This is the new 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ and it’s Cadillac’s shot at the ultra-luxury SUV world. The Escalade IQ is massively expensive, massively powerful, and just plain massive at over 9,000 pounds. Today I’m reviewing this Cadillac Escalade IQ, and I’ll show you the many quirks and features. I’m also going to get behind the wheel and show you what it’s like to drive.
source.image: Doug DeMuro
GM first announced the Cadillac Escalade IQ in May 2023 as a battery-electric version of the full-size sport utility vehicle. Details were released at a New York City press event on August 9, 2023. The Escalade IQ began production at Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly in late 2024 for the 2025 model year.
The Escalade IQ is based on GM’s Ultium technology, sharing batteries, motors, and other components with the GMC Hummer EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and Cruise Origin. The 24-module battery has a storage capacity of more than 200 kW-hr, giving it a claimed estimated driving range of 450 mi (720 km). Peak charging rate is 350 kW using an 800 V DC source; there is an onboard AC charger with a maximum input capacity of 19.2 kW.
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At launch, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Escalade IQ will be equipped with two output modes: the standard output mode peaks at a combined 680 hp and 615 lb⋅ft (834 N⋅m) of torque, while “Velocity Max” increases output to 750 hp and 785 lb⋅ft of torque.The rear wheels are linked to the steering wheel, turning up to 10 degrees either opposite (at low speeds) or in the same direction as the front wheels (at highway speeds) and permitting diagonal travel similar to the Hummer EV’s “crabwalk” mode.
