• The primary electrical model of the Cadillac Escalade begins round $130,000 and goes on sale in summer time 2024.
• Clear-sheet design means this Escalade shouldn’t be based mostly on the Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban.
• Customary options embody rear-wheel steering, 24-inch wheels, and a 55-inch touchscreen show.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ seems completely different, would not it?

The change is becoming contemplating that is the primary all-electric Escalade mannequin, denoted by the “IQ” suffix the model has been bolting to its EV fashions such because the Lyriq and Celestiq. Hey, simply be glad they did not name it the “Escaladiq.”

The Escalade IQ continues the design theme of these autos, each within the italic L-shaped motif forward of the D-pillar and in how its fascia and rear perform a little gentle present as you strategy.

Being an Escalade, although, the IQ is not about subtlety or restraint. Contemplate that it’ll have upward of 750 horsepower, an estimated 450 miles of vary, and a worth of round $130,000 when it goes on sale in summer time 2024.

Dimension and Platform Particulars

The design represents freedom from the constraints imposed on the common Escalade by its being based mostly on the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. As an alternative, the IQ is constructed on comparable fundamentals because the GMC Hummer EV and Chevrolet Silverado EV. Which means GM’s Ultium 24-module battery pack sits beneath, with a usable capability of over 200.0 kWh and the power of including 100 miles of vary in 10 minutes at a correctly functioning DC fast-charger (emphasis on “correctly”). At house, the place most individuals cost most steadily, the IQ helps 19.2 kW AC, which provides round 37 miles of vary in an hour.

Increase (or Decrease) Your IQ

In comparison with the Escalade ESV, the IQ is longer each when it comes to wheelbase (136.2 inches) and total size (224.3 inches). It is wider too, at 85.3 inches. The general measurement improve is such that the usual 24-inch wheels look deceptively small.

These wheels match the scale of these provided on the upcoming Silverado EV RST, they usually’re wrapped in 275/50 tires; that is 35 inches of rubber. That presumably substantial mass is managed by MagneRide dampers and air springs that may elevate and decrease the IQ by one and two inches, respectively.

Regardless of the similarity in measurement, the IQ’s rear-wheel steering permits a 39.4-foot turning diameter, which is barely lower than that of the usual, short-wheelbase Escalade, at 39.7 ft. For comparability, the long-wheelbase ESV’s turning diameter is 43.3 ft.

Additionally cribbed from the Hummer EV playbook is CrabWalk, the place the rear wheels flip in section with the fronts to maneuver the automobile diagonally. Right here, the function is dubbed Cadillac Arrival Mode, and its intention is generally to point out off on the valet.

Energy and Acceleration

A drive mode referred to as Velocity Max permits 750 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque. Cadillac reps say this stays energetic and the facility stays obtainable till you modify modes or flip the important thing off, a welcome change from automakers with autos that solely present peak energy momentarily. Within the common drive mode, output is 680 horsepower and 615 pound-feet of torque.

With entrance and rear motors powering all 4 wheels, Cadillac claims 60-mph acceleration of lower than 5 seconds in Velocity Max. We’re guessing the time shouldn’t be doubtless a lot much less as to problem the 4.3-second consequence we recorded from the Escalade V, because the IQ will assuredly weigh considerably greater than that automobile’s 6290 kilos. Cadillac reps would not say how rather more, however we determine someplace between the 9640-pound GMC Hummer truck and 8660-pound SUV.

The IQ can even have an 8000-pound tow score, however we advise studying up on the perils of towing with an EV, as we have examined.

Inside

In fact, a six-figure Escalade would not be full with out some showmanship inside. What seems to be a single show that stretches 55 inches diagonally throughout your entire sprint is definitely two screens: one 35-inch show for the driving force and a 25-inch display screen for the passenger, partitioned as a result of the passenger’s aspect is polarized so the driving force cannot be distracted by it when the automobile is out of park.

Whereas the prototype construct we noticed wasn’t totally useful, the display screen and its Google Constructed-In integration regarded good. Alas, Apple CarPlay shouldn’t be supported, which is a significant mistake from our perspective.

Additionally disappointing is the absence of bodily switches. Beneath that 55-inch display screen mixture sits one more show. This 11-inch touchscreen is the place you alter issues just like the five-zone local weather controls and ambient lighting—the doorways too, in the event that they’re outfitted with the facility open-and-close function. When enabled, this method can mechanically open the driving force door when it senses your strategy, and a radar system within the door reduces the prospect of its touching one other automobile or the wall in your storage.

All Escalade IQ fashions will include second-row captain’s chairs and a 60/40-split energy third row. An obtainable Government Second Row provides a rear middle console with one more touchscreen show, storage, 12.6-inch rear headrest displays with HDMI inputs, and captain’s chairs with heating, air flow, and therapeutic massage. There are even storable tray tables. So outfitted, the variety of AKG-branded audio system reaches 40.

A merely monumental sunroof reaches the again of the second row. Whereas the tinted glass is handled with UV-filtering movie to cut back warmth switch, you will should order a shade as an adjunct if you need one—we’d.

Storage and Different Tech

As with many EVs, the IQ takes benefit of not having an engine or transmission. A entrance storage space (which Cadillac actually desires you to name the “eTrunk”) holds greater than 12 cubic ft of stuff, and an obtainable accent tray slides ahead and rearward for simpler entry. As an alternative of a transmission tunnel beneath the middle console, there is a sizable bin.

You can even count on a bevy of different Cadillac options, from Tremendous Cruise hands-free driving, a complete exterior digicam system, a parallel parking help function, and even an alphanumeric code on the rear (“1000E4” on this case) that continues the model’s foolish pattern of badges that convert a automobile’s torque from pound-feet to newton-meters after which rounding to the closest 100. The “E” is for electrical, the “4” for the variety of pushed wheels. Certainly, this data will amaze the gang on the valet after you have Cadillac-Arrival-Mode-ed sideways into place.

Deputy Editor, Video

From promoting them to testing them, Carlos Lago has spent his total grownup life consumed by automobiles. He presently drives the inventive behind Automobile and Driver video.