Size apparently matters in Cadillac world as the already giant Cadillac Escalade IQ is joined by the even bigger 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL.
The “L” is for long, as in long wheelbase. Caddy says the Escalade IQ, which stretches 19 feet from bumper to bumper and is 4.2 inches longer overall than the IQ, will offer more third-row space and larger luggage bay.
The standard IQ, at 18.7 feet nose to tail, already dwarfs likely competitors. It is 18 inches longer overall than the Hummer SUV EV, 24 inches longer than the Mercedes EQS SUV and 26 inches longer than both the Tesla Model X and the upcoming Lucid Gravity SUV.
The 3-row, all-electric Escalade IQ debuted in late 2024 as a ’25 model; the IQL lands this spring or early summer as a ’26.
Other than in length, interior space, cargo capacity and price, the IQL and regular Escalade IQ are twins.
Here’s a look at the Escalade 2025 IQ and, where we know of them, similarities and differences in the 2026 IQL.
Battery, Range, and Power
Both the Escalade IQ and IQL use a 24 module, 205-kWh battery that provides power to the big electric SUVs for up to 460 miles between charges, per Cadillac’s estimates. The electric Escalades exceed the 8,500-pound weight limit for EPA fuel efficiency testing, so factory efficiency estimates are all there are.
While the IQL is a tad bigger than the IQ, it’s range estimate is the same.
The Escalade EVs will be the longest-range electric SUVs available in 2025 if Cadillac’s in-house estimated of 460 miles holds up in real-world use. The Lucid Gravity is next at a claimed 450 miles.
Both IQ and IQL Escalades come standard with a dual motor, all-wheel drive powertrain rated at 680 horsepower and 615 pound-feet of torque in normal driving mode, boosted to 750 hp and 785 lb.-ft. for short bursts in what Caddy is calling the Velocity Max mode.
For those who just must be first across the intersection at every stop light, that’ll deliver a 0-60 sprint time of 4.7 seconds according to Cadillac; better than the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV but not as quick as the Hummer SUV, Lucid Gravity or either version of the Tesla Model X, whose Plaid trim can turn in a scorching 2.5-second run.
We’ll report on the electric Escalades handling and ride quality once we’ve had the opportunity to get behind the wheel. Standard features such as air suspension with magnetic shock dampening should provide for a petty smooth ride. Also standard are one-pedal mode, paddle-controlled regenerative braking and four-wheel steering. That last is a big plus for such long vehicles. An optional Arrival Mode will enable low-speed diagonal movement, just like the Hummer EVs’ “Crab Walk” mode.
Charging the Escalade IQ and IQL
The Escalade IQ and IQL are capable of 800-volt DC fast charging, which the automaker says will add enough juice in 10 minutes to restore 100 miles of range. We figure that bringing a 90% depleted Escalade IQ battery back to 80% of capacity on the most powerful 350-kw DC fast chargers available would take about 30 minutes – the same as with the Hummer EV SUV.
Mercedes claims a 31-minute time to bring the EQS SUV’s 200 kWh battery pack to 80% of capacity at its maximum charging rate of 200 kw; Tesla, whose Superchargers top out at 250 kw, claims a 30-miumte time for the Model X’s 100 kWh pack. The Lucid Gravity claims to be the fastest charging EV, capable of fast-charging at up to 400 kW on 1,000-volt ultra-fast chargers – which are still relatively rare – and 225 kW on 500-volt chargers. At peak charging speeds, Lucid claims, the Gravity can take on enough juice in 12 minutes to restore 200 miles of range.
While the Escalade IQ and IQL are equipped with CCS charging ports, they can use Tesla Superchargers via a GM-supplied adapter. The adapter and the Superchargers’ 250 kW power cap will increase charging time versus a 350kW DC fast charger.
For home and home and workplace charging, the electric Escalades come with a portable Level 2, 240-volt charging cord set rated at up to 7.7 kilowatts, or up to 14.8 miles of range – per hour. That’s a day-long long slog when trying to refill a depleted 200 kWh battery.
Both Escalades have 11.5 kw Level 2, 240-volt chargers for home charging, and offer 19.2 kW charging as an option. That maximum Level 2 charging rate, however, requires 80-amp equipment on a 100-amp dedicated circuit. In most homes, that would require an expensive power supply upgrade. With a more-common 40-amp Level 2 home charger on a 50-amp circuit, the charging rate would drop to about 9.6 kW to add about 22 miles of range per hour
Most competitors with lower-rated Level 2 charging capacity have smaller batteries and can charge as fast or faster.
Pricing and Features
Neither of the electric Escalades is for the budget conscious. The three-row, seven-seat Escalade IQ starts at $129,900, including destination, while the extra space in the IQL comes with a starting price of $132,695. The only other true luxury three-row all-electric SUVs out there are the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, which starts at $106,400, and the Lucid Gravity Grand Touring, which starts at about $118,000 when configured with three-row seating and comparably equipped. Tesla’s Model X isn’t a true luxury SUV, but it is a top selling 3-row premium model, so we’ll toss it in for comparison’s sake – it starts at $93,130 configured with seating for six.
IQ
The Escalade IQ is available in four trim Levels, Luxury 1, Sport 1, Luxury 2 and Sport 2.
The Luxury1starts at $129,900, the Sport 1 at $130,490.
