Cadillac Escalade IQ Review: Massive Battery and Range Power Electric Luxury SUV

Image: Ars Technica · Source

Cadillac's Escalade IQ features a 200 kWh battery delivering an EPA-estimated 460-mile range in a heavy, tech-rich luxury SUV with strong performance and advanced air suspension.

The Cadillac Escalade IQ marks the brand's ambitious move into large electric SUVs, boasting a battery pack exceeding 200 kWh that enables an EPA-estimated range of about 460 miles (740 km) on a single charge. This places the Escalade IQ among the electric vehicles with the longest ranges available, addressing the typical range anxiety concerns associated with large EVs.

This luxury three-row SUV weighs a substantial 9,046 pounds (4,103 kg), making it about a third heavier than the last gasoline-powered Escalade, and tipping into the Class 3 truck category. Despite its considerable mass, Cadillac integrates an advanced air suspension system, tuned for comfort with a somewhat floaty ride, which helps to manage the vehicle's weight and size effectively on the road. The rear-wheel steering system improves maneuverability at low speeds and stability at highway speeds, enhancing drivability for such a large vehicle.

Performance-wise, the Escalade IQ offers nominal outputs of 680 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque, with a Velocity Max mode boosting power to 750 hp and 785 lb-ft. This enables the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, quite brisk for a vehicle of this size and weight.

Inside, the Escalade IQ features a technologically rich cabin dominated by a 55-inch curved display spanning the dashboard, incorporating the instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen running Android Automotive OS, and additional touch panels for controlling various vehicle functions. Multiple touchscreens serve the front passenger and optional rear-seat entertainment system, providing streaming capabilities and smartphone integration.

In terms of efficiency, the Escalade IQ achieves an estimated 2.1 miles per kWh (approximately 29.6 kWh/100 km), which equates to over 70 miles per gallon equivalent, a significant improvement over the last generation's 16 mpg fuel efficiency. Although fast charging times have not been fully disclosed, Cadillac states that the vehicle can replenish 100 miles of range in about 10 minutes under fast charging.

Spaciousness is a highlight, with adjustable middle-row seats allowing for increased third-row legroom, though headroom is somewhat limited in the rearmost seats. Safety features and driver assistance systems, including GM's Super Cruise, are standard, aiding ease of driving for such a large vehicle.

Overall, the Cadillac Escalade IQ delivers a compelling case for electric luxury SUVs by combining an enormous battery capacity, long driving range, advanced technology, and performance, representing a significant step for Cadillac’s electric vehicle offerings amid a continuing transition period for the brand.