Shubham Sawarkar
Cadillac yesterday unveiled its inaugural all-electric masterpiece, the 2025 Cadillac ESCALADE IQ. Pioneering a new era of opulence and sustainability, this high-end marvel, priced from $130,000 upwards, harnesses the prowess of GM’s Ultium batteries, bestowing upon it an astounding electric range of 450 miles (724+ km). Beyond its eye-catching price tag, the ESCALADE IQ exudes an awe-inspiring presence that surpasses conventional gas-powered Escalades, standing shoulder to shoulder with the elongated grandeur of the ESCALADE ESV, Cadillac’s long-wheelbase model. And, remarkably, despite its voluminous dimensions, the ESCALADE IQ lays claim to being “estimated to be the most aerodynamic full-size SUV ever produced by GM,” a testament to the fusion of performance and efficiency.
At the heart of this monumental machine resides a 24-module Ultium battery, housing a staggering 200kWh of available energy. This remarkable power source not only fuels the SUV’s electric prowess but also propels it into the future with 800-volt DC fast charging capability. This means that a mere 10 minutes plugged into a 350-kW DC charging station can rejuvenate the vehicle with a remarkable 100 miles of additional range. Additionally, for those more leisurely pit stops, the ESCALADE IQ supports up to 19.2 kW AC charging, generously offering approximately 37 miles of range per hour of charging.
The ESCALADE IQ is a symphony of engineering, powered by two electric motors that synergize to deliver an astounding 680 horsepower (505 kW) and an awe-inspiring 615 lb-ft (834 Nm) of torque in its standard mode. Yet, this electrified titan is not one to be confined by norms. Engaging its Velocity Max mode grants the ESCALADE IQ the power to escalate its performance to previously uncharted heights, boasting an exhilarating 750 hp (560 kW) and a commanding 785 lb-ft (1,064 Nm) of torque. A mere flicker of the accelerator in this mode catapults the vehicle to 60mph in less than five seconds, a feat that was previously unheard of in the realm of full-size SUVs.
The ESCALADE IQ stands poised to take on the asphalt, sharing the electrified stage with an illustrious lineup of formidable counterparts including the Hummer, Silverado, GMC Sierra Denali, and Ram 1500 EV. It’s an automotive spectacle that commands attention, with dimensions that are nothing short of impressive: nearly 19 feet in length, eight feet wide, and towering over six feet in height. But these generous proportions aren’t squandered; the interior space offers a cavernous 119.2 cubic feet of cargo volume, a feat made even more remarkable when the second and third-row seats are folded down. And let’s not forget the additional 12 cubic feet of storage in the frunk, elegantly merging luxury with practicality.
Towing capacity is yet another feather in the ESCALADE IQ’s cap, with an impressive 8,000-pound limit that reinforces its utility-focused pedigree. Within its lavish confines, a visual marvel takes center stage: a sprawling 55-inch dual-screen LED display that sprawls across the dashboard. Operating on the Android Automotive OS, this interface seamlessly integrates Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Play Store, delivering both convenience and cutting-edge technology. For those who demand the pinnacle of auditory excellence, higher-tier models come adorned with a breathtaking AKG 40-speaker array that envelopes passengers in a captivating 360-degree soundscape.
Anticipation for the 2025 ESCALADE IQ is set to crescendo as production gears up for a summer debut at GM’s Factory Zero assembly center in Detroit. The starting price, positioned at approximately $130,000, includes destination charges, underscoring Cadillac’s commitment to providing a luxurious and sustainable driving experience.
