandi Damman
GM President Mark Reuss
Innovative Features and Technology
The ESCALADE IQ is packed with innovative features, expanding beyond just electric propulsion. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability will be available as an option, enabled by GM’s Ultify software platform, which also supports over-the-air (OTA) updates for continuous vehicle improvement.
One of the standout features is the independent front and rear suspension system. This dual-motor setup provides eAWD and incorporates four-wheel steering. This technology dramatically reduces the turning diameter of the large SUV by 6.5 feet, down to just 39.4 feet, making it more maneuverable in urban environments. GM President Mark Reuss noted that this turning radius is comparable to some sedans. The four-wheel steering also enhances stability at higher speeds and when towing.
The ESCALADE IQ also features “Arrival Mode,” Cadillac’s iteration of the “Crab Walk” feature first seen on the GMC Hummer EV. This allows for diagonal movement at low speeds, aiding in navigating tight parking spaces. GM’s Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, combined with Adaptive Air Suspension, further refines the ride quality. This system dynamically adjusts the suspension to road conditions, isolating passengers from imperfections and maintaining precise handling. The adaptive air suspension also allows for adjusting the vehicle height, raising it by an inch or lowering it by two inches for enhanced driving dynamics in Low Ride Mode.
Electric Cadillac ESCALADE IQ Specs and the Price Point
The ESCALADE IQ’s specifications reveal its high-performance nature. It utilizes a 24-module Ultium battery pack with 200 kWh of usable energy, targeting an estimated range of up to 450 miles (724 km). In “Velocity Max Mode,” the SUV can deliver up to 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph acceleration in under 5 seconds. It supports 800V DC fast charging, allowing for rapid replenishment of range. Charging at 240V (7.7 kW) adds approximately 14.8 miles of range per hour, while 240V (19.2 kW) increases this to about 37 miles per hour. DC fast charging can add up to 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes. The ESCALADE IQ also boasts an estimated towing capacity of 8,000 lbs. V2H, Super Cruise driver-assistance technology, and four-wheel steering are standard features.
However, the “cadillac escalade electric price” is a significant factor. The 2025 Cadillac ESCALADE IQ will start at $130,000. While this is a substantial increase over the base price of the gasoline Escalade, and even slightly more than the Escalade ESV, it reflects the advanced technology, luxury features, and all-electric nature of the vehicle. Considering it’s positioned as a fully-equipped BEV with no base model, the price aligns with the premium segment of the electric SUV market.
Cadillac executives have hinted at further BEV announcements in the near future, suggesting that the ESCALADE IQ is just the beginning of a broader electric vehicle strategy. While details remain scarce, it’s implied that additional versions of the ESCALADE IQ or entirely new Cadillac BEV models are in development.
Electrek’s Initial Impression
While historically not a brand enthusiast, even for the Escalade, the author of the original article expressed genuine admiration for the ESCALADE IQ. The design and features are compelling, raising the question of its target demographic and market success.
For many, the $130,000 “cadillac escalade electric price” might be a barrier. Alternatives like the Rivian R1S exist, catering to a different ethos perhaps, but the Escalade IQ firmly targets the luxury EV buyer. The key question remains GM’s production and delivery capabilities, given past experiences with other large GM EVs. However, the ESCALADE IQ represents a strong statement from Cadillac, electrifying its most iconic model and signaling a definitive commitment to the electric future. Whether GM can translate this “sizzle” into tangible market success remains to be seen, but the ESCALADE IQ is undoubtedly a vehicle to watch closely in the evolving EV landscape.
