Cadillac Unveils All-Electric Escalade IQ as Flag-Bearer for Transition to EVs
General Motors (GM) has revealed the Cadillac Escalade IQ, an all-electric version of its popular luxury SUV, signaling the company’s commitment to electric vehicles (EVs). The Escalade IQ is part of GM’s plan to exclusively sell zero-emission passenger vehicles by 2035.
To appeal to a wider range of customers, the Escalade IQ features flashy light displays and powerful electric motors capable of producing 750 horsepower. This makes it 10% more powerful than even the most potent gasoline-powered Escalade model. The SUV can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under five seconds.
Visually, the Escalade IQ showcases a sleeker and less boxy design compared to its internal combustion counterpart. It boasts a longer hood, a more aggressively sloped back window, and the option for a contrasting black-colored roof. The interior is equipped with a total of 55 inches of screen space in the front, one of the largest displays in a Cadillac model.
However, the transition to EVs comes at a price. The Escalade IQ is expected to start at around $130,000, significantly higher than the gas-powered Escalade’s starting price of approximately $81,000. The high price means that the all-electric version will not qualify for federal tax credits on EV purchases.
Despite the introduction of the Escalade IQ, GM plans to continue producing and selling the gasoline-powered Escalade. John Roth, GM’s vice-president for Cadillac, highlighted the company’s manufacturing flexibility, allowing customers to choose between the two versions.
The Escalade IQ is equipped with a massive 200 kilowatt-hour battery pack, giving it an estimated range of up to 450 miles on a full charge. This range is comparable to GM’s upcoming Chevrolet Silverado EV pickup. Notably, the electric SUV shares certain features with the GMC Hummer EV, such as the ability to steer all four wheels in the same direction and drive diagonally in low speeds.
While the weight of the Escalade IQ has not been disclosed, a similarly sized Chevrolet Silverado EV weighs around 8,500 pounds, approximately 1 ton more than the supercharged Cadillac Escalade V. The added weight raises concerns about safety in the event of a crash, especially for occupants of smaller vehicles. GM countered by emphasizing the Escalade IQ’s comprehensive safety systems, including automatic braking and collision avoidance technology.
In terms of handling and interior space, the Escalade IQ benefits from its battery placement under the floor, providing a superior ride and freeing up storage areas. The SUV features a large frunk with 12 cubic feet of storage space, as well as ample storage under the center console.
Production of the Escalade IQ is slated to begin in around a year at GM’s Factory Zero, located on the city line between Detroit and Hamtramck, Michigan. The factory underwent renovations to focus solely on electric vehicle production.