Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins, Automotive Rhythms

Someone call the Department of Energy because the ESCALADE IQ has figured out our long-term electric driving strategy. It’s quite the phenomenon when one of the most venerated luxury SUVs in modern culture switches its persona from fossil fuels to electric current. Thus, there is no need to worry about a power outage when you take the wheel of Cadillac’s 2025 ESCALADE IQ since it has surpassed the Rivian R1S (410 miles) for the longest driving range of any EV SUV with a Cadillac-estimated 460-mile range.

Remarkably, Cadillac is enhancing its mobility narrative with seven EVs representing the luxury portfolio, which includes the high IQ OPTIQ, LYRIQ, LYRIQ-V, VISTIQ, ESCALADE IQ, ESCALADE IQL (5” difference in length), and CELESTIQ. With IQ, the new moniker denotes Cadillac’s strategic pivot to name-based products for its EV range. Going from alphanumerical badges like CT5 or XT6 to labels works in concert with people, nature, and machines. For example, OPTIQ is inspired by the optical relationship between light, color, and form. Yet, the luxury division of General Motors is not renouncing gasoline powertrains altogether; leadership is just preparing for the future as climate change, global warming, and renewable energy remain top subjects of discussion on the global stage.

Offered in four unique trims – Luxury 1, Sport 1, Luxury 2, and Sport 2 – the ESCALADE IQ delivers (as stated) up to 460 electric miles and can restore 100 miles of range in 10 minutes at a public DC fast charging station. A 205 kWh 24-module GM battery (same as the HUMMER EV) is the foundation of the roughly 9,000-lb ESCALADE IQ and the forthcoming IQL. Rolling on 24” aerodynamic rims and massive Michelin Primacy LTX 275/50 R24 all-season tires, the majestic SUV moves from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds when driver-selectable Velocity Max is initiated. This mode also produces a thunderous 750-horsepower and 785 lb.-ft. of torque from the two-motor, 800v powertrain. Owners will also be able to tow up to 8,000 lbs.

“ESCALADE IQ raises the standard just as the original Escalade redefined luxury a quarter-century ago,” said John Roth, vice president, Global Cadillac. “This reimagining of an icon marks the next step in Cadillac’s all-electric future. For more than 120 years, Cadillac’s bold innovative spirit has defined American luxury. The ESCALADE IQ embodies this spirit in the most sophisticated form.”

During test driving in San Francisco and its outer urban and rural areas I was able to evaluate and establish an intrinsic rapport with the opulent, quiet, and rapid-accelerating large EV SUV. In the city, it was far more maneuverable than I expected with 4-Wheel Steer (rear wheels turn 7.2 degrees) and Cadillac Arrival Mode, allowing me to glide diagonally into my curbside parking spot. This mode is similar to the GMC HUMMER EV’s CrabWalk. Low Ride Mode is also available when the desire to drop the Air Ride Adaptive suspension comes into play for an aggressive demeanor while stagnant or cruising at slower speeds. Paired with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and an eAWD system, the distinguished ESCALADE IQ was agile and resolute on the snake-like roads outside the city. Not once did I feel undismayed during a few bouts of performance movements.

The ESCALADE IQ is the first full-size Cadillac SUV built on GM’s tech-savvy and modular EV propulsion architecture, dubbed the Ultium Platform. The battery pack generates over 200 kWh of accessible energy for various owner needs and restores energy efficiently from the high-voltage architecture. Additionally, Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) bidirectional charging technology allows you to charge parts of your home as needed with GM Energy’s Ultium Home line of products. But keep in mind the equipment and installation service will cost you thousands upon thousands of dollars. Depending on the age of your residence, you may have to upgrade your panel box to at least 200 amps, which is another few thousand dollars. When driving, regeneration and decelerating without using the brake manifests from One-Pedal Driving and Variable Regen on Demand using a paddle shifter on the left of the steering wheel.

Style-wise, the IQ presents a commanding design with an extended, sophisticated profile. Designers gained about 80 electric miles just from the aerodynamic silhouette and requisite technologies. For example, the tires and wheels were developed for minimal drag which helps with range. A  fixed panoramic glass roof (needs a sunroof shade), power opening and closing doors with three egress settings, a 12.2 cubic-foot eTrunk compartment under the hood, an illuminating shield grill, and tall vertical lights highlight the exterior essentials of the IQ. However, I am not a fan of the video camera turn signals within the side mirrors as the imagery is distracting. Those mirrors would also be expensive to replace whether an insurance claim or out-of-pocket.

Enter the lavish, tech-forward cockpit to discover a sanctuary commingling wellness amenities, driving innovations, and entertainment features. The ESCALADE IQ haven begins with the curved pillar-to-pillar 55” display segmented into three screens that connect the infotainment, music, Apps, navigation, odometer, head-up display, and an array of other features. Google built-in replaces Android Auto and Apple CarPlay so there will be a learning curve. With seating for up to seven passengers the Executive Second Row package ups your comforts with stowable tray tables, 12.6” personal screens, headrest speakers, dual wireless charging pads, massaging, heating, and ventilated seats, and a rear command center. Seat controls have been moved to the doors so now the seats are 2” wider and a little cooler within the middle console will keep your alkaline waters and green smoothies chill. Just as important, the available 42-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system will turn your favorite Bob Marley classics – No Woman, No Cry – into immersive listening experiences.

Expect a starting MSRP of $129,990 (including destination and delivery) for the global SUV. But you can easily spend up to $160,000 for the opulent and innovative ESCALADE IQ. Cadillac has sold more than 1 million ESCALADES globally over the past 25 years, so expect the IQ to accelerate that number with its electric energy!

Visit ESCALADE IQ for more information.