General Motors is making a bold statement in the electric vehicle (EV) market, and it’s a big one – literally. The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ emerges as a frontrunner in the best AWD SUVs category for 2024 and beyond, showcasing how size and battery capacity translate to impressive driving range in the EV world. This three-row, seven-seat SUV packs a colossal battery, promising up to 450 miles of range, eclipsing many competitors in the electric SUV segment.
However, the Escalade IQ positions itself firmly in the luxury bracket. While official pricing is still under wraps, GM hints at a starting price around $130,000. This places it significantly above other luxury electric SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. As we delve into the best AWD SUVs of 2024, let’s see how the Cadillac Escalade IQ stacks up against the competition in terms of range, size, and value.
Range Revolution: Setting a New Benchmark for Electric AWD SUVs
When it comes to range, the Cadillac Escalade IQ is making waves. No other electric SUV currently matches its заявленные 450-mile range. Even the formidable GMC Hummer EV SUV, while comparable in size, falls short with a 314-mile range despite having a nearly identical battery. The Hummer EV SUV, starting at $98,845, is heavier and wider, impacting its overall efficiency.
Alt text: GMC Hummer EV SUV in black showcasing its large size, a competitor in the best AWD SUVs 2024 category for size but not range.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, another luxury contender, starts at a lower price point, with the top trim seven-passenger version at $127,100. However, it’s considerably smaller and its range barely exceeds 300 miles in its base configuration, dropping to 285 miles with dual-motor all-wheel drive. Tesla’s Model X, starting even lower, offers 348 miles of range but with a smaller form factor and less spacious third-row seating. The Escalade IQ distinguishes itself by offering both superior range and substantial size, a compelling combination for those seeking the best AWD SUVs in 2024.
Size and Space: Dominating the AWD Electric SUV Landscape
The Escalade IQ, while sharing the iconic Escalade name, is built on GM’s dedicated Ultium EV platform. Interestingly, it’s wider but shorter than the extended-length Escalade ESV, optimizing space within a slightly different footprint. This positions it as a leader in the Best Awd Suvs 2024 discussion, especially for families needing ample passenger and cargo room.
Alt text: 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ front view, a large electric SUV contender for best AWD SUVs 2024, emphasizing luxury and modern design.
While the exact weight is yet to be confirmed, estimates place the Escalade IQ between 8,000 and 9,000 pounds, with the battery pack alone contributing 3,000 pounds. This substantial weight might impact energy efficiency, making it potentially one of the less efficient EVs on the market. However, it’s still projected to be more efficient than its traditional gasoline-powered counterparts, reinforcing the shift towards electric even in large AWD SUVs.
Pricing and Positioning in the 2024 AWD SUV Market
The anticipated starting price of $130,000 for the Cadillac Escalade IQ positions it as a premium offering within the best AWD SUVs 2024 category. It surpasses the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and Tesla Model X in starting price, reflecting its focus on ultimate luxury, range, and size. The GMC Hummer EV SUV, while similarly large, targets a different, more rugged segment.
For buyers prioritizing maximum range and spaciousness in a luxury electric SUV, the Cadillac Escalade IQ emerges as a top contender for the best AWD SUVs of 2024 and the coming years. Its higher price point reflects its premium features and groundbreaking technology, but for those seeking the pinnacle of electric AWD SUV capability, the Escalade IQ is setting a new standard.
