2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Review: A Closer Look at the Electric Luxury SUV
2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Review: A Closer Look at the Electric Luxury SUV
Posted on December 16, 2024
The Cadillac Escalade has always been a staple luxury SUV, synonymous with the lavishness you've come to associate with the rest of the Cadillac lineup. With the release of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ, this prestigious company has set out to revolutionize the field by introducing an all-electric option for luxury SUV fans. In our 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ review, we'll explore whether this new iteration lives up to its iconic name, and what makes it a gamechanger in the SUV market.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ marks Cadillac's bold entry into the electric luxury SUV market, combining iconic design with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.
- Equipped with dual electric motors, the Escalade IQ delivers impressive performance, including a swift 0 to 60 mph acceleration in just 4.5 seconds and a robust towing capacity of 8,000 pounds.
- The vehicle boasts a substantial range of up to 450 miles on a single charge, with advanced charging capabilities that add 200 miles in just 15 minutes.
- Inside, the Escalade IQ offers a luxurious, tech-forward cabin with a 55-inch dashboard screen, three rows of seating, and customizable ambient lighting.
- Advanced driver assistance systems, such as Super Cruise and adaptive cruise control, enhance safety and convenience, making the Escalade IQ a leader in automotive luxury and innovation.
First Impressions of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ
An all-electric horizon waits ahead of this famous brand.
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ represents a bold step into the future for Cadillac, blending the brand’s iconic luxury with groundbreaking electric vehicle technology. From its powerful performance and impressive range to its luxurious interior and advanced driver assistance systems, the Escalade IQ sets a new standard in the luxury SUV market.
Our team's first look at the Escalade IQ left us thoroughly impressed. This electric luxury SUV retains the classic Escalade aura—its commanding presence and bold attitude are unmistakable, even as it embraces an all-electric future. From the moment you see it, you know you’re looking at a vehicle that demands attention.
For those who seek a vehicle that offers both prestige and innovation, the Escalade IQ is an excellent choice. It’s more than just a car—it’s a statement of Cadillac’s commitment to excellence and a glimpse into the future of automotive luxury.
Design and Exterior Features
One of our favourite aspects of the Escalade IQ is its unique front design. The large grille-like panel, typical of Cadillac’s lavish aesthetic, now serves a dual purpose. It not only maintains the Escalade’s iconic look but also features a mesmerizing light show that greets you upon approach.
This striking visual element perfectly blends tradition with modernity, making the Escalade IQ instantly recognizable. The Escalade IQ merges the classic Escalade name with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, symbolizing Cadillac’s dedication to innovation while maintaining luxury and performance.
Cadillac has taken great strides to ensure that this model not only looks modern but also performs efficiently in terms of aerodynamics. As the most streamlined full-size SUV in Cadillac’s lineup, the Escalade IQ boasts a design that is approximately 15% more aerodynamic than its predecessors. This sleek silhouette isn’t just for show—it contributes to better performance and efficiency.
Our technicians are particularly excited by the massive 24-inch wheels, which are paired with 35-inch tires, making them the largest wheels ever used on the Escalade. These wheels not only enhance the vehicle’s bold appearance but also improve its stability and handling. Additionally, the Escalade IQ offers the unique capability of opening and closing all four doors electrically, adding a touch of futuristic convenience.
Performance and Powertrain
The dual electric motors and Velocity Mode of the Escalade IQ promise a perfect combination of power and responsiveness.
When it comes to performance, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ does not disappoint. Under the hood, it boasts dual electric motors that provide a combined horsepower of 750, ensuring robust performance in all driving conditions.
In normal mode, the vehicle delivers over 650 horsepower, but switch to Velocity Max drive mode, and you’ll unleash a staggering 785 pounds of torque. This makes the Escalade IQ not only powerful but also incredibly responsive.
Acceleration is another highlight. The Escalade IQ can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, a remarkable feat for a full-size SUV. This immediate torque delivery ensures that the vehicle feels lively and quick off the line, providing an exhilarating driving experience.
Advanced features such as four-wheel steering improve maneuverability, making it easier to handle despite its size. This combination of power, agility, and advanced engineering ensures that the Escalade IQ stands out not just as a luxury SUV but also as a high-performance vehicle.
