A New Era for Cadillac
The Cadillac Escalade IQ is not just another SUV launch—it’s a landmark moment for Cadillac and for American luxury. For decades, the Escalade has been the ultimate status symbol, a rolling statement of success. Now, with the 2026 Escalade IQ, Cadillac is rewriting that story for the electric age.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ |
| Powertrain | Dual‑motor AWD, 750 hp (Velocity Max mode) |
| Torque | 785 lb‑ft |
| 0‑60 mph | 4.7 seconds (est.) |
| Battery | 205 kWh Ultium pack |
| Range | 465 miles (Cadillac‑estimated) |
| Charging | 350 kW DC fast charging, 117 miles in 10 minutes |
| Seating | 7 passengers |
| Cargo | Up to 119 cu.ft. |
| Price (US) | Starting ~$130,000 |
| Safety | Super Cruise, ADAS suite |
| Availability | Summer 2025 (2026 model year) |
This isn’t just about swapping a gas engine for a battery. The Escalade IQ is a complete reimagining of what a luxury SUV can be—bold in design, futuristic in technology, and powerful enough to silence any doubts about EV performance.
Exterior Design: Bold, Futuristic, and Unmistakably Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade IQ makes an entrance like few SUVs can. At over 224 inches long, it’s massive, but the design is sleek and modern. The front fascia is dominated by a black crystal shield grille that lights up with animated LEDs. The vertical lighting signature, a Cadillac hallmark, has been reinterpreted for the EV era.
From the side, the Escalade IQ looks sculpted and aerodynamic, with flush door handles and 24‑inch wheels that fill the arches. At the rear, a dramatic sloping roofline and full‑width LED tail lamps give it a futuristic vibe.
It’s bold, it’s brash, and yet it’s elegant. Cadillac has managed to keep the Escalade DNA intact while pushing it into the future.
Interior: A Luxury Lounge on Wheels
Step inside the Cadillac Escalade IQ, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels more like a luxury lounge than a car interior. The dashboard is dominated by a 55‑inch curved LED display that stretches pillar to pillar. It combines driver information, infotainment, and passenger entertainment in one seamless screen.
Materials are top‑notch—hand‑stitched leather, open‑pore wood, and aluminum accents. The ambient lighting system can be customized to match your mood, while the panoramic glass roof floods the cabin with natural light.
Seating is generous, with space for seven passengers. The second row offers captain’s chairs with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The third row is surprisingly roomy, thanks to the flat EV floor. Cargo space is equally impressive, with up to 119 cubic feet available when seats are folded.
Performance: Power Meets Refinement
The Cadillac Escalade IQ is powered by GM’s Ultium platform with a 205 kWh battery pack and dual‑motor all‑wheel drive. In standard mode, it delivers around 680 horsepower, but switch to Velocity Max mode, and output jumps to 750 hp and 785 lb‑ft of torque.
That’s enough to launch this massive SUV from 0‑60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. For context, that’s quicker than many sports cars. Yet, despite the power, the Escalade IQ remains whisper‑quiet and smooth, thanks to its EV drivetrain.
Range and Charging: Long‑Distance Confidence
One of the biggest concerns with EVs is range, but the Cadillac Escalade IQ addresses that head‑on. With an estimated 465 miles of range, it’s one of the longest‑range electric SUVs on the market.
Charging is equally impressive. Thanks to its 800‑volt architecture, the Escalade IQ supports 350 kW DC fast charging, adding up to 117 miles of range in just 10 minutes. For home charging, it supports up to 19.2 kW AC, which adds around 36 miles per hour.
This means the Escalade IQ isn’t just a city cruiser—it’s a genuine long‑distance luxury SUV.
Ride and Handling: Smooth, Confident, and Capable
Despite its size, the Cadillac Escalade IQ handles with surprising agility. The adaptive air suspension and magnetic ride control ensure a smooth ride, while four‑wheel steering makes tight turns easier.
For those who want capability, the Escalade IQ offers up to 8,000 lbs of towing capacity, proving that going electric doesn’t mean giving up utility.
Technology: A Digital Powerhouse
The Cadillac Escalade IQ is packed with technology. The 55‑inch curved display is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Cockpit platform, ensuring smooth graphics and fast responses. Google built‑in provides maps, voice assistant, and Play Store apps.
Cadillac’s Super Cruise hands‑free driving system comes standard, allowing hands‑free driving on over 400,000 miles of mapped highways in North America. The system even supports automatic lane changes and trailer towing.
Other highlights include a 40‑speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system, augmented reality navigation, and over‑the‑air software updates.
Dimensions and Space
The Cadillac Escalade IQ is huge, but that’s part of its appeal.
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 224.3 in |
| Width | 94.1 in (with mirrors) |
| Height | 76.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 136.2 in |
| Seating | 7 passengers |
| Cargo | Up to 119.1 cu.ft. |
The flat EV floor means more legroom, especially in the second and third rows. Families will appreciate the practicality, while executives will love the luxury.
Price and Availability
The Cadillac Escalade IQ starts at around $130,000 in the US. That puts it firmly in the ultra‑luxury SUV category, competing with the likes of the Mercedes EQS SUV, BMW iX, and Rivian R1S.
Deliveries are expected to begin in summer 2025, with the Escalade IQ arriving as a 2026 model year vehicle.
Comparison with Rivals
| Feature | Cadillac Escalade IQ | Mercedes EQS SUV | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 750 hp | 536 hp | 835 hp |
| Range | 465 miles | 305 miles | 321 miles |
| 0‑60 mph | 4.7 sec | 4.5 sec | 3.0 sec |
| Seating | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Cargo | 119 cu.ft. | 74 cu.ft. | 104 cu.ft. |
| Price | $130k | $105k | $92k |
The table shows why the Cadillac Escalade IQ is such a compelling choice—it combines long range, luxury, and performance in a way few rivals can match.
Why the Cadillac Escalade IQ Matters
The Cadillac Escalade IQ is more than just a new model—it’s a statement. It shows that Cadillac is serious about the electric future, and it proves that luxury and performance don’t have to be sacrificed for sustainability.
For buyers, it’s a chance to own a piece of automotive history—the first all‑electric Escalade, a vehicle that redefines what an American luxury SUV can be.
FAQs on Cadillac Escalade IQ
Q1: What is the range of the Cadillac Escalade IQ?
The Escalade IQ offers an estimated 465 miles of range on a full charge.
Q2: How powerful is the Cadillac Escalade IQ?
It delivers up to 750 hp and 785 lb‑ft of torque in Velocity Max mode.
Q3: How fast can the Cadillac Escalade IQ charge?
With 350 kW DC fast charging, it can add 117 miles of range in about 10 minutes.
Q4: How many people can the Cadillac Escalade IQ seat?
It seats up to 7 passengers comfortably.
Q5: What is the price of the Cadillac Escalade IQ?
The starting price is around $130,000 in the US.
Q6: When will the Cadillac Escalade IQ be available?
Deliveries are expected to begin in summer 2025 as a 2026 model year vehicle.