Cadillac Escalade too small? New, bigger $133K Escalade IQL might be the ticket

Who are we to judge the needs of folks who have $133K burning a hole in their pocket? Certainly, a longer Escalade IQL is better as a huge electric vehicle rather than a gas version? Well, here we are…

Let’s have a look a the eye candy first:

I think objectively, it is a good looking vehicle and maybe even ironically looks smaller as a longer vehicle. Is that a station wagon with a child driving it? The extra $40K worth of increased length is almost entirely added to the rear, providing extra 3rd-row seating space and a larger cargo area(seen above).

Elevating the spaciousness of the vehicle, the 3rd row benefits from more than 4 inches of additional legroom (36.7″ vs. 32.3″), and an additional inch of headroom (38.2″ vs. 37.2″) contributing to more comfortable seating throughout the cabin.

As a reminder, Cadillac changed the Frunk name and says the large eTrunk compartment under the hood offers an additional 12.2 cubic feet of secure storage which is the same as the Escalade IQ.

As for the specs, this is GM’s Ultium 205kWh battery, shared between the Escalade IQ, GMC Hummer/Sierra and Chevy Silverado and it delivers the same 460 miles of range. Also, 350kW charging can deliver up to 116 miles of range in just 10 minutes. The 800V charging curve degrades slightly from there but it is still respectable.

• 750 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque (with driver-selectable Velocity Max10 estimate)
• 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds (with driver-selectable Velocity Max10, Cadillac estimate)
• A Cadillac-estimated max towing capacity of 7500 lbs,
• Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and Air Ride Adaptive suspension isolate passengers from undesirable road surfaces while providing precise steering and feel
• Isolated Precision, Cadillac’s ride and handling philosophy – quiet, smooth and effortless with a strong connection to the road
• Independent front and rear suspension
• 24-inch wheels and 35-inch tires
• Suite of standard active safety and driver assistance features
• Standard Super Cruise5, the industry’s first truly hand-free driver assistance technology (with three years of OnStar connected service)

GM outlines some of the standout features of the Escalade IQ/L lineup:

• A curved pillar-to-pillar 55-inch total diagonal display for an immersive and personalized infotainment experience with voice control, navigation, an app store and dedicated ESCALADE IQL graphics.
• Seating available for up to seven total passengers, with a power folding third-row, which folds flat for more storage
• Standard AKG 4 Studio 21-speaker audio system, with available AKG Studio
• Reference 38-speaker system, which increases to 42 speakers with available Executive Second Row package. The AKG audio system also features custom-tuned speakers and amplifier content Dolby Atmos® for deeper depth, clarity, and detail when listening to music and entertainment
• Standard Super Cruise5 driver assistance technology on all trims (3 years OnStar Super Cruise plan6)
• Available 5G Wi-Fi® hotspot capability7 connected by OnStar, along with a comprehensive suite of OnStar safety and connected services that enhances each journey and delivers extra peace of mind
• Ample passenger entertainment options, including HD streaming and browser compatibility, so customers can log into any streaming app and watch
• The Escalade IQL also comes equipped with vehicle-to-home (V2H) bidirectional charging capabilities, which when paired with the GM Energy V2H Bundle, allows for the transfer of energy between the vehicle and a properly equipped home during times of need

The ESCALADE IQL will be offered in four trims – Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury, and Premium Sport with MSRP starting at $132,695. The IQL will be sold globally, including in the U.S. and Canada, with production starting in mid-2025 at General Motors’ Factory ZERO plant in Detroit.

Electrek’s take

Sure, you could make about four small EVs with the 205kWh battery or 10 PHEVs with 50 miles of electric range with one of these batteries. But people are going to buy huge luxury SUVs and it is better to buy an EV than a gas version, right?

Also with GM’s V2L options, this huge 205kWh battery could back up a home for weeks or be used in emergencies.

For those who prize the decadence of an Escalade but also need some extra third row space for that ski trip to Aspen or Jackson Hole, you have your vehicle. Or, most likely, those ballers who want to have the biggest, most expensive, luxurious SUV on the market.