The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ: electric grandeur meets reality

10 August 2023

The Cadillac Escalade, the crown jewel of road presence, has been electrified with the introduction of the 2025 Escalade IQ. Say goodbye to the enrmous gasoline engine - the big boy now comes packed with electric muscle and lots of it too.

The Escalade IQ isn't trying to mimic its fossil fuel-drinking siblings. Unlike its previous versions, which were rooted in Chevrolet's lineage, the IQ steps up its game by taking inspiration from the GMC Hummer EV and Chevrolet Silverado EV. In layman's terms, it's built differently.

Priced from a cool $130,000, the Escalade IQ boasts up to 750 horsepower and a range of around 450 miles. And it's not just all talk; this electric beast can add 100 miles to its range in just 10 minutes when plugged into a sufficiently fast DC charger.

There is no getting away from this one - size does matter, especially for the Escalade IQ. Surprisingly longer, wider, and seemingly more robust than its predecessors, it almost makes the 24-inch wheels look small. Cadillac even borrowed the CrabWalk feature from the Hummer EV, cheekily renaming it the "Cadillac Arrival Mode." Perfect for making an entrance at your local valet or confusing fellow drivers at the parking lot.

For those speed enthusiasts, the Velocity Max mode unlocks the Escalade IQ's full potential. But don't get your hopes up for lightning speed records; despite the power, the vehicle's weight might just hold it back a bit. How much weight, you ask? North of 9,000 lb.

Inside, it's pure opulence. There's a massive 55-inch display, split into two. There's a 35-inch for the driver and a 25-inch for the passenger - the diagonal math isn't intuitive, but we checked, and it's correct. Apple fans, brace yourselves: Apple CarPlay is, unfortunately, missing in line with the latest GM approach. How hard would that be to accept on a six-figure vehicle?

Interestingly, the Escalade IQ seems to be on a mission to eradicate physical switches. A smaller 11-inch touchscreen sits beneath the mega screen, controlling features like climate and lighting. While this looks futuristic, tactile feedback is something many drivers still appreciate. Another intriguing feature is the door that automatically opens upon detecting the driver's approach.

It's not a Cadillac if there isn't an overwhelming number of features. The second row screams luxury with features like touchscreen displays, storage, HDMI inputs, and even captain's chairs that pamper your back with heating, ventilation, and massage.

One of coolest bits is the so-called eTrunk. The Escalade IQ offers a huge front storage space, conveniently taking advantage of the absence of an engine or transmission. Other tech-savvy features include hands-free driving and a camera system that seems like it belongs in a sci-fi movie.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is undoubtedly an impressive machine, making electric vehicles look cooler than ever. Its competitors… Well, what competitors? Mercedes EQS SUV may cost the same, but it looks like a toy next to this thing. Tesla Model X Plaid may be quicker, but it is tiny in comparison. Escalade IQ is bigger than GMC Hummer EV - both the pickup and SUV. Sure, the $130,000 price tag doesn't strictly make it a bargain, heck - you'll most likely spend closer to $170,000 buying this statement on wheels. But simply put - there's nothing out there that comes even close - and Cadillac knew it when designing the Escalade IQ.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the first-ever Cadillac automobile was completed in October 1902 and was the Model A?

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