General Motors is making a bold statement in the EV sector: size does indeed matter, especially when it comes to battery capacity and driving range. The upcoming 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ exemplifies this philosophy, packing over a ton and a half of batteries to deliver an unprecedented range of up to 450 miles. This figure surpasses every other electric SUV currently on the market, setting a new benchmark for what drivers can expect from a large, all-wheel-drive electric vehicle.
While the three-row, seven-seat Cadillac Escalade IQ is designed for a specific segment of SUV buyers, it’s important to consider where it stands in the broader context of all-wheel-drive electric SUVs. Although official pricing is still pending, GM has indicated a starting price around $130,000. This positions it above even the luxurious Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, which is considered a top-tier three-row all-electric SUV. For those in the market for the best AWD SUV that maximizes range and passenger capacity, the Escalade IQ is making a compelling case, even if it comes at a premium price.
In the realm of electric SUVs, the GMC Hummer EV SUV is perhaps the closest competitor in terms of sheer size. However, even the Hummer falls short when directly compared to the Escalade IQ’s range. The Hummer EV SUV starts at a lower price of $98,845 and is notably wider, but it’s also shorter and offers only five seats. Despite having a nearly identical battery size, the Hummer’s greater weight reduces its range to 314 miles. The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, in its top seven-passenger trim, is priced slightly lower than the Escalade IQ’s expected starting price, yet it is significantly smaller and offers a less impressive range, barely reaching 300 miles in its base configuration and only 285 miles in its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version. Tesla’s Model X, while starting at a more accessible price point, is considerably smaller than the Escalade IQ, features a smaller third-row seat, and has a range of 348 miles.
It’s crucial to note that while the Escalade IQ shares its name and design cues with the gasoline-powered Cadillac Escalade, it is fundamentally different under the skin. The Escalade IQ is built upon GM’s dedicated Ultium platform, engineered specifically for electric vehicles. Interestingly, the Escalade IQ is wider than the standard Escalade but shorter than the extended-length Escalade ESV, suggesting a focus on optimizing space within a different dimensional profile.
While Cadillac has not yet released official weight figures, industry experts anticipate the Escalade IQ to weigh between 8,000 and 9,000 pounds, with the battery pack alone contributing approximately 3,000 pounds. This substantial weight typically impacts an EV’s energy efficiency. It is expected that the 2025 Escalade IQ will be among the less energy-efficient EVs on the road. However, it’s important to maintain perspective; despite potentially lower energy efficiency compared to smaller EVs, the Escalade IQ is still projected to be more efficient than its traditional gasoline-engine counterparts, especially when considering the overall emissions and running costs.
In conclusion, for buyers prioritizing maximum range in an all-wheel-drive electric SUV, particularly one with three rows and luxury appointments, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ emerges as a leading contender. While its size and expected price point place it at the higher end of the market, its unparalleled range and advanced EV platform position it as a significant advancement in the electric SUV landscape. For those seeking the best in electric AWD SUV capability and are less constrained by size considerations, the Escalade IQ is certainly worth considering as it redefines expectations for range in its vehicle class.
