General Motors’ luxury brand Cadillac today unveiled the 2025 Escalade IQ, an all-electric reimagining of its full-size luxury SUV. Key highlights are an estimated range of more than 450 mi (724 km), a curved front pillar-to-pillar infotainment display, available Super Cruise driver assistance technology, and vehicle-to-home bidirectional charging technology with GM Energy’s Ultium Home products.

“Escalade IQ raises the standard just as the original Escalade redefined luxury a quarter-century ago,” said John Roth, Vice President, of Global Cadillac. “This reimagining of an icon marks the next step in Cadillac’s all-electric future.”

Pricing will start at around $130,000 including destination charges. Production begins next summer at GM’s Factory ZERO Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center in Michigan. The facility was renovated and retooled with a $2.2 billion investment to serve as the launchpad for GM’s EV strategy.

 

Design enabled by electrification

The Escalade IQ’s design pushed the wheels farther to the corners and features a long, dynamic hood and faster-sloping rear roofline for a sportier look.

“Our intent for the Escalade IQ was to amplify the Escalade DNA with a distinctively premium profile and heroic stance while complementing the Cadillac EV showroom,” said Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director, of Global Cadillac Design. “With the pillar-to-pillar 55-inch-total-diagonal screen, and available executive second-row seating, the Escalade IQ is another proud expression of Cadillac’s artful integration of leading innovation.”

Though sportier, the IQ is still large, straddling the current short- and long-wheelbase Escalade internal combustion engine models. The electric SUV is 224.3 in (5697 mm) long, 85.3 in (2167 mm) wide with mirrors folded, and 76.1 in (1934 mm) tall, on a 136.2-in (3460-mm) wheelbase. Its dedicated EV architecture enables a sleeker profile and a lower, flatter interior floor that contributes to the feeling of spaciousness.

The sleeker profile pays dividends on the highway. The IQ is estimated to be the most aerodynamic full-size SUV ever produced by GM, with a 15% lower coefficient of drag than previous generations. No numbers were quoted.  Aerodynamicists worked on the smallest details to achieve the big aero gains, including a sharp trailing edge of the Cadillac-style taillights, a smooth underbody, intelligent grille shutters that close when not needed, and the shape and profile of the wheels.

Much of Escalade IQ’s design sophistication is derived from carefully sculpted surfaces. The side profile features flush side glass and a large glass roof that gives the appearance of seamless body lines. That fixed glass roof spans the first and second seat rows and is tinted and treated with a UV-filtering film to ensure the cabin stays comfortable even on sunny days.

“We have added more sculpture to every surface,” said Jawook Koo, Design Manager, at Cadillac Exteriors. “It looks simple, but you see a graceful transition of every surface along with strong body lines with gesture.”

The new SUV features a strong vertical light signature for both day and night, with tall front daytime running light blades and vertically oriented high/low beams, with lighting choreography at both approach and departure. Additional exterior details include an available system that enables all four doors to power open and close at the touch of a button—and, if activated, a driver’s door that automatically opens as a driver approaches with the key fob.

Like other Cadillacs, the Escalade IQ has Luxury and Sport trims, with brushed aluminum metallic finishes on areas such as the wheels and exterior moldings on Luxury and a darkened metal finish on Sport. Customers can also select a two-tone appearance by selecting a black-painted roof to contrast with the six body colors in addition to black.

 

Nimbler performance

The Escalade IQ is the first full-size SUV from Cadillac built on GM’s Ultium modular EV propulsion architecture, and it incorporates GM’s Ultifi software platform to deliver software updates.

“The EV-specific architecture allows us to deliver a driving experience aligned with Cadillac’s philosophy of isolated precision—quiet, smooth, and effortless, with a strong connection to the road for an engaging experience,” said Jamie Brewer, Executive Chief Engineer, Escalade IQ.

“Escalade has always been about being bold, so that’s what we set out to accomplish,” added Mandi Damman, Chief Engineer, Escalade IQ, emphasizing the traditional vehicle brand focus on user engagement.

The Escalade IQ features independent front and rear short-long arm suspension. Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and adaptive air suspension help to isolate passengers from bad road surfaces while providing precise ride control via the 24-in wheels and LT275/50R24 tires. The air suspension system enables the vehicle to be lowered up to 2 in (50 mm) and raised 1 in (25 mm).

Four-wheel steering reduces the turning diameter by more than 6.5 ft (2.0 m) to only 39.4 ft (12.0 m) for greater maneuverability at lower speeds. Available Cadillac Arrival Mode enabled by the four-wheel steering allows the IQ to move diagonally, making it easier when pulling into or out of tight spaces—while making a statement. The four-wheel steering also enhances handling and stability at higher speeds, particularly when trailering.

 

Ultium electrification

Escalade IQ propulsion is by an eAWD system using a drive unit per axle with one permanent-magnet, bar-wound motor each. Output is 505 kW and 615 lb·ft (834 N·m) in Normal Mode, 560 kW and 785 lb·ft (1064 N·m) in Velocity Max Mode. The estimated 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration is less than 5 s. Final drive ratios are 13.26:1 front and 11.63:1 rear. Max trailering capacity is 8000 lb (3628 kg).

