General Motors is making a bold statement in the electric vehicle (EV) market with its latest offering, proving that size and battery capacity truly matter when it comes to range. The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ emerges as a frontrunner, boasting an impressive battery that weighs over a ton and a half, delivering an estimated range of up to 450 miles. This figure surpasses any other electric SUV currently available, positioning it as a potential leader in the all-wheel drive electric SUV segment.
However, the Cadillac Escalade IQ, a spacious three-row, seven-seat SUV, is not designed for every SUV buyer. With an expected starting price around $130,000, it enters the luxury echelon, exceeding the price point of the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, another prominent all-electric, three-row luxury SUV, by more than 20%.
Cadillac Escalade IQ vs. Competitors: Range, Size, and Price
In the realm of electric SUVs, the GMC Hummer EV SUV stands out as a size competitor, but none can rival the Escalade IQ’s range. While the Hummer EV SUV starts at a lower price of $98,845 and is wider than the Escalade IQ, it is significantly shorter and accommodates only five passengers. Despite having a comparable battery size, the Hummer’s greater weight reduces its range to 314 miles.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, in its top trim, is priced at $127,100, still undercutting the Escalade IQ’s starting price. Yet, it’s considerably smaller, both in length and width, and its range barely crosses the 300-mile threshold in its rear-wheel-drive base configuration. The all-wheel-drive version offers a range of only 285 miles, further highlighting the Escalade IQ’s range advantage.
Tesla’s Model X, starting at a more accessible $81,630 (or $91,630 for the Plaid version), is significantly shorter than the Escalade IQ and features a smaller third-row seat. Its official range is rated at 348 miles, still less than the Cadillac’s claim.
Under the Hood: The Ultium Platform Advantage
Despite sharing the iconic Cadillac Escalade name and design cues, the Escalade IQ is fundamentally different from its internal combustion engine counterpart. It’s built upon GM’s dedicated Ultium platform, engineered specifically for electric vehicles. Interestingly, the Escalade IQ is wider but shorter than the extended-length Escalade ESV, showcasing a shift in proportions enabled by the EV architecture.
While Cadillac has not yet released the official weight, projections place the Escalade IQ between 8,000 and 9,000 pounds, with the battery pack alone contributing 3,000 pounds to this figure. While substantial weight can typically decrease an EV’s energy efficiency, the 2025 Escalade IQ is anticipated to be less energy-efficient compared to lighter EVs, but still outperform traditional gasoline-powered counterparts in terms of efficiency.
In conclusion, the Cadillac Escalade IQ is making a strong case as a leading all-wheel drive electric SUV, primarily due to its unparalleled range and substantial size. Its luxury positioning and price point place it in a premium segment, competing with established players while carving out its niche with exceptional battery performance and spacious design.
