In August 2023, General Motors introduced the Cadillac Escalade IQ, an all-electric vehicle that will go into production in October 2025 for the 2025 model year. The launch price was reported to be “around $130,000” for the entry-level Luxury 1 grade. This makes it more expensive than any other Escalade ICE variant, except for the flagship Escalade-V. This is the price difference between the other Escalade iQ trims.
Despite many promises to overtake Tesla in Cadillac Escalade IQ EV sales, GM’s EV initiative has suffered an embarrassing setback. Only one EV model—the Chevy Bolt EV—sold in significant volumes through most of 2023. Meanwhile, the company’s most recent EVs, based on the Ultium platform, have seen disappointing production figures. GM. None of the Cadillac Escalade IQ models announced by G.M.’s several brands were produced in large quantities, which raises the question of why G.M. is spreading its meager EV resources so widely.
The Ultium Architecture is a collective term for the Ultium driving units and batteries. Among other things, these power the BT1 platform, which serves as the basis for a variety of large electric pickup trucks and SUVs. These include the Cadillac Escalade IQ, Chevrolet Silverado EV/G.M.C. Sierra EV, and G.M.C. Hummer EV and SUV. More vehicles from all three manufacturers are expected in the near future.
The G.M.C. Hummer EV SUV and the Cadillac Escalade IQ are similar in many aspects, such as their advanced 800-volt electric design and two electric motors that can produce up to 750 horsepower each. G.M.C. The Hummer EV SUV can only get 313 miles (504 km) from the same 212-kWh battery, so the Cadillac’s range of up to 460 miles (740 km) is surprising.
Cadillac said at launch that sales of the Cadillac Escalade IQ were scheduled for the second half of the year, and that production would begin this summer. Still, the all-electric Cadillac will arrive in showrooms much later, possibly by the time of the winter holidays, as the start of manufacturing has been postponed until October. With the exception of the top-of-the-line Escalade-V, the Cadillac Escalade IQ is the most expensive Escalade model, so you have more time to save money.
Prices start at $129,990, as reported last year; not including a $2,290 destination charge. This will get you access to the Luxury 1 trim’s AWD drivetrain. Almost equal to the Luxury 1, the Cadillac iQ Sport 1 trim starts $500 higher at $130,490. Both get the much-loved curved pillar-to-pillar 55-inch infotainment display, four-wheel steering, air ride adaptive suspension with Magnetic Ride Control, and 11.5 kW onboard AC charging.
The next two trim levels are Sport 2 and Luxury 2, priced at $149,990 and $150,490 respectively. This increases the AC charger output to 19.2 kW, which is a significant improvement considering the larger battery pack. In addition, these grades are equipped with a 36-speaker AKG audio system, 16-way power front seats with massage and power bolsters, 9-module adaptive headlamps, night vision, and power open and close doors.
As you can see, the Escalade iQ is too expensive to qualify for the federal tax credit. However, these are just the base prices. On its website, Cadillac states that the Escalade iQ variant can cost up to $175,000. Although the price of the optional equipment you can choose for the Escalade iQ is unknown, I’m sure it will be expensive.