The electric SUV offers one-pedal driving and variable regen on demand. Energy recovery is enabled by a heat pump thermal system that allows for energy to transfer between the battery/power electronics and the cabin to optimize range and minimize the power needed for the five-zone climate control.

Feeding the motors is a 24-module Ultium battery pack with more than 200 kW·h of available energy from its lithium-ion NCMA (Nickel, Cobalt, Manganese, Aluminum) cathode and blended graphite anode cells. The pack is integrated with the body structure, which helps to enable the impressive 450 mi range (estimated by SAE J1634 methods) but also improves vehicle strength and rigidity and protects the battery in a crash.

The SUV’s high-voltage architecture enables 800-V DC fast charging, providing up to 100 mi (161 km) of range in 10 min of charging. Home charging at 240 V (with a 100-A dedicated charge station sold separately) using a dual-level cord at 7.7 kW or 19.2 kW AC nets about 15 or 37 mi (24 or 59 km) of range per charge hour.

Escalade IQ will be equipped with vehicle-to-home bidirectional charging, allowing customers to send power directly from the vehicle to a properly equipped home. This capability will be enabled via an over-the-air software update for the 2025 model year. The electric SUV will also offer the option of vehicle-to-load to power external devices.

 

Immersive interior

Cadillac designers say that the Escalade IQ interior combines advanced technologies introduced on the ultra-luxury Celestiq sedan with a design inspired by architecture, upscale furnishings, and fashion.

“You have never seen an Escalade quite like this,” said Craig Sass, Design Manager, Cadillac Interiors. “It’s a true renaissance—an immersive interior experience that elevates the bar for the future of luxury transportation.”

EPA passenger volume is 65.0 ft3 (1841 L) in the first row, 58.3 ft3 (1651 L) in the second, and 38.6 ft3 (1092 L) in the third. Cargo volume is 23.7 ft3 (671 L) behind the third row, 69.1 ft3 (1957 L) with the third row folded, and 119.2 ft3 (3375 L) with the second and third rows folded.

Under the hood is a large “eTrunk” with 12 ft3 (340 L) of storage enabled by the lack of a combustion engine. It offers space for two golf bags and additional features like an available storage tray to increase convenience and space optimization. The volume’s size and versatility were optimized by the design team by incorporating the grille shield in the hood rather than on the front fascia for a lower lift-over height that makes it easier to load items.

The passenger interior trim has laser-etched patterns accenting the wood panels. Ambient lighting is customizable with 126 color choices. With the available illuminated trim, the interior decor illuminates.

“We pushed for more expressive colors and more artistic trim finishes, creating fully designed ‘themes’ the customer can choose,” added Sass. “Additionally, ultra-premium materials and thoughtful finishing touches add a tactile sensation.”

An available Executive Second-Row Seating package includes features such as stowable tray tables, 12.6-inch personal screens, a rear command center screen, dual wireless phone charging pads, USB-C and HDMI ports, massaging seats, and headrest speakers. The powered third row allows for seven total passengers and folds flat for more storage.

The main curved pillar-to-pillar 55-in LED display is powered by a next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit platform from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. The integrated infotainment experience is enabled by a Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF system and gets better over time with OTA updates. With built-in Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, customers can access hands-free communication, live traffic updates, information on nearby charging stations, and download their favorite apps.

The audio experience is by Harman, with Luxury 1 and Sport 1 trims getting a 19-speaker AKG Studio system. Stepping up to Luxury 2 and Sport 2 upgrades to a 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference system. When equipped with the Executive Second Row package, the immersive, 360-degree audio experience uses a 40-speaker AKG Studio Reference system.

 

Advanced driver assistance options

Escalade IQ features a suite of standard active safety and driver assistance 11 features. Highlights include Blind Zone Steering Assist, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, HD Surround Vision, and Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist. At speeds between 5 and 50 mph (8 and 80 km/h), Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking can help drivers avoid or reduce the severity of a pedestrian or bicyclist collision.

Super Cruise, which Cadillac calls the industry’s first true hands-free advanced driver assistance system, will be standard with three years of the OnStar Super Cruise plan. The technology enables drivers to travel hands-free on more than 400,000 mi (644,000 km) of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada.

The technology assists by accelerating/braking to maintain a selected following gap with a vehicle ahead and steering to maintain lane position. The system can perform both driver- and system-initiated lane changes to pass slower traffic and to move from a lane that may be ending. It also monitors the driver’s head position and/or eyes in relation to the road to help ensure driver attention.

When engaged, Super Cruise uses precision map data, lidar, cameras, radars, and GPS to enable a hands-free driving experience through “sensor fusion.” Qualcomm’s automated driving system-on-chip family, the Snapdragon Ride Platform, helps to deliver key low-latency control functions and high-performance and power-efficient AI compute for camera and radar processing.