2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ

 

 

 

 

Test Vehicle:

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Sport

Exterior Color: Deep Space Metallic

Interior Color: Sheer Gray / Dark Cinder

Battery: 

Options: Onyx Package ($4,250), Rear Seat Entertainment ($1,995), Paint ($625), Bluetooth Headphones ($400)

MSRP as tested: $137,565 (With Delivery/Destination)

 

Pros: Range, Modern Style, Power & Performance, Luxurious Interior, Premium Ride

Cons: High Price Tag, Infotainment Learning Curve (No Apple CarPlay /Android Auto)

 

Back in 1998 Cadillac entered a new era when it launched the first ever Escalade full size luxury SUV. That vehicle has become synonymous with the modern-day Cadillac brand and now it is evolving with the addition of the IQ. The Escalade IQ is an all-electric variant of the Escalade and remains a full-size7-passenger luxury SUV with all the Cadillac vibes, but an electric powertrain. Sold alongside the traditional V6 and V8 powered Escalades, the Escalade IQ uses a two-motor (front + rear) AWD electric drivetrain.  The battery back is a 24-module Ultium pack rated at 205 kWh delivering an estimated range of around 465 miles for the standard IQ.  It delivers 680 horsepower and 615 pound feet of torque in Normal mode and up to 750 horsepower and 785-pound feet of torque in Velocity Max mode. AWD is standard across the lineup and towing capacity is among the best in the EV segment at 8,000 pounds. 

 

The Escalade IQ is available in four trims known as Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury, and Premium Sport. New for 2026 is the addition of the long wheelbase IQL which adds 19 inches of length and more cargo / interior space. Prices for the Escalade IQ start at $129,795 for the Luxury model, $130,295 for the Sport, and  $150,095 for Premium Luxury and Premium Sport. Escalade IQL models start about $3,000 higher across the lineup at $132,795. The Escalade IQ competes with other luxury electric SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz EQS, Volvo EX90, Rivian R1S, Lucid Gravity, and Tesla Model Y. I spent a week in an Escalade IQ Sport with several options including the Onyx Package that checked in at $137,565 and here’s what stood out…

 

 

Exterior:

There is no mistaking this large SUV as anything other than a Cadillac. While Cadillacs of the past were adorned with large hood ornaments, this new era features large, illuminated Cadillac emblems on the front ‘grille’. It maintains its bold, boxy presence with plenty of modern refinement that differs from the gas-powered version. Up front is a fully illuminated grille that has a welcome and departure lighting signature. At the center of all those LEDs is the lit-up Cadillac crest. Flanking in the grille are vertical, adaptive LED headlights that are a nod to classic Cadillac cues of the past. 

From the side profile you’ll notice a more raked roofline which helps with its aerodynamics and overall efficiency.  That roofline is one of the big differentiators from the gas version that has a more upright, flat roof. Around back it retains that signature upright look with vertical LED taillights that echo the front design. A crystal looking Cadillac crest sits at the center and doubles as your push button to open the hatch.  Overall, the proportions on this SUV are well-balanced with a strong presence from every angle. The 2026 Escalade IQ nails its mission on the exterior-front: to deliver a full-size luxury SUV that feels rooted in Cadillac tradition while also being unmistakably modern and EV-optimized. The design is bold without being clumsy, high-tech without losing elegant proportions, and well thought out in terms of both form and function.

 

Wheels:

Also adding to its presence are extra-large wheels that fill the large arches. 22” alloy wheels are standard, but my test model was equipped with the optional 24” Deep Space alloys. Wrapping the 24” wheels are 35” light truck tires rated at LT275/50R24. Because these are very large and specific tire sizes, replacement tires may be relatively expensive compared to more common SUV sizes.

 

 

Power:

The Escalade IQ uses a dual motor AWD with a 24-module Ultium pack rated at 205 kWh. In normal driving mode it will produce 680 horsepower and 615-pound feet of torque which is plenty powerful, even in such a large, heavy SUV. However, the Escalade IQ offers an additional power boost in for form of Velocity Mad mode with a dedicated button that will boost horsepower up to 750 horsepower and 785-pound feet of torque. That’s enough power to propel it from 0-60 MPH in just 4.7 seconds, not bad for a full-size SUV. With all that power comes the capability to tow up to 8,000 pounds. 

 

Drive Modes:

Equipped with five different drive modes, the Escalade IQ can adjust its overall dynamics for any kind of weather or situation. The most common driving mode for everyday driving is Tour which is calibrated for efficiency and a smooth ride. I enjoyed putting it in Sport mode which tightens the steering and enhances the connection to the road, it also pipes in some motor sounds that are otherwise missing. Other modes include Snow/Ice, Tow/Haul, and My Mode in which you can customize all the settings to your personal preference. 

