Cadillac Escalade IQ EV Review

It could be the flagship, but we don’t know for sure. We’re talking about the new Cadillac Escalade IQ EV SUV. Large and in charge, it’s probably bigger than the gas Escalade. Here at Napleton News, we are all about size. This is a “big un,” so get in and buckle up.

What is the Escalade IQ EV?

The Cadillac Escalade IQ is one of the largest SUVs available today. It’s bigger than the standard Escalade and roughly the same size as the extra-large Cadillac Escalade ESV. It gets its motivation by two electric motors delivering a blistering 750 horsepower. Power is supplied by a 205 kWh battery pack. That’s essentially two Cadillac Lyriq batteries wired together for extended range mileage, in this case, 415 miles range.

But wait, there’s more!

These batteries, depending on chargers, can “trick” the chargers into thinking they are larger than they actually are and accept faster charging with a range as long as 465 miles. It displays a monstrous amount of torque, features MagneRide dampers that, depending on road surface conditions, firm up or soften on the fly,. Combine these with rear wheel steering and you have a large SUV that thinks it’s a small sports car.

How about looks?

Let’s call it a success. What else would you say when people stop to tell you how beautiful the vehicle is? No fewer than four times were we stopped in parking lots, at street corners and what have you to hear people voice their approval. It was good for Escalade IQ’s ego, and our own!

From the front, the look is unmistakably Cadillac. The wide grille or crest as it’s known internally is here. But this time it’s solid without the grated opening to cool the engine. That’s because this time, there is no engine. The current state of EV design seems to dictate that the shape has to be a bit mondo-bizarro in order to be a part of the segment. Not so with the ‘Sclade. Instead, it appears as though it is direct descendant of the brand known for being the “Standard of the World.”

Did we mention this vehicle is large? It’s so large that observers asked us if this WAS the new Cadillac Escalade. We replied no, it was the EV version and one of the largest EVs in the market today.

How about inside the Escalade IQ?

Stepping inside the Escalade IQ finds one of the most gorgeous interiors we’ve seen in quite a while. Start with the elephant in the room: a fifty-five inch curved screen that spreads from west to east. It includes the gauges and driver’s display directly in front and the infotainment/Navi/climate screen to the right. GM is holding fast to its no Android Auto/Apple CarPlay rule, much to our chagrin. The Google system they have chosen is simply not good enough.

Getting in the Escalade will find your door closing as soon as you step on the brake pedal or buckle your seat belt. That’s it. There’s no ignition switch or place to stick a key. Just step on the gas and a light appears telling it is ready to drive.

Seating in front is awesome with two thrones fit for a king and/or a queen. Heated, ventilated and massaged, they are quite relaxing, as needed. The second row chairs feel the same, save for the ventilation and massage, while the third row is a bit contentious because of the narrow legroom. If you regularly use all three rows, wait until later this year for the Escalade IQ L, which will be as long as the Escalade ESV gas powered version.

Behind the Wheel of the Cadillac Escalade IQ

You can size this Cadillac Escalade IQ up in a name: The Big Tuna. But that doesn’t mean it handles like it’s flopping around on the deck. Only slightly less so. Instead, it features a ponderous approach to driving, probably owing to its 9,000+ lb. curb weight.

It does tend to wander left and right of center thanks to a central dead spot which just has a numb feeling. The 24-inch tires are huge, but will take you where you want to go. Acceleration is gonzo quick thanks to the pair of electric motors and the other-worldly torque they deliver. It seems uncanny how much power this thing has and delivers.

Cadillac Escalade IQ EV specifications: