2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ: Electric Opulence

Five years after the debut of the fifth-generation gasoline-propelled Escalade, the completely reimagined, zero-emissions take on the premium automaker’s flagship SUV is finally on the road: the 2025 Escalade IQ. 

“Escalade IQ is first and foremost a Cadillac and delivers on a promise of innovative design supported by spirited performance and cutting-edge technologies,” says executive chief engineer Jamie Brewer in a press release during the original unveiling. “The EV-specific architecture allows us to deliver a driving experience aligned with Cadillac’s philosophy of isolated precision: quiet, smooth, and effortless with a strong connection to the road for an engaging experience.”  

Built on the same Ultium modular EV platform as the Lyriq crossover, the IQ in many ways resembles a much larger version of the former, boasting a similar aerodynamic raked fixed-glass roof, illuminated solid black grille, and vertical LED headlights.

Still, the vehicle manages to create familiarity with its roots, keeping a long hood, strong bodylines, and an overall boxy silhouette. The signature wide stance is accentuated, thanks to massive 24-inch wheels pushed further towards the corners.  

Exterior finishes vary slightly depending on grade: Luxury models take advantage of bright brushed aluminum trim, while the Sport favors darker shades. A total of seven colors is offered, and customers may opt for a black roof to create a two-tone appearance. 

Not many manually operated functions are found onboard. If the feature is equipped and activated, the doors electronically swing open to adjustable degrees of width and close. Due to the absence of internal combustion components up front, a powered lid concealing the “e-trunk” raises to reveal 340 liters of cargo space. Even the charge port flap is motorized.    

Borrowing the Lyriq’s 33-inch curved glass infotainment touchscreen and stretching the real estate to 55 inches to fit in the much larger seven-passenger cabin, spanning virtually the entire dash, the result is simply stunning—though physically reaching out to tap it from the driver’s seat proves a bit of a challenge.  

An extra display mounted ahead of the main center console means easy access to climate and other controls. Bundling the Executive Second-Row Seating Package (+ $9,000) adds stowable tray tables, dual 12.6-inch monitors (HDMI input only), a massaging function for the middle occupants as well, and more.    

There’s plenty of legroom for everyone; however, accessing the back bench is a chore, having to either hold the tactile Rear Panel Switch found on both B pillars (or using one of the screens) and wait for the center seats to slowly slide forward and tilt.  

Fine details like the laser-etched wood trim look just as good at night, bathed in the glow of customizable ambient lighting with 126 different colors to choose from. As expected on a Cadillac product, the audio system is a banger: the optional AKG Studio Reference stereo provides 360 degrees of sound via 40 speakers installed around the interior.   

Dual electric motors supply all-wheel drive and up to 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque (in Velocity Max mode), and the girthy SUV is capable of towing a maximum of 8,000 pounds. A high-capacity battery yields an estimated 724 kilometers of range, and 800-volt, 350-kilowatt DC fast charging is supported.  

This 9,000-pound behemoth is not as hard to navigate in the city as one would imagine due to innovations such as Four-Wheel Steer, allowing the rear wheels to turn in the opposite direction of the front pair at low speeds to significantly reduce the turning circle, helping make parking an easier task. Adaptive Air Ride Suspension can lower the vehicle height by two inches, which not only aids passenger ingress and egress but also automatically adjusts to mitigate air resistance and improve ride comfort.  

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is built at the GM Factory Zero plant in Hamtramck, Michigan. 

Highlights (as tested):    

MSRP: $188,994  

Motor: Dual Electric  

Horsepower: 680 (net)    

Torque (lb-ft): 615 (net) 

Gearbox: Single-speed automatic 

Layout: Front/rear motors, All-wheel drive    

Fuel economy: 35.71 kWh/100 km mixed city/ highway (observed)