General Motors is demonstrating that size is indeed important in the electric vehicle (EV) market, especially when it comes to SUVs. Larger vehicles can house bigger battery packs, directly translating to extended driving ranges. The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ perfectly exemplifies this, carrying over a ton and a half of batteries and boasting an impressive range of up to 450 miles. This figure surpasses any other electric SUV currently available, positioning it as a leader in the Best All Wheel Suv category for range and size.
However, this three-row, seven-seat Escalade IQ isn’t designed for every SUV buyer. While official pricing details are still pending, GM has indicated a starting price around $130,000. This is a significant 20% increase compared to its closest competitor in the luxury three-row all-electric SUV segment, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV.
When considering electric SUVs, only the GMC Hummer EV SUV rivals the Escalade IQ in sheer size. Yet, even with its imposing stature, the Hummer EV SUV falls short in range compared to the Cadillac. Priced from $98,845, the Hummer is heavier and wider, albeit shorter and with only five seats. Despite having a nearly identical battery size, its greater mass reduces its range to 314 miles. The top-tier, seven-passenger EQS SUV, priced at $127,100, remains more affordable than the Escalade IQ’s entry point. However, it is considerably smaller, and its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration only achieves a range of 285 miles, barely crossing the 300-mile threshold even in its base rear-wheel-drive version. Tesla’s Model X, while starting at a lower $81,630 ($91,630 for the Plaid version), is significantly shorter than the Escalade IQ, offers a smaller third-row seat, and has an official range of 348 miles.
Despite sharing the iconic Cadillac Escalade name and design cues, the Escalade IQ is built upon a different foundation than its internal combustion engine counterpart. It utilizes GM’s dedicated Ultium platform, specifically engineered for electric vehicles. Interestingly, the Escalade IQ is wider than the standard Escalade but shorter than the extended-length Escalade ESV, showcasing a unique approach to dimensions within the Escalade family.
While Cadillac has not yet released the official weight, the Escalade IQ is anticipated to weigh between 8,000 to 9,000 pounds, with its battery pack alone contributing 3,000 pounds to this figure. This substantial weight typically impacts an EV’s energy efficiency. It is expected that the 2025 Escalade IQ will be among the EVs with lower energy efficiency on the market. However, it is still projected to be more efficient than traditional gasoline-powered SUVs of comparable size, reinforcing its position as a forward-thinking option in the best all wheel suv category by combining luxury, size, and a significant step towards electrification.
