At this level, I feel it is honest to say that though we have seen some severe contenders on this area, the Cadillac Escalade nonetheless reigns supreme. So far as full-size, luxurious SUVs go, the American large three dominate the class. Whereas the Germans and Japanese have taken a stab at it with fashions such because the BMW X7 or the Lexus LX, the very fact of the matter is that solely Ford, Common Motors, and Stellantis know how one can actually ship when it comes to passenger and cargo area, towing capabilities, efficiency, and opulence. And, the king of that mountain stays, the Cadillac Escalade.
However one of many Escalade’s many charms is its V-8 energy, amplified by the Blackwing-powered Escalade-V. For me, at the least, after driving each the present and the last-generation vehicles, one of many causes I like-me-a-good-old Escalade is usually due to its silky easy, naturally aspirated V-8 punch, one thing no person else now provides on this section. So, when Cadillac supplied me a possibility to drive the all-new, all-electric IQ mannequin for a overview, I did not precisely know what to make of it.
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Is The First-Ever Electrical Escalade
Using on primarily the identical {hardware} because the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and GMC Hummer EV, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is the first-ever absolutely electrical Escalade in historical past. That is a giant deal for Cadillac, because the Escalade shouldn’t be solely the model’s flagship mannequin, it is also its bestseller. In a median 12 months, Cadillac ships about 45,000 of these items within the U.S. and Canada alone. Alongside its Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon twins, it is the world’s best-selling full-size SUV by a strong margin.
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After all, the IQ’s presence does not imply that the common, V-8-powered Escalade will disappear anytime quickly. However it’s a signal that its days are numbered, a dangerous transfer from GM contemplating how vital and profitable this nameplate is. Will patrons even settle for the truth that their Escalade’s 6.2-liter V-8 was changed by a 205-kWh lithium-ion battery and two electrical motors? Extra importantly, can the IQ honor the common Escalade’s fame for being the king of SUVs?
Huge Horsepower, Vary, And Charging Numbers
No less than, from the numbers alone, the Escalade IQ positive is aware of how one can make a press release. As an example, you may match two Tesla Mannequin S batteries into its Ultium Cell unit. Mixed, its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system pumps out a staggering 750 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque. That is achieved in Velocity Max mode, which, not like different EVs which generally go away these methods on just for a brief time frame, stays on till you resolve to show it off once more. When operating usually, the IQ nonetheless places down 650 horsepower and 615 pound-feet of torque. That is it?
Vary and charging are additionally big. Cadillac guarantees as much as 460 miles of vary on a full cost, which is larger than each the Silverado and Hummer EV. It is also operating on an 800-volt structure, which permits it to pump as much as 350 kW of DC fast-charging in optimum circumstances, which I shall be certain to check out myself this week. The max towing score is ready at 8,000 kilos, or about the identical because the V-8-powered mannequin (8,200 lbs).
2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Technical Specs
|
Battery Sort |
Liquid-Cooled Lithium-Ion |
|
Battery Capability |
205-kWh |
|
Electrical Motor Sort |
2x Everlasting Magnet Synchronous AC |
|
Driveline |
Twin-Motor AWD |
|
Horsepower (Mixed) |
750 hp (In Velocity Max Mode) / 650 hp |
|
Torque (Mixed) |
785 lb-ft (In Velocity Max Mode) / 615 lb-ft |
|
Vary (Cadillac Estimate) |
460 mi |
|
DC Quick Charging |
350 kW |
|
Max Towing Ranking |
8,000 lbs |
I solely grabbed it from the GM Canada press workplace and hit the freeway with the IQ to drive it house, so I nonetheless have to digest the idea of an electrical Escalade earlier than supplying you with my private opinion. All driving impressions are additionally beneath embargo till March 17, so I am unable to let you know how this drives or the way it feels on the highway but.
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I need to say, although, the IQ appears completely epic. I personally dig this new design language, which is slowly homogenizing by way of the rejuvenated Cadillac model. It additionally works for an electrical Escalade because of its much less conservative and extra futuristic vibe. The sheer mass of the factor can be imposing, and the Flare Metallic paint of my take a look at unit suits this factor quite nicely. I a lot favor it to the played-out and ubiquitous black-on-black look. That is all I’ve for now, however I will be again quickly with extra. The climate is lastly a bit of hotter up right here, so it ought to enable me to drag first rate vary numbers from this IQ. Keep tuned.

