If you have a high IQ, that means you are considered highly intelligent and can learn things quickly. IQ stands for “intelligence quotient,” which is determined by taking a series of specially designed standard tests. Folks with a high IQ can join special groups like MENSA for folks with genius intelligence to work together on social and intellectual matters. This may be why Cadillac named its latest model of the popular Escalade three-row, full-size SUV the Escalade IQ. This will be coming soon to a Cadillac dealer near me and you and represents the latest in intelligent design and extension of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that has become the Ultium strategy for General Motors.
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ will be the third BEV in the Cadillac lineup, joining the midsize Lyriq SUV and full-size Celestiq sedan released in 2023 and 2024. The difference is that the Lyriq and Celestiq were purpose-built as BEV platforms. In contrast, the Escalade IQ represents the first time Cadillac has taken an existing model and offered a BEV version. This makes sense since the Escalade has become the flagship of the Cadillac lineup.
A Powerful Pair of Electric Motors With Standard All-Wheel Drive
Cadillac has equipped the Escalade IQ with a pair of electric motors in the lower frame powered by a 200 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This is part of the GM Ultium design, which has been featured in other General Motors BEV models, including the Lyriq and Celestiq. The battery pack on the Escalade IQ consists of 24 modules and is estimated to give this model a range of up to 450 miles on a fully charged battery. Locating them in the lower frame will make them easier to service and shield them from damage in a collision. In addition, it frees up more space within the passenger cabin and the cargo bay.
The Escalade IQ rides on 24-inch wheels wrapped with 35-inch tires. By giving the Escalade IQ a motor for each axle, this model will be an AWD standard. Cadillac refers to this as eAWD. This contrasts with Escalade’s conventional gasoline engine models, which are standard RWD with available FWD. As a result, you will get the benefits of improved traction without having to pay extra for AWD when you combine the two motors. Cadillac projects that they can deliver up to 750 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque in output. Of course, this will depend on using the Velocity Max drive. When this is not in use, the output of the dual motors will probably fall below these initial projections.
Nevertheless, Cadillac estimates that the 2025 Escalade IQ should be able to tow up to 8,000 lbs. This is significant for a full-size SUV with any powertrain, let alone a BEV. It is also expected to go from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds, which is the type of acceleration-only scene in the Escalade V performance model.
Intelligent Technology Is Front and Center on the Escalade IQ
As its name suggests, the Escalade IQ will be a technology-forward model. As Jamie Brewer, the executive chief engineer for this model, explains, “Escalade IQ is first and foremost a Cadillac and delivers on a promise of innovative design supported by spirited performance and cutting-edge technology.” This starts with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and Adaptive Air Ride Suspension. The Magnetic Ride Control has been used on previous models, and it works to adjust the vehicle’s shocks in real-time to provide a smoother overall ride and handling. The dampers on the suspension are magnetically controlled to perform this function.
The adaptive air ride suspension can raise or lower the vehicle to fit driving conditions better. In fact, this can lower the Escalade IQ by a full two inches or raise it to one inch. This works in conjunction with other standard and available systems on the Escalade IQ, such as Four-Wheel Steer that reduces the turning radius at lower speeds and Cadillac Arrival Mode that allows the vehicle to move diagonally, improving your ability to park the Escalade IQ in tighter parking spaces.
Intelligently Designed Comfort and Convenience Features
The technological advances in the Escalade IQ are not just limited to performance. Cadillac has also used new technologies on this model to improve the comfort and convenience for the passengers. For example, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ features a 55-inch diagonal LED display screen that stretches from pillar to pillar on the front dashboard. This is one of the largest screens on any vehicle, rivaling the size of many flat-screen televisions in most people’s homes. This was designed in conjunction with Qualcomm Technologies using Snapdragon Cockpit Platform technology. This includes standard items like Google Built-in, Google Assistant, Google Play, and Google Maps. As a result, you can get real-time updates on directions, traffic conditions, connectivity, and nearby charging stations. It will also allow you to download and access your favorite apps and make hands-free calls and texts. As Cadillac Interiors design manager Craig Sass claims, “You have never seen an Escalade quite like this. It’s a true renaissance – an immersive interior experience that elevates the bar for the future of luxury transportation.”
Cadillac will be offering the Escalade IQ in four different trim levels. The Luxury 1 and Sport 1 trims will feature a 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system. This will be sufficient for most drivers. However, discerning audiophiles might want to spring for a Luxury 2 or Sport 2 model, as these come with a 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. If that is not enough, go for the Executive Second-Row Seating package. This is the one to get if you have passengers who demand the most entertainment. It features a 360-degree audio experience courtesy of a 40-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system, which may be the most factory-installed speakers featured on any single vehicle. It also has a pair of 12.6-inch diagonal personal screens placed in the seatbacks of the front seats, a rear command center screen, dual wireless charging pads, massaging second-row seats, and USB-C and HDMI ports. Don’t blame us if your second-row passengers never want to leave your vehicle!
There is also an eTrunk in the front of the Escalade IQ. Other automakers call this feature on their BEVs a “frunk” for front trucks. This is where the engine would have gone if this model used a conventional gas engine. Instead, it opens to provide 12 cu.-ft of storage space. This is in addition to the 23.7 cu.-ft of space located behind the third row of seats.
New Standard Safety Features That Will Be a Smart Choice for an Intelligent Driver
The 2025 Escalade IQ will feature several additional standard driver assistance features beyond those generally offered on all Cadillac vehicles, like IntelliBeam automatic high beams and lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning. Each of these additional features will make this model safer to drive. For example, a blind-zone steering assist will detect an imminent collision with a vehicle that you are about to enter and provide evasive action to avoid the crash with a slight turn of the steering wheel. Similarly, intersection automatic emergency braking will detect cross-traffic when you join an intersection and help you avoid a collision or reduce the impact of one that is unavoidable. When a collision is detected, the system will automatically deploy the emergency brakes.
Cadillac has also equipped the Escalade IQ with HD surround vision. This provides an enhanced view of the vehicle, so you can see more than what is directly behind you when driving in reverse. The images will also be easier to see on the 55-inch screen located in the dashboard.
One complaint that some drivers have with a vehicle of this size is trying to parallel or perpendicular park it. If this sounds like you, then Cadillac has answered your prayers. The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ will feature an enhanced automatic parking assist system. This uses the vehicle’s steering, brakes, and gear shift to parallel or perpendicular park this vehicle, even in some of the most challenging parking spaces. It can even be used to pull out of the space as well.
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Is Smarter Than the Average SUV
Cadillac has used technology and innovation to create a new version of the Escalade that will be unmatched in safety, performance, comfort, and convenience. It will also use absolutely no gasoline while producing zero emissions. The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is intelligently designed to provide you with a full-size, three-row SUV that has all the convenience, luxury, and roominess you want while removing the fuel economy and handling issues that might make you think twice about buying a model of this type. This sounds like an intelligent way to move the Escalade into the future and shows that the folks at Cadillac are using their IQs.
