Video: First Drive of the Electric 2025 Escalade IQ
The large, powerful EV has features such as power doors, hands-free driving, a range of 460 miles, and a speed of 4.7 seconds per hour to 60 miles per hour.
- The 2025 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade IQ are both large, three-row luxury SUVs.
- The most notable difference is that the classic Escalade runs on gas, while the IQ is battery powered.
- However, powertrain contrasts are just the beginning of the differences between the vehicles.
The Cadillac Escalade has been an iconic symbol of luxury and comfort since its debut in 1999.
It started out as a badged-up GMC Yukon with a 5.7-liter V8 making 255 horsepower. More than 25 years later, the Escalade is still the poster child for luxury SUVs, although things have changed. Starting in 2024, Cadillac has evolved the Escalade nameplate and now offers two versions of the vehicle: the classic gas-powered Escalade and the Escalade IQ.
There are obvious differences. IQ is battery powered. But it’s more than powertrain differences that separate this luxury behemoth.
Design: Cadillac DNA in two forms
Visually, both the Escalade and Escalade IQ are bold, recognizable vehicles. However, the IQ takes things a step further with larger dimensions and a slightly futuristic look.
The electric Escalade IQ is more than a foot longer than the standard Escalade, and its wheelbase is two inches longer than the ESV, the longest version of the gas-powered Escalade. The Escalade IQ’s wheelbase is 136.2 inches, an additional 15 inches over the standard wheelbase version of the Escalade (121-inch wheelbase).
Both cars resemble Cadillacs. However, the internal combustion engine Escalade has a slightly more traditional Escalade look, and the IQ features an illuminated grille, sloping roofline, and paint-matched pillars behind the third-row windows, unlike the standard Escalade, which has an all-glass finish at the rear of the vehicle.
Inside, both models flaunt a huge 55-inch display screen across the dashboard. A passenger-side screen invisible to the driver adds privacy and luxurious entertainment. IQ has up to 126 ambient lighting colors, giving EV drivers the option to customize the ambience.
Power and performance: gas and electricity
Although the 2025 Escalade offers a traditional gasoline-powered powertrain, Cadillac has significantly advanced the three-row SUV’s power performance since its 255-horsepower debut.
The ICE Escalade comes standard with a 6.2-liter V8 that produces an impressive 420 horsepower. And if you want outrageous power combined with luxury, the 682-horsepower V-Series model with its supercharged V8 is the way to go.
But most of the power available in the Escalade comes in the form of electricity.
The Escalade IQ features dual electric motors, full-time all-wheel drive, and 750 horsepower in high-performance mode. Even in standard configuration, the IQ puts out 680 horsepower, which is just shy of the top numbers of the top-performing ICE models.
Generally, EVs are heavier than internal combustion engine EVs. The same goes for the Escalade and Escalade IQ. The gasoline Escalade weighs 6,014 pounds. The IQ, on the other hand, weighs a whopping 9,134 pounds, making it one of the heaviest passenger cars on the market.
The battery-powered IQ accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and has an estimated range of 460 miles on its 205 kWh lithium-ion battery. The top-performing ICE Escalade does 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, slightly better than its heavier counterpart. The standard Escalade does 0-60 in about 6 seconds.
Technology and comfort: electric luxury
Where the new Escalade IQ outperforms its big brother is in technology.
The IQ has four-wheel steering, an unusual feature, with a turning radius 6.5 feet smaller than the standard Escalade. In addition to the light steering of a large vehicle, the Escalade IQ offers plush suspension with adaptive air suspension and magnetic ride control.
All trim levels of the Escalade IQ are equipped with power-opening, obstacle-sensing doors, making it the best choice for drivers. Thanks to the electric powertrain, the IQ has a 12.2 cubic foot front trunk with sliding tray and organizer.
However, the 2025 gasoline Escalade is not left behind. It shares many of the IQ’s high-tech features, but not all trim levels. The classic Escalade’s two highest trim levels are equipped with the same executive second-row package with power doors, massaging seats, tray table, and headrest speakers. The Escalade comes standard with Super Cruise hands-free driving feature.
One notable difference between the two vehicles is that the gas-powered Escalade comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, while the Escalade IQ lacks these features and relies on GM’s native infotainment system.
Pricing: Exclusivity and relative accessibility
The Escalade IQ comes with a hefty price tag. Prices start at $127,700 and reach more than $150,000 for higher trim levels like the Sport 2, excluding options and a $2,290 destination charge. For that price, buyers get what Cadillac calls the most advanced full-size luxury electric SUV on the market today.
Pricing for the 2025 gas-powered Escalade is slightly lower, starting at $88,100. Higher trim levels start to mirror the IQ’s pricing, reaching an MSRP of $176,000. This makes the gas-powered Escalade a more affordable option, but it’s still a very expensive vehicle.