Standard features include massive 24-inch alloy wheels shod with 35-inch diameter tires – biggest ever on aa Cadillac SUV – along with a power hood and power retracting side step, LED headlights, a 55-inch, multi-screen digital display panel stretching along the dashboard from pillar to pillar, a separate tablet-like digital screen on the center console for controlling a variety of daily functions, a five-zone climate control system, faux leather upholstery, heated, ventilated and power adjustable front seats, heated second-row seats, heated steering wheel., lighted, laser-etched wood trim, power folding third-row seats and a panoramic glass roof also are standard. The base Luxury and Sport trims get a 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system,
The Escalade IQ Luxury 2 starts at $149,990 and the Sport 2 at $150,490.
The two upper trims add to the base features with power front seat bolsters, 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference sound system; a trailering package that includes an on-board 19.2 kW charger, trailer brake controller and a trailer-view camera; power massage front seats with seat position memory function; GM’s Night Vision thermal image display and LED interior lighting.
Options for the Escalade IQ upper trims include a 40-speaker AKG Studio reference audio systems, ventilated second row seats, second-row massage seats, and an Executive Second-Row Seating package with captain’s chairs with massage, a center console, stow-away tray tables, 12.6-inch personal screens, headrest speakers, wireless phone charging pads and USB-C and HDMI ports.
IQL
Cadillac hasn’t provided information yet on the trim lineup for the IQL, but we expected it to be the same, with similar pricing step-ups from the base IQL’s $132,695.
Inside the Escalade IQ and IQL
The Escalade IQ and IQL have a trio of display screens stretching across the dash. They provide the driver with vehicle information and infotainment system controls and the front seat passenger with a dedicated screen for entertainment such as viewing You Tube videos. The screens will be under a glass panel that measures 55 inches and reaches from door panel to door panel.
Cadillac eschews real leather for synthetic in the IQs in the name of eco-friendliness.
The large center console holds a pair of wireless phone charging pads as well as dual cup holders and there’s lots of bright work, ambient lighting and other luxury touches. An optional executive package will turn the second row into a posh mini-office for two.
Both the IQ and IQL have 136.2-inch wheelbases, flat floors (no transmissions humps or driveshaft tunnels) and wheels that are pushed almost to the corners. That all makes for more interior space and the Escalade IQ duo’s front legroom, 45.2 inches, is second only to the two-row, five-seat Hummer EV SUV’s 45.6 inches. It is 4 inches more than the Tesla Model X offers.
Everyone in the luxury three-row EV category is competitive in second-row legroom.
The two Caddies and the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV tie for first place at 41.3 inches and the Model X is in last place with a still-roomy 38.7 inches.
The Escalade IQ and IQL also lead the 3-row luxury electric SUV pack in front- and third-row head and leg room measurements, at least until Lucid reveals its numbers. Those specs for the Gravity haven’t been published yet, but testers have reported that it is plenty spacious in all three rows.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Escalade IQs’ full-width, 55-inch trio of digital screens is the showstopper. It includes driver information, infotainment and passenger-oriented displays, runs on the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform and features Google Built-in with Google Assistant and Google Maps. A secondary touchscreen angles up from the center console for easy access to controls for everyday operations such as climate controls. There’s ambient lighting with 126 colors to choose among, along with and dual phone charging pads, 110-volt power outlets in the second and third rows and front trunk, lots of USB-C ports and a standard 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system. A three-year OnStar digital services subscription is also standard, and a Wi-Fi hotspot is available with an activating subscription.
GM uses its own mobile phone interface on its Ultium-underpinned EVs. That means no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto capability in either electric Escalade.
A feature that will appeal to many – and add a bundle to the base price –is the optional executive pack that turns the second row into a mini office with two captain’s chairs with massage functions, storable tray tables, a center console that contains more wireless phone charging pads, additional USB and HDMI ports and controls for goodies such as dual 12.6-inch screens – one for each seat – and climate controls for the second and third rows.
Cargo and Towing Capacities
When it comes to toting a load, the Escalade IQL leads the competitive set with 75.4 cubic feet of space when the third-row seat is folded away. That’s followed by the Escalade IQ, with 69 cubic feet behind the second row.
The next-best competitor is the Hummer EV SUV with 47.2 cubes, with the Tesla Model X a distant third with 37.1 cubic feet, the Lucid Gravity with 34.9, and the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV with 31 cubic feet. The electric Cadillacs also leads the pack its total cargo space with the second and third row seats stowed away – 125.2 cubic feet for the IQL and 119.2 cubic feet for the IQ. The Gravity offers 110 cubic feet behind the first row, the Hummer 93.1 cubes, and the EQS 74 cubic feet. The Mercedes with its optional third row does get some bragging rights in cargo capacity, though. It comes a close second to the Escalade IQ for storage space with all three rows of seating in place and upright – 23 cubic feet versus the Escalade IQL’s 24.2 cubic feet and the IQ’s 23. 7 cubes. The Model X takes third with 15.7 cubic feet behind the third row.
The 2025 Escalade IQ also has the largest front trunk – “frunk” – in the class at a generous 12.2 cubic feet, followed by the Hummer EV SUV with 11 cubic feet, the Lucid Gravity with 8.1 cubes and the Model X with 6.5 cubic feet. The EQS doesn’t have a frunk.
Finally, the Escalade IQ an IQL each boast 7,500-pound maximum tow ratings, tying the Hummer EV SUV. The Model X is second with 5,000-pound capacity and the Mercedes EQS SUV is rated for towing up to 3,600 pounds,
Safety
The Escalade IQ and IQL haven’t been crash tested by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Both IQs come with GM’s SuperCruise hands-free highway driving system with lidar sensors that provide real-time data. Other standard safety and driver assist features include a head-up display, surround view monitor, front collision mitigation with pedestrian and bicyclist recognition and automated emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist and lane departure warning, blind-zone steering assist, parking assist and three years of complimentary OnStar service.
