Cadillac spent some time in New York to show off the next Escalade. The name is familiar, but this is an Escalade unlike any that have come before.

As expected and teased, the new ESCALADE will sport an ‘IQ’ suffix (as well as the same stuck caps-lock key Cadillac uses on all their electrics and we use here to help differentiate) to denote its electric powertrain and tie it in with other electrics we have seen such as the LYRIQ and CELESTIQ.

Built on GM’s evolving Ultium platform, the new big SUV will have a double-layer, 200kWh battery pack similar to that used in the GMC Hummer truck and SUV. The ESCALADE will have standard all-wheel drive via dual electric motors (one up front and one out back) for a combined maximum of 750hp.

The overall styling of the new ESCALADE keeps with Cadillac’s current design aesthetic looking much like a LYRIQ that has spent a lot of time pumping iron. Lost are some of the gas Escalade’s tall profile, squared roofline, and sharply chiseled front end, in search of improved aero performance and the extra range that comes with it.

But, in return for that sleeker look…the IQ comes with a 460 miles of estimated range. Ultium battery pack and architecture brings the ability to add 100 miles of range in 10 minutes on sufficiently beefy DC fast charging.

Those dual electric motors moving this beefy Cadillac along also bring performance previously unheard of in a version of the Escalade not followed by a ‘V’. 0-60mph in under 5 seconds which is not far from the Escalade V’s 4.4 seconds (assuming Cadillac doesn’t revise their acceleration numbers before the IQ goes on sale).

This new ESCALADE takes the previous Escalade’s interior tricks and ups them again. Remember the current generation Escalade was the first Cadillac to have a long screen that extended 38 inches from the instruments to where many cars put an entertainment screen. The ESCALADE IQ says ‘Hold my beer’ and comes to the game with a 55-inch monster. In addition to the previous screen that ran from the driver to the center of the dash, the IQ continues on with a screen in front of the passenger. (Note: the 2025 gas-powered Escalade interior refresh also brings a similar 55-inch display to market).

Additionally, like the CELESTIQ we have seen before, virtual controls live on a square touch-screen in front of a physical wheel that can be used to move from function to function. When combined with the Executive Seating option, a similar control screen is also available in the rear cabin. That option includes stowable tray tables, 12.6-inch-diagonal personal screens, dual wireless phone charging pads, USB-C and HDMI ports, massaging seats, and headrest speakers. No word on if a partridge in a pear tree will be available as well.

This fancy interior is wrapped in a shell that is both familiar and not like any Escalade we have seen before. However, for context, it may be valuable to compare the new SUV to the old if only to differentiate from the similarly styled LYRIQ. Stats here are in inches and cubic feet in honor of the market that will likely buy the most of these.

	Escalade	ESCALADE IQ :
LENGTH	211.9	224.3
WIDTH	81.1	85.3
HEIGHT	76.7	76.1
HEADROOM FRONT ROW	42.3	43.5
HEADROOM 2ND ROW	38.9	39.9
HEADROOM 3RD ROW	38.2	37.2
LEGROOM FRONT ROW	44.5	45.2
LEGROOM 2ND ROW	41.7	41.3
LEGROOM 3RD ROW	34.9	30.1
CARGO VOLUME BEHIND 3RD ROW	25.5	23.7
CARGO VOLUME 3RD ROW FOLDED	72.9	69.1
CARGO VOLUME ALL ROWS FOLDED	121	119.2

What this exposes about the new ESCALADE IQ is that it is over 1 foot longer than the gas-powered model. It is wider by over 4 inches. But, it is just over half an inch shorter. This allows for better headroom in the front two rows but less headroom in the seldom-used third row. We have heard rumors of an ESCALADE IQL that will likely be the right choice for people who need maximum room all the way through the rear-most seats.

The IQL will also be the right choice for cargo as the new ESCALADE sacrifices close to 2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, almost 4 with the third row folded, but only 2 again with all rear seats down (likely to the lower roofline over the gas SUV). The L will almost certainly sacrifice space compared to the Escalade ESV but will be the right choice for drivers looking for the biggest electric SUV money can buy.

However, to make up for some of that lost cargo room is a 12 cubic foot front trunk where the current Escalade stashes its V8 engine. It certainly will be helpful for smaller items or anything that requires additional security over being stored in a more exposed SUV cargo hold.

So, how much will such a full-featured, long range, high performance electric Escalade set you back?

$128000 in base trim. Better equipped versions, like shown on Cadillac.com, carry an MSRP of almost $160000.

For comparison, the current Escalade starts just under $84000 with the ESV starting at almost $87000 for all those extra cubic feet of volume. Stepping up to V spec starts all the way up at $152000.

So, while price conscious Escalade buyers might not like the new ESCALADE IQ’s starting price nor as its prices extend into the current V spec range - it does seem quite in line with what you get for your dollar - especially as you consider V spec performance and a higher spec interior than the gas-powered models.

ESCALADE IQ goes on sale in late 2024.

Meet the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