Cadillac Escalade IQ First Edition

Overview

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ First Edition is a colossal all-electric SUV, redefining American luxury for the electric era. This top-tier launch model aims to dominate the premium EV space with its sheer presence and advanced tech. Highlights include a massive battery promising extensive range, a jaw-dropping interior screen, and palatial comfort for seven. While primarily launching in the US, its global ambition is clear. Official European pricing and availability for this opulent First Edition are yet to be announced, but expect it to command a premium reflecting its flagship status.

What's New for 2025?

The Escalade IQ is an entirely new beast for 2025, marking Cadillac's bold electric reinterpretation of its iconic luxury SUV. Built on GM's advanced Ultium platform, it brings a fresh design language and cutting-edge technology. Key innovations for this First Edition include the stunning pillar-to-pillar 55-inch LED display, the latest Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance, and impressive Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability. Four-wheel steering enhances manoeuvrability, making this titan surprisingly agile for its size. It’s a ground-up revolution, not just an update, setting a new benchmark.

Design & Exterior

The Escalade IQ First Edition boasts an imposing yet aerodynamic silhouette, blending classic Escalade cues with futuristic EV styling. Signature vertical LED lighting front and rear ensures it’s instantly recognisable. This luxurious behemoth measures a commanding 5698 mm in length, stands 1933 mm tall, and has a width (excluding mirrors) of 2167 mm. The First Edition typically flaunts exclusive design touches, like massive 24-inch alloy wheels and unique badging, further elevating its already considerable road presence. It's a head-turner, promising both luxury and a statement.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Escalade IQ First Edition and prepare for a tech-laden sanctuary. A stunning 55-inch curved LED display dominates the dashboard, offering crystal-clear infotainment. Seating for seven is standard, wrapped in premium materials, with an emphasis on spaciousness and comfort, especially in the executive-style second row available on top trims. Cargo capacity is truly epic: a vast 1957 litres behind the second row, expanding to a cavernous 3373 litres with seats folded, plus a handy 345-litre frunk. Expect seamless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium AKG sound system.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let its size fool you; the Escalade IQ First Edition packs a serious punch. Its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain, featuring PMSM motors front and rear, unleashes a mighty 559 kW and a staggering 1064 Nm of torque. This propels the luxury leviathan from 0-100 km/h in a brisk 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 180 km/h. Expect a serenely smooth ride thanks to adaptive air suspension and Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, while four-wheel steering aids agility. Multiple regenerative braking modes, including one-pedal driving, will enhance efficiency and driver control.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Escalade IQ First Edition is built for the long haul, boasting a massive 212.7 kWh usable battery capacity. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range estimate of around 703 km, with an efficiency of approximately 3.31 km/kWh. Its 800V architecture allows for rapid DC fast charging at up to 350 kW (or 150 kW on 400V chargers), potentially adding significant range in minutes. For AC charging, it features a standard 11.5 kW on-board charger. If available in Europe, it would use a CCS Type 2 port, and offers handy Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While Euro NCAP safety ratings are yet to be published for this new model, expect a comprehensive suite of safety tech. The First Edition will likely come loaded with Cadillac's most advanced driver-assistance systems. Standard features should include Super Cruise for hands-free highway driving, an HD Surround Vision camera system, enhanced automatic parking assist, forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot steering assist, and lane-keeping assist. These systems aim to provide both top-tier protection and a relaxed, confident driving experience, fitting for a flagship luxury EV.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

For the European market, official warranty and maintenance details for the Escalade IQ First Edition are yet to be confirmed. However, Cadillac typically offers competitive coverage in its primary markets. This would likely include a comprehensive vehicle warranty for several years/kilometres, and a dedicated battery warranty of around 8 years or 160,000 km, covering against significant degradation. Specifics on powertrain coverage and any complimentary maintenance packages for European customers will be announced closer to its potential regional launch. Reliability for this all-new model is yet to be established.