Range and Charging Capabilities
The Escalade IQ's V2H capabilities make it a perfect aid in emergencies.
Equipped with a 200 kWh battery, the Escalade offers an impressive driving range of up to 450 miles on a single charge. This means you can embark on long road trips out of town with confidence, knowing that you have the range to reach your destination without frequent stops.
Charging is also a breeze, thanks to the Escalade IQ’s advanced DC fast charging capability. In just 15 minutes, you can add up to 200 miles of range, significantly reducing downtime during long journeys. The vehicle also utilizes an 800-volt fast-charging architecture, which enhances its ability to recharge quickly and efficiently.
One innovative feature that our sales team highlighted is the Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) capability, which allows the Escalade IQ to power your home in case of an emergency. Additionally, regenerative braking helps conserve energy and extend the driving range, ensuring you get the most out of every charge.
Towing and Payload Capacity
Towing with the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is both impressive and practical. This SUV can handle up to 8,000 pounds, making it perfect for towing boats, trailers, and other hefty loads. It’s not just about luxury; the Escalade IQ is built to tackle tough jobs too.
However, there’s a bit of a trade-off. When towing, the range drops to over 200 miles from the usual 450 miles. So, if you’re planning on some heavy-duty towing, it's worth keeping this in mind.
Compared to its gas-powered predecessor, the Escalade IQ's towing capacity is slightly reduced by 200 pounds. Despite this, it remains a strong player in the towing arena, striking a great balance between performance and practicality as an electric SUV.
Interior Luxury and Technology
With Super Cruise and HD Surround Vision, the interior of the Escalade IQ continues Cadillac's legacy of luxury and tech-savviness.
It should come as no surprise that the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ boasts a luxurious, high-tech interior. Step inside and you'll find a 55-inch screen across the dashboard, divided into driver and passenger sections. This screen offers an immersive experience and integrates with the Qualcomm-powered, Google-enabled infotainment system, keeping you connected with 5G.
The Escalade IQ offers three rows of seating, providing ample space and comfort for all passengers, ideal for families and luxury seekers with a third row seating package. According to our sales team, the seats are made from a synthetic material that feels exactly like leather, offering a plush experience without sacrificing sustainability.
The second row features well-appointed captain’s chairs, with an optional Executive Second Row that includes additional touchscreens and monitors for those who crave extra luxury. Moreover, the panoramic fixed-glass roof enhances the cabin’s ambiance, allowing natural light to flood the interior and creating a spacious, airy feel.
Customization is also a key feature, with 126 color options for ambient lighting, allowing you to tailor the cabin atmosphere to your liking. For tech enthusiasts, the head-up display projects essential information onto the windshield, ensuring that drivers can keep their eyes on the road.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Safety and convenience are at the forefront of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ’s design. The vehicle is equipped with adaptive cruise control, allowing you to set and maintain a speed while following a detected vehicle ahead. This feature reduces the stress of highway driving and enhances overall safety.
One of the most exciting additions is the hands-free Super Cruise, which provides a semi-autonomous driving experience on compatible highways. Alongside this, the Escalade IQ includes lane keep assist, which issues warnings if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane. The automatic lane change function further enhances convenience by safely changing lanes when the turn signal is activated.
Parking and maneuvering in tight spaces have never been easier with the HD Surround Vision technology, which offers a comprehensive view around the SUV. Additionally, the vehicle features intersection automatic emergency braking, adaptive forward lighting, and all-wheel drive four-wheel steering, all of which contribute to a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.
Pre-Order Yours Today at CMP Cadillac
Visit CMP Cadillac today to learn more about the Escalade IQ and book a test drive.
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is positioned as a premium offering in the luxury SUV market. The base price starts at around $175,000, with the premium trims sitting at around $200,000. This allows buyers to customize the vehicle to their preferences, but it also places the Escalade IQ at the higher end of the market.
Despite the higher price point, the Escalade IQ offers value through its cutting-edge features, exceptional performance, and the prestige of the Cadillac brand. For those who prioritize luxury and are willing to invest in a top-tier vehicle, the Escalade IQ stands out as a compelling choice. Of course, you can always talk to one of our representatives about financing options as well!