 

Handling / Road Manners:

The Escalade IQ features an independent front and rear suspension. It also uses adaptive air suspension plus Magnetic Ride Control, which delivers a smooth, plush ride. The Adaptive Air Ride Suspension system enables the vehicle to be lowered up to 2 inches and raised 1 inch. If raised for lower speed driving, it will automatically lower itself as you increase speed for maximum efficiency. Road noise is non-existent as this is extremely quiet and refined. 

 

It feels grounded and well-connected to the pavement as it takes corners. There’s less body lean than I might have expected thanks to its low center of gravity and four-wheel steering. Four-Wheel Steer reduces the turning diameter to only 39.4 feet at lower speeds and reduces the turning diameter by more than 6.5 feet for greater maneuverability in parking lots and tighter overall turning radius. It also enhances handling and stability at higher speed, particularly when trailering. Similar to the GMC Hummer EV’s crab walk is Cadillac Arrival Mode,  a unique Four-Wheel Steer feature that allows the IQ to move diagonally, making it easier when pulling into or out of tight spaces, while making a statement. It’s a quirky feature that you likely won’t use often but is fun to show off. Steering otherwise is well-balanced and direct.

 

As with most EVs, regenerative braking is standard and it's strong in the Escalade IQ. It supports full one-pedal driving, in which it will come to a complete stop when you take your foot off the accelerator. There are various levels of regenerative braking that you can adjust to your personal preference. 

 

Overall, I was very impressed with how easy it was to drive. It definitely gives off more refined, luxury vibes in its road manners, but still packs an impressive amount of power. While this SUV has a large presence on the road, its equipped with advanced tech features that make it feel much smaller and nimbler to drive.  

 

 

Range / Charging:

I was genuinely impressed to see a remaining range of over 450 miles when the Escalade IQ was delivered to me. To date, this is the most range I have experienced on a fully electric vehicle, completely wiping away range anxiety. Other outlets have done more extensive range tests and seen even better range with estimates over 500 miles.  During my time, I found the gauge cluster’s range estimate to be accurate at all times. 

 

Along with solid range numbers, the Escalade IQ also is quick to charge. Maximum 800V DC fast charge rate is 350 kW which will get you about 117 miles of range in just 10 minutes of charging.  It is also equipped with Vehicle-to-Home bidirectional charging technology with GM Energy’s available Ultium Home products, providing customers with the ability to send power directly from the vehicle to a properly equipped home. It will also offer the option of Vehicle-to-Load offboard power, allowing the vehicle to power external devices.

 

Interior:

Hopping inside, the first thing you’ll notice is the 55-inch curved display screen that takes center stage and stretches from pillar to pillar. The vibe is ultramodern, yet timeless, A mix of premium materials work with the technology and ambient lighting to create a space that is calm and inviting. Up above is a panoramic fixed-glass roof that covers both the front and second rows giving the cabin more light and an airy feel. The center console features an additional digital touchscreen that controls climate and seat functions, separate from the 55” screen. There is also a jog dial in the center that controls screen functionality if you prefer that to the touch screen. There’s a more traditional looking electronic gear selector in the form of a steering wheel mounted stalk. Behind the steering wheel is a screen dedicated to the gauge cluster which can be customized to different display modes. The graphics are crisp and easy to read. An optional Night Vision View even shows a thermal camera-like image at night. 

 

The interior of the Escalade IQ is one of the most tech-forward cabins you'll find in a large luxury EV. Cadillac has clearly made the digital experience a core part of what this SUV is about. Luxury and comfort is also prioritized as no matter where you sit in this vehicle, you’ll feel appreciated. 

 

 

Seats:

With seating of up to seven, there isn’t a bad seat to be had in the Escalade IQ’s three rows. The layout consists of second row captain’s chairs which give good comfort and a walk-through space to the third row. The third row is a 60/40 split-folding bench. Seats are upholstered in one of  Cadillac’s premium synthetic leathers called Inteluxe or Nouveauluxe. Both are premium polyurethane-based materials designed to feel and look luxurious while being animal-free.  

 

Front seats come with 16-way power adjustability and 4-way lumbar support, are heated and ventilated, and have memory settings. Optional are massage functionality. There is plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room. Second row seats also offer ample passenger space and a good amount of recline with heated seats standard.  

 

 

Optional is an Executive Second-Row Seating Package, which upgrades the second row significantly.

Features in that package:

• 14-way power second-row seats (recline + more adjustability).
• Heating, ventilation, massage for second-row seats.
• Tray tables that stow.
• Rear command-center screen.
• Dual wireless phone charging pads in the second row. 
• USB-C and HDMI ports for rear entertainment. 
• Headrest speakers for a more immersive audio experience in the back.

Third row seats are impressively roomy, even for adults. The seats themselves are more comfortable than most third-row seats, making it much less of a punishment to sit in the back. The third-row bench is also power folding at the touch of a button to expand cargo space. 

