Drive Time – 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ SUV
The iconic Cadillac Escalade SUV turned 25 this year. With a welcome complete refresh in 2002, the model rose to be the OG of SUVs for ride, cargo space, luxury and, most notably, presence. Thus, the Escalade became an American-built status symbol, striking a popular chord in the immense land-yacht category.
Yet, with those coveted attributes, Cadillac engineers understandably felt pressure to deliver an all-electric people mover while maintaining current standards of Escalade excellence (GM states its entire line will be electric by 2035).
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ SUV brings some terrific options versus its gas-powered sibling. Its ride, range, performance, luxury, futuristic tech and exterior beauty have received excellent reviews and rarely stay on the lot long – even at a price starting at $129,000.
One big positive is the IQ’s generous range on a fully charged battery. Cadillac states 450 miles, which should soften a buyer’s range anxiety.
The IQ doesn’t share any components with other Caddy or GM products. Meaning the inside and guts are unique with all new parts and technology. Plus, you can purchase an adapter that’ll interface with the prevalent Tesla charging stations. Smart.
The Escalade IQ EV SUV is a must-drive for those desiring plug-in powered technology graced with a beautiful appearance, sumptuous luxury and formidable driving range. If you have the means, give it a long look.
Skin
Cadillac designers did themselves proud as the Escalade IQ EV provides a rakish gorgeous exterior with bold proportions and sweeping lines. It’s the sleekest Escalade ever and a definite head-turner in Flaire Metallic paint. The long wheelbase, with massive, beautiful 24-inch wheels pushed out to the corners, stretches out farther than the full-size Escalade.
The hood covers a generous E-trunk for additional handy storage. The 12.2 cu. ft. includes a thoughtful rolling shelf for those not able to reach the back and can fit two sets of golf bags.
The front houses a prominent Cadillac shield black grille panel, and a dancing LED-studded light show comes alive when the driver powers up the vehicle. Four models (Sport 1, Sport 2, Luxury 1 and Luxury 2) offer various exteriors and trims. Sport 2 and Luxury 2 house the most opulent options.
Fit and finish are outstanding. The rear is clean without wearing out the eyes. Plug-in power eliminates any dual exhausts in the rear.
Performance
The 2025 Escalade IQ delights with impressive power and driving chops. The all-wheel drive powertrain houses dual motors that’ll send the 4.5-ton behemoth 0-60 in less than five seconds when selecting Velocity Max drive mode to unleash the 750 hp and 785 lb. ft. torque. It’s quite fun mashing the pedal.
The IQ’s massive 200-kWh battery enables up to 450 miles on a full charge. Severe cold, heat or a heavy pedal will lessen the range. Locating a DC fast charger will add about 100 miles in 10 minutes. Cadillac thoughtfully offers an available adapter to interface with the plentiful Tesla charging stations.
Three adjustable regenerative braking settings are at your disposal, with the strongest setting bringing the IQ to a complete stop and even hold it on a hill for genuine one-pedal driving (I was immediately smitten). Normal braking still halts the 8,500-pounder in quick fashion. A welcome one-pedal driving benefit is significantly slowing down without illuminating the brake lights to alert police when speeding over the posted limit.
The ride is luxuriously smooth and confident. You’ll enjoy the 4-wheel steering (Arrival Mode), allowing the SUV to move sideways at 45 degrees at low speed. You can steer its front and back wheels in opposite directions, reducing the big SUV’s turning circle by more than 6.5 feet. The famous Magnetic Ride suspension brings good handling and smooth driving. Steering is precise but not jarring.
I didn’t notice a significant difference when scrolling through the four driving modes (Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice and a customizable MyMode). Rest assured, it’s very much a smooth operator during long cruises.
Then, there’s the highly functional Super Cruise capability. Combined with Adaptive Cruise Control, the Escalade IQ is capable of literal hands-free driving if you’re on the highway (no city driving at this time). Currently over 400,000 road miles are available in the U.S. and Canada. Auto lane changes using the turn signal are amazingly capable. Just know Super Cruise won’t engage in tunnels, on icy roads, construction zones or freeway offramps. However, the grin-inducing feature is quickly addictive for long stretches. I loved it.
Cabin
The luxurious interior is a delight to the senses. Fit and finish are outstanding. Handsome textured Dark Ash Open Pore Wood trim. Lovely Noir vented seats feel just right (heated/cooled front and heated rear). Four-way lumbar with massaging modes are perfect after a long day on the course. The power-tilt heated steering wheel, in addition to the automatic lowered body in park, eases entering or leaving the IQ.
Cadillac evidently “borrowed” the convenient Mercedes-Benz door-mounted seat adjustments and the gear-shifter on the steering stalk. Smart move.
The thoughtful floating center console allows for extra storage underneath. Programmable 126 ambient light choices provide countless color combinations. The Escalade seats up to seven or eight comfortably (depending on choosing captain’s chairs or bench seating in the second row). Storage is 119.1 cubic feet behind the first row, 69.1 cubic feet behind the second, and 23.6 cubic feet behind the third. It appears larger due to the low floor and square shape. There’s a handy secret storage area underneath the trunk floor, in addition to the E-trunk. The liftgate opens hands-free.
A generous panoramic roof (fixed) illuminates the interior with a power sunshade if a darker environment is desired. Wireless cellphone charging is standard.
Visibility is good with generous sideview mirrors and the rearview camera (via lenses imbedded in the bumper) providing an unencumbered three-lane-wide view – worthy to see behind tall passengers or large stored items. Another thoughtful perk is the sideview mirror view appears in the infotainment screen, eliminating the craning your neck annoyance.
Tech check
Cadillac went all-out in the tech department befitting the Escalade brand. The star is a vast 55-inch curved OLED touchscreen that spans the entire dash housing, with all controls and functions within easy reach for the driver. The passenger-side touchscreen allows for independent entertainment and is blacked out of the driver’s view. I’d recommend familiarizing yourself with your favorite functions before driving, as there are multiple pages to scroll through.
Wireless Google Assistant, including Google Maps, Google Assistant and the Google Play Store, are standard, replacing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I didn’t miss either one while driving. A superb AKG 19-speaker Surround System delivers studio-quality audio. Next Generation Active Noise Cancellation included in the AKG audio makes the cocoon soothingly quiet by eliminating higher-pitched sounds.
Safety features abound, with automatic Forward Collision, Lane Departure, Blind Spot, Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection and Rear Cross Traffic warnings.
The 2025 Escalade IQ SUV is the OG electric SUV with a desirable package of eye-candy, luxury and eye-popping technology (including Cadillac’s Premium Care Maintenance three years/36,000 miles). Bottom line is the Escalade IQ does the brand’s lofty image proud and is worthy of your time when contemplating a cutting-edge plug-in SUV to cruise or eat up miles of asphalt in gas-free and hands-free bliss.
SCORECARD
Golf Bags: A bunch
Curb Appeal: A
0-60: Under 5 seconds!
Gas Mileage: 450-mile range
Must-Haves: Can’t imagine needing anything else
Warranty & Free Maintenance:
48 mo/50,000 miles warranty; 3/36K maintenance.
Base Price: $128,200
Price as Tested: $132,215
Who Buys it? Those embracing the latest in electric power, great storage and status
Finish Line: Patriotic package of style, performance, luxury and technology
Test-drive the 2025 Escalade IQ SUV at Crest Cars in Frisco.