2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ: Renaissance of an IQon
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This year, Cadillac is entering the ultra-exclusive segment of full-size electric SUVs with the 2025 Escalade IQ. The Escalade's electrified variant may share its name with the brand's most iconic model (since the turn of the century), but that's the only thing the two road-going behemoths have in common.
Truth be told, the Escalade IQ lives up to its name in every respect, if only because it's almost a foot longer overall than its gasoline-powered counterpart. The wheelbase, meanwhile, is 15 inches longer, and the slightly lower height contributes to improved aerodynamics—yet doesn’t make it any easier to clear the snow from the roof.
- Also: 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL Stretches the Definition of Full-Size EV
- Also: Top 10 Electric Vehicles With the Longest Range in 2025
The most prestigious brand representing the General Motors empire gave us the keys to an Escalade IQ for a first test drive on the roads of Quebec, right in the middle of pothole season. How was our experience with one of the biggest SUVs on the market today? Read on to find out.
Unmistakable… With a Twist
The electric Cadillac Escalade breaks from the traditional SUV mould and looks more like a large wagon riding on huge wheels. The front end, with vertically arranged lights and a fake grille that lights up at night, is inspired by the smaller Lyriq and Optiq, though in a more opulent design.
The vehicle is based on the Ultium platform just like every other EV from the Detroit-based automaker. The very long hood is reminiscent of the Chevrolet Silverado EV, while the slimmer windows and massive 24-inch wheels give the Escalade IQ a completely different profile from its V8-powered sibling. Another key separation between the two comes from the rear window, which happens to lean forward a lot more on the IQ model. On that note, the longer-wheelbase Escalade IQL set to join the lineup for 2026 features a more upright liftgate.
Technological Tour de Force
Unsurprisingly, the Escalade IQ borrows a number of components from GM’s other large electric vehicles (GMC Hummer EV, GMC Sierra EV and Chevrolet Silverado EV), including a pair of motors that deliver 680 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque. Impressed? Wait, there’s more. By activating Velocity Max mode with a press of the red “V” button on the steering wheel, output and torque increase to 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft, respectively.
As astonishing as these figures are, you can’t escape the weight of the Cadillac Escalade IQ, which tips the scales at almost 9,000 lbs. It’s actually the reason why the license plate number in Quebec starts with an “L”, like a full-size heavy-duty pickup.
The Escalade IQ doesn’t just put on a show with a mighty powertrain. In the case of the top-of-the-line Sport 2 model pictured here, the front hood, rear liftgate and all four doors are electrically assisted. In order to climb inside, just squeeze the handle and the huge door will open automatically. Once you’ve settled behind the wheel with your foot on the brake pedal, the door will close. Other occupants can close their respective doors in the usual way or by using the centre control screen. The reverse operation applies when exiting the vehicle.
Our tester came with the optional Executive Package, which swaps the standard seating configuration for two second-row captain's chairs complete with folding tables, a centre touchscreen with HVAC controls, heating/ventilation/massage for both seats, and a host of additional features such as a 42-speaker premium audio system.
Up front, a 55-inch-wide digital panel extends from pillar to pillar above the dashboard. As you can imagine, the possibilities for customization are endless. Users are the architects of the content showcased in front of them. The middle section of the large interface provides one-touch access to the many vehicle functions, although the curved design makes it harder for the front-seat passenger to touch the screen. There’s still a rotary controller down on the centre console, but we found it unpleasant to manipulate. For one thing, you have to press hard to confirm the requested action. Of course, it’s not that big a deal, but something that designers might want to work on.
On the plus side, Cadillac deserves praise for offering as many as four wireless charging pads—two in the front row, and two more in the second row as part of the optional Executive Package.
A Nimble Elephant
Regardless of all the technology involved, the Cadillac Escalade IQ must obey the same laws of physics as any other vehicle on the road. The number one enemy here is weight, combined with the increased dimensions of the vehicle. We don’t doubt the big SUV could scare off quite a few potential customers.
That being said, thanks to rear-wheel steering, the Escalade IQ almost feels like a ballet dancer when driving around town. Despite its imposing size, 90-degree turns are effortless, and it's also super easy to make U-turns when safe to do so.
Similar to the GMC Hummer EV’s CrabWalk mode, the Escalade IQ offers a so-called Arrival mode that allows it to move diagonally at low speeds. It’s a gadget that will probably impress your brother-in-law and keep him busy for a few hours, but the reality is that no one is likely to use it on a daily basis, especially since you have to go through the long process of activating the function via the centre screen.
In straight lines, the Escalade IQ shines when Velocity Max mode is activated. You can definitely feel the extra 70 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, Sport mode firms up the steering and results in stiffer damping from the adaptive air suspension. But make no mistake: when it comes to sporty handling, the Escalade IQ is simply not in the same league as the fantastic Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing.
The big 24-inch wheels combined with the outrageous weight make the electric Escalade look bad when hitting a pothole. The vehicle hops over the obstacle, and the creaking noises coming from the wheel well are hardly reassuring. Blame the poorly maintained Quebec roads? Sure you can. By the way, don't look for 20- or 22-inch alloys that could make for a softer ride—they are nowhere to be found in Cadillac’s catalog. Too bad.
740 km of Range
While we didn’t get the opportunity to validate the range of the 205kWh battery during this first road test, you should know that the Escalade IQ is said to be able to drive up to 740 km before running out of electrons, matching the Chevrolet Silverado EV’s range. It’s actually the number that we saw on the screen following a full charging session. The energy consumption we recorded during the drive tells us that it’s quite possible to cover such long distances without having to sacrifice the many comforts of this luxurious cabin. Granted, the relatively warm temperatures undoubtedly helped the big Escalade's cause.
As for Super Cruise hands-free driving assist, we really liked the system’s precision and think it’s the best on the market.
Our Verdict
Despite being seemingly allergic to worn-out roads, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ manages to hold its own pretty well in the very small circle of full-size electric SUVs. The combination of power, comfort and technology emphasizes its flagship status in the Cadillac lineup. How will customers respond? Time will tell. Remember, the Escalade IQ starts at an all-inclusive price just over $160,000, and the one we tested topped $180,000—before tax.
Luxury electric motoring can be awfully expensive, indeed.
