The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is the electric version of the iconic luxury SUV, and it aims to compete with the Tesla Model X and the Mercedes EQS SUV, two of the most popular electric SUVs in the market. The Escalade IQ has some impressive features and specifications that could give it an edge over its rivals, but it also faces some challenges and uncertainties. Here is a comparison of the three electric SUVs based on their design, performance, range, price, and availability.
Design: The Escalade IQ is Bigger and Bolder
The Escalade IQ is based on the same platform as the GMC Hummer EV and the Chevrolet Silverado EV, which means it is a massive vehicle that can accommodate up to seven passengers and plenty of cargo. The Escalade IQ is 224.3 inches long and has a wheelbase of 136.2 inches, making it much larger than the Model X (199.1 inches long and 116.7 inches wheelbase) and the EQS SUV (201.9 inches long and 126.4 inches wheelbase).
The Escalade IQ also retains the distinctive design cues of the conventional Escalade, such as the vertical front and rear lights, the large grille, and the boxy shape. However, it also adds some electric elements, such as a solid front panel with LED lighting, a black roof option, and 24-inch wheels with 35-inch tires.
The Model X and the EQS SUV have more aerodynamic and futuristic designs, with sleek curves, smooth surfaces, and minimalistic features. The Model X has a distinctive falcon-wing rear doors that open upwards, while the EQS SUV has a large glass roof that extends from the windshield to the tailgate.
Performance: The Model X is Faster, but the Escalade IQ is More Powerful
The Escalade IQ has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that produces up to 750 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds, which is impressive for such a large vehicle.
The Model X also has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, but it offers two variants: the Long Range and the Plaid. The Long Range variant has 670 hp and 713 lb-ft of torque, while the Plaid variant has a whopping 1,020 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. The Long Range variant can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, while the Plaid variant can do it in an astonishing 1.9 seconds.
The EQS SUV has multiple powertrain options, but the most powerful one is the 580 4MATIC SUV, which has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that delivers 536 hp and 633 lb-ft of torque. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
Range: The Escalade IQ is the Leader, but at a Cost
The Escalade IQ has a massive 200 kWh battery pack that gives it an estimated range of 450 miles on a single charge. This is far more than any other electric SUV in the market, and even more than some electric sedans.
The Model X has a smaller battery pack of around 100 kWh, but it still offers respectable ranges of 333 miles for the Long Range variant and 348 miles for the Plaid variant.
The EQS SUV has a battery pack of 108.4 kWh, but it only provides a range of 285 miles for the dual-motor all-wheel drive version.
However, the Escalade IQ’s range advantage comes at a cost: weight. The Escalade IQ weighs around 9,000 lbs, which is almost twice as much as the Model X (5,500 lbs) and the EQS SUV (5,700 lbs). This means that the Escalade IQ will consume more energy per mile than its rivals, and will also have higher maintenance costs.
Price: The Escalade IQ is Expensive, but Not Outrageous
The Escalade IQ will have a base price of around $130,000 when it goes on sale next summer. This is higher than any other electric SUV in the market, except for some limited-edition models.
The Model X starts at $89,990 for the Long Range variant and $119,990 for the Plaid variant.
The EQS SUV starts at $102,310 for the base model and goes up to $125,150 for the top-of-the-line model.
However, considering that the conventional Escalade already costs around $100,000 for some trims, the Escalade IQ’s price is not outrageous. It also reflects its superior size, power, range, and luxury features.
Availability: The Escalade IQ is Coming Soon, but with Some Uncertainties
The Escalade IQ is expected to hit the market in the summer of 2023, making it one of the first electric SUVs from a legacy automaker. However, there are some uncertainties about its production and delivery, as GM has faced some challenges and delays with its EV plans due to the global chip shortage, battery supply issues, and labor disputes.
The Model X and the EQS SUV are already available in the market, although they may also face some supply and demand fluctuations due to the pandemic and other factors.
Conclusion: The Escalade IQ is a Strong Contender, but Not a Clear Winner
The Escalade IQ is a bold and ambitious attempt by Cadillac to challenge the Tesla Model X and the Mercedes EQS SUV in the electric SUV segment. The Escalade IQ has some impressive features and specifications that could give it an edge over its rivals, such as its size, power, range, and luxury. However, it also faces some challenges and uncertainties, such as its weight, price, and availability. The Escalade IQ is a strong contender, but not a clear winner.
