General Motors is demonstrating that size truly matters in the electric vehicle (EV) landscape, especially when it comes to all-wheel drive (AWD) SUVs. Larger vehicles can house more substantial battery packs, directly translating to extended driving ranges. The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ exemplifies this principle, carrying over a ton and a half of batteries and boasting an impressive range of up to 450 miles – surpassing any other electric SUV currently available. This positions it as a strong contender in the realm of Best Awd Suvs, especially for those seeking electric power.
While the three-row, seven-seat Escalade IQ caters to a specific segment of SUV shoppers, its entry into the market signifies a shift in the luxury AWD SUV category. Although official pricing details are still pending, GM has indicated a starting price around $130,000. This price point positions it above the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, another notable three-row all-electric luxury SUV. The Escalade IQ is making a bold statement in the luxury electric AWD SUV arena.
Among electric SUVs, the GMC Hummer EV SUV stands as a size competitor, yet even it cannot match the Escalade IQ’s range. The Hummer EV SUV, with a starting price of $98,845, is heavier and wider than the Escalade IQ, albeit shorter and with a five-seat configuration. Despite having a nearly identical battery pack, its greater mass results in a reduced range of 314 miles. The top-tier, seven-passenger Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, priced at $127,100, remains slightly more affordable than the Escalade IQ’s projected starting price. However, it is considerably smaller and offers a range that barely exceeds 300 miles in its rear-wheel-drive base trim, and only 285 miles in its dual-motor, AWD configuration. Tesla’s Model X, starting at a lower price point, is significantly shorter than the Escalade IQ, features a smaller third-row seat, and achieves an official range of 348 miles. When considering the best AWD SUVs, range and size are crucial factors, where the Escalade IQ seems to excel.
Despite sharing the Cadillac Escalade name and design cues, the Escalade IQ is built upon different foundations than its internal combustion engine counterpart. It utilizes GM’s dedicated Ultium platform for EVs. Interestingly, the Escalade IQ is wider but shorter in length compared to the extended Escalade ESV version. This new platform and architecture contribute to its status as a potentially best AWD SUV contender by optimizing space and performance for electric powertrains.
Cadillac has not yet released the official weight, but industry experts anticipate the Escalade IQ to weigh between 8,000 to 9,000 pounds, with the battery pack alone accounting for 3,000 pounds. While weight can impact an EV’s energy efficiency, it is expected that the 2025 Escalade IQ, despite being potentially less energy-efficient than lighter EVs, will still outperform its gasoline-powered counterparts in terms of efficiency. For consumers seeking the best AWD SUVs that combine luxury, space, and a powerful electric drivetrain, the Cadillac Escalade IQ presents a compelling, albeit premium-priced, option.
