The Escalade IQ, an ultra-luxury large SUV we did not see coming. An ok vehicle, until you see it in person, it’s a work of modern art. Trust me, I know!
Available late 2024, this Cadillac SUV has a rather extensive list of features. So, let’s start with power.
Ditching the V8 we all know and love, the IQ is powered by the same 24 module, 200 kWh Ultium battery pack found in the heart of the Hummer EV. This battery pack is part of the body structure, helping provide strength and rigidity to 
the vehicle in the event of a crash. In regard to power, these batteries provide an impressive estimated 750hp and 785 lb.-ft. of torque. Even with those numbers, Cadillac expects 450 miles of range off of a single charge and 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds in velocity mode. When needing a charge, open the motorized charge port door with a touch and you will see the DC fast charging port. The IQ can gain up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes of charging at a public station. All this power is distributed to dual motors with 4-wheel steering standard.
Remember, this is still an Escalade, but a rather luxurious version of an already luxurious vehicle.
The IQ is a vehicle catered to the driver as much as the passengers, which we’ve seen a lot of top luxury automakers do recently, Rolls-Royce, BMW, Bently and Audi to name a few. Here are some features the driver can expect:
- Head-Up Display
- Available night vision with thermal imaging
- Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking
- Rear Pedestrian Alert
- Blind Zone Steering Assist
-
Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- IntelliBeam Auto High-Beam
- One pedal driving with variable regen
-
Cadillac Smart System suite of safety and driver assistance features
When approaching your Escalade IQ, the vehicle will recognize the key fob and open the driver door automatically. (I’m sure Cadillac will add the press brake and door will close feature.) Once inside, you will be graced by a 55-inch, pillar to pillar, curved, LED touch screen with amazing clarity.
The touch screen literally extends from the driver to front passenger door, wow! Adding to such luxuriousness, a large panoramic fixed glass roof stretches over the first and second row. Alot of vehicles sell you short of covering the second row, annoying, but not this vehicle. Now, a feature everyone can enjoy is the available 40-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system, yes 40 speakers! Which is part of the available second row executive package. With this package, you will also receive a pair of 12.6-inch
infotainment screens on the back of the front seats and a rear command center screen on the center console with storable tray tables attached. Power open and close all 4 doors puts this Escalade on a higher level of elegance and sophistication.
Making this SUV ride like the executive suite it is, are Michelin 275/50T24 tires that were specifically designed for the Escalade IQ. For the consumer that likes to travel with a few items, golf clubs, groceries, a large e-trunk compartment where the engine would be, gives you 12.2 cubic 
feet of storage space. For reference, the trunk in the Cadillac CT5 is 11.9 cubic feet.
Currently 4 trim levels will be available, Sport 1, Luxury 1, Sport 2 and Luxury 2. With the EV race in full effect, Cadillac seems to stay in its own lane not worried about the competition and I think they are doing quite well. The Escalade IQ, the first fully electric SUV of its class, is estimated to start around $130,000. I can’t wait to drive this vehicle and all I can say is, watch out Rolls-Royce, America is making a comeback!
