The Cadillac Escalade IQ is here, and it’s nothing short of a marvel. This all-electric behemoth brings luxury, power, and size to new heights. With its debut, the Escalade IQ is set to redefine what we expect from electric SUVs, combining Cadillac’s signature luxury with cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) technology.
Table of contents
- The Giant Wheels and Massive Size
- Introduction to the All-Electric Escalade
- What is an Escalade?
- The Fifth Generation Escalade
- Performance and Ride Quality
- Battery and Range
- Design and Technical Features
- Safety and Size Concerns
- Pedestrian Safety and Practicality
- Comparing to Other Models
- Unique Features
- Power and Performance
- Interior Luxury
- Executive Seating Package
- Practicality and Storage
- 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Release Date
- 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Price
- Final Thoughts
The Giant Wheels and Massive Size
When you first lay eyes on the Escalade IQ, the 24-inch wheels immediately grab your attention. These aren’t just for show; they hint at the vehicle’s sheer scale. If the wheels and tires are this large, how big is the car itself? The answer is – very big. Everything about the Escalade IQ is oversized: the mirrors, wheels, doors, legroom, battery, and weight.
Introduction to the All-Electric Escalade
This is Cadillac’s first all-electric Escalade, and it’s making a statement. The traditional elements of luxury and comfort you’d expect from a Cadillac are all there, but now they’re paired with an electric powertrain that promises a quieter and more efficient ride. The Escalade IQ is obscenely massive, designed to outshine competitors like the upcoming all-electric Range Rover.
What is an Escalade?
For those unfamiliar with the Escalade, it’s essentially a massive luxury SUV. It represents the pinnacle of Cadillac’s range. The first Escalade appeared in 1998-1999, just as the luxury SUV market was booming. Since then, over a million units have been sold. Even today, 13% of all luxury SUVs sold in the US are Escalades.
One of the unexpected boosts to the Escalade’s popularity was its adoption by the hip-hop community. Many rappers have owned Escalades since the late ’90s, often referencing them in their songs. This cultural influence even led Cadillac to name its first electric SUV, the Lyriq, as a tribute to the Escalade’s legacy in music.
The Fifth Generation Escalade
The Escalade IQ is the fifth generation of this iconic SUV. It retains the familiar GM ladder frame chassis used in various SUVs and trucks. Inside, you’ll find an abundance of screens, buttons, leather, and seats. Traditionally, Escalades have come with a 6.2-liter V8 engine, but there’s a new addition to the lineup – a 3.0-liter straight-six turbo diesel engine, which, despite its size, sounds like a massive freight train.
Performance and Ride Quality
Driving the Escalade IQ offers a unique experience. The ride is smoother than previous models thanks to fully independent suspension. However, it’s not the most agile vehicle due to its size. The Escalade IQ is set to go on sale in 2024, starting at around $130,000. It’s built on the same GM platform as the Hummer EV, featuring a double-decker 212 kWh battery that alone weighs over 1,300 kg (1.3 tons). The entire car tips the scales at over 4 tons.
Battery and Range
The Escalade IQ’s massive battery should provide a range of about 450 miles. With 750 brake horsepower from dual motors and the instant torque typical of electric vehicles, the Escalade IQ can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds. This performance is achieved through heavy-duty engineering, making it one of the most powerful electric SUVs on the market.
Design and Technical Features
Al Oppenheiser, the chief engineer of the Escalade IQ, shared insights into the development process. The project began with the Ultium platform in April 2019, specifically for GM’s electric trucks. By late 2019, the Escalade IQ branched off to ensure it captured all the luxury SUV characteristics synonymous with Cadillac.
The Ultium platform is a sandwich-type design with structural plates above and below the battery, integrating front and rear independent suspension. This structure allows for low center of gravity and the ability to expand battery modules for increased range. The wheelbase of the Escalade IQ is stretched compared to other vehicles using the Ultium platform, providing a shorter turning circle thanks to rear steering.
Safety and Size Concerns
The Escalade IQ’s size is undeniably impressive, but it also raises safety concerns. Some might worry about the safety of such a large vehicle on the road, especially around smaller cars. However, Oppenheiser assures that the Escalade IQ meets all safety requirements, including stopping distance, acceleration, and crash tests, just like any other vehicle sold in the US or globally.
Pedestrian Safety and Practicality
The design and engineering teams worked together to ensure the Escalade IQ is practical and safe for pedestrians. For example, the front e-trunk (electric trunk) has a low lift-over height, making it easier for shorter individuals to access. Despite its towering size, the Escalade IQ is designed with user-friendly features, including ample storage space.
Comparing to Other Models
The Escalade IQ is often compared to other luxury SUVs like the Range Rover. Its design includes a big vertical light, which is a Cadillac signature. The vehicle’s size and features, such as the illuminated nose and E trunk, make it stand out. The E trunk offers 12 cubic feet of secure storage, a practical feature for an electric SUV.
Unique Features
Cadillac has borrowed some innovative features from the Hummer EV, such as the crab walk mode, which allows the vehicle to move diagonally to ease parking. The Escalade IQ’s arrival mode serves a similar purpose, helping drivers navigate tight parking spaces.
Power and Performance
With 750 horsepower and 1,000 newton meters of torque, the Escalade IQ offers substantial power. This vehicle is gargantuan, spacious, and packed with features. It’s designed to be a comfortable and luxurious ride, whether you’re driving or being chauffeured.
Interior Luxury
The interior of the Escalade IQ is a showcase of luxury. The 55-inch wall-to-wall display is a standout feature, curving across the dashboard for a sleek look. Although it’s a prototype, the production model will have polarized screens to prevent driver distraction.
The command center controls most functions, reducing the need for buttons. This design is complemented by a floating center console, enhancing the sense of space and modernity. The interior materials, including supple leather and real wood, are high quality, rivaling European luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes.
Executive Seating Package
For those who prefer to be driven, the Escalade IQ offers an executive seating package for $7,500. This package includes multi-way reclining adjustable seats with speakers in the headrests. The vehicle can have up to 40 speakers, ensuring a top-tier audio experience.
The panoramic glass roof adds to the sense of space, flooding the cabin with natural light. The command center in the back allows passengers to control various functions, making the rear seats just as comfortable and functional as the front.
Practicality and Storage
Despite its size, the Escalade IQ is designed to be practical. The rear row of seats doesn’t compromise the boot space, leaving enough room for a small bicycle. This practicality extends to features like wireless charging for both front and rear passengers and electronically controlled doors.
2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Release Date
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is expected to make its grand entrance around November or December 2024. While this time frame has generated a lot of buzz, it is important to remember that these dates are not yet set in stone. Cadillac has not made an official announcement, so while the industry speculation is strong, we will need to wait for confirmation from the company.
Following its expected late 2024 release, the first batch of the Escalade IQ is anticipated to hit dealerships by January 2025. This means that those eager to get behind the wheel of this innovative vehicle may have the chance to do so early in the new year. The excitement surrounding this release is palpable, as it represents Cadillac’s bold step into the future of luxury electric vehicles.
2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Price
The starting price for the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is expected to be around $130,000. This figure positions the Escalade IQ at the higher end of the luxury SUV market, reflecting its advanced electric technology, impressive performance capabilities, and Cadillac’s hallmark of luxury and refinement.
Final Thoughts
The Escalade IQ is more than just a vehicle; it’s an experience. From its massive size and powerful performance to its luxurious interior and practical features, it’s designed to impress. Whether you’re an enthusiast of electric vehicles, a fan of luxury SUVs, or someone looking for a blend of both, the Escalade IQ is a game-changer.