 

Technology:

The centerpiece of the IQ’s interior tech is a massive 55-inch LED screen that spans almost the full width of the dashboard. Under the glass, it's actually two logical displays: one section for the driver (instrument cluster + main infotainment) and another “passenger-only” screen on the right.  There is no integration with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto as GM would prefer you utilize their own platform. Google Built-in is a core part of of the infotainment, so you do have access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and apps vis Google Play. It takes some getting used to, but the system works well. A 5G Wi-Fi hotspot is also available. 

Standard is a 21-speaker audio system, but a premium AKG Studio REference with 38 speakers is available. My test vehicle was also equipped with dual rear seat entertainment screens in which the kids could independently access apps like YouTube and others to occupy their time on the road. Cadillac even offers bluetooth headsets as an option to keep in the SUV. 

There is a lot of tech and screens to get used to in this SUV. Once acclimated, they’re fairly common sense to operate, but you will need to take some time to go through everything and understand where all the digital controls and settings are buried. 

Super Cruise

Super Cruise is a semi-autonomous hands-free driving feature that is standard.  I have driven similar systems in other models but have to say that Super Cruise takes the lead on this technology. The system is easy to engage with and operates incredibly smoothly. Once cruise control is on, the Super Cruise light will illuminate on the digital cluster if available. It will currently engage on over 400,000 miles of compatible roads throughout the US and Canada  including both divided and undivided highways.  When it is safe to do so, press the Super Cruise button on the steering wheel to engage Super Cruise. When the symbol and steering-wheel light bar illuminate in green, you may remove your hands from the steering wheel. Do not remove your hands from the steering wheel unless the light bar is green, which indicates that Super Cruise is steering the vehicle. To disengage Super Cruise, press the Super Cruise button again or press the brake pedal.

Once engaged, it maintains its placement on the center of lane thanks to multiple real-time cameras, sensors, GPS, and LiDAR precision map data. The distance behind the vehicle in front is set by the driver and maintained automatically.  Super Cruise also features automatic lane changing or lane change on demand. If you approach a car that is driving slower than your set speed, the Escalade IQ will automatically change lanes to pass the vehicle ahead of you. Before changing lanes, it will notify the driver via the digital cluster and seat vibrations. It will also change lanes automatically if it senses a vehicle behind you following closely to get out of the way for that driver. It works seamlessly and appropriately, never "cutting off" other drivers. The lane change system can also be engaged on-demand when the driver turns a turn signal on.

A small camera ensures driver’s attentiveness and focusses on the road ahead. If the car senses the driver is not focused, the steering wheel light-bar flashes for the first alert, turns red on the second alert, the seat vibrates, and it will direct the driver to take over control. If the driver does not take over, the Escalade IQ will slow down and safely come to a stop. Super Cruise was beyond impressive as I was able to let the Escalade IQ drive me home from work on the highway minimizing the stress of traffic. Kudos to GM & Cadillac for developing such an intelligent system that is easy to operate.

Cargo:

The Escalade IQ has 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third row, 69.1 cubes with the third-row power-folded down and up to 119.1 cubic feet of room with all rear seats folded. The IQL, which is 4 inches longer than the IQ, boasts cargo capacities of 24.2, 75.4 and 125.2 cubic feet, respectively. As a bonus, there is significant cargo space up front under the hood with another 12.2 cubic feet of frunk space that even has a sliding tray. It was a great option during baseball season to store the team baseball gear for the week. 

 

 

Safety / Driver Assistance:

The Escalade IQ comes standard with a robust list of standard safety and driver assistance features. Standard driver assist features include a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, enhanced lane keep assist with lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, blind zone steering assist, and hitch guidance. Additional standard alerts include rear pedestrian, side bicyclist, forward collision, rear seat reminder, and a safety alert seat.  Because it’s such a large SUV, Cadillac has incorporated several specific vision assistance features such as an HD surround vision camera, intelligent high-beam assist, HD rear vision camera, rear camera mirror with washer and a hitch view. 

Finally, emergency braking is included for the following situations:

• Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking 
• Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking 
• Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking  
• Rear Cross Traffic Braking   
• Reverse Automatic Braking 

All the features in the Escalade IQ work well and most can be adjusted to various strength settings. 

 

Final Statement:

The Cadillac Escalade IQ is every bit an Escalade, just with a battery providing all the power.  Cadillac has infused traditional Cadillac cues into its styling that will be appreciated by the Cadillac loyalists and admired by those new to the brand. The integration of LED lighting elements is stunning and a true statement from the moment you look at the front. With over 460 miles of range and up to 750 horsepower, the Escalade IQ delivers in all the right places. The only unfortunate news is that it all comes at a hefty price tag, whether or not it’s worth it is up to you.