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Cadillac IQL supersizes the electric IQ mega-ute
Posted by Talbot Payne on March 5, 2025
Cadillac continued to grow its electric lineup this week. Make that supersize.
General Motors Co.’s luxury electric brand added an extended-length version of its three-row Escalade IQ mega-ute called the IQL. The stretched SUV will feature additional rear cargo storage, four more inches of third-row legroom, and 12.2 more cubic feet of storage in the front eTrunk.
Planned for production in the middle of this year, the 2026 electric Escalade siblings will parallel the internal combustion engine Escalade and its stretched twin, the Escalade ESV. Cadillac is phasing out production of gas SUVs but is continuing production of its gas-fired Escalade icon as well as AT4 and CT4 sedans that are the performance touchstones for Cadillac’s petrol-fueled race cars. The stretched Escalade IQL will offer similar features to the IQ, like a 55-inch, pillar-to-pillar screen, second-row executive package with airplane-like tray tables, and standard hands-free Super Cruise.
“Escalade has been the best-selling luxury full-size SUV in North America since 2014. The Escalade IQL is an important addition to the Escalade franchise and the Cadillac portfolio,” said Global Cadillac Vice President John Roth. “With the Escalade IQL, Cadillac now offers a full lineup of internal combustion and all-electric Escalade options for our customers, no matter the propulsion.”
Despite its iconic status, the Escalade mega-ute has faced increased competition from crosstown rivals Lincoln and Jeep. Both the Lincoln Navigator L and Jeep Grand Wagoneer L compete with the ICE Escalade ESV — but neither brand offers a parallel electric model line like the Escalade IQ/IQL.
Indeed, while there are other luxury, electric, $100k-plus SUV options like the Mercedes G-Class EV and Tesla Model X, only GM makes an electric mega-ute. The closest rivals would be in GM’s own stable, like the GMC Sierra Denali pickup truck or GMC Hummer EV pickup and SUV.
In the screen wars, the Navigator has stepped up its technology game with a 48-inch, pillar-to-pillar dash screen while the Grand Wagoneer boasts three screens – including one for the passenger. IQL follows its ICE and EV siblings with a 55-inch pillar-to-pillar jumbotron.
IQL turns up the wick in the second row with an available Executive Second Row package. The package features those stowable tray tables plus a pair of 12.6-inch screens, rear command center screen, dual wireless phone chargers, massaging/heated/ventilated seats, and 14-way power adjustment and headrest speakers. The added 4 inches of legroom (36.7 inches vs. 32.3 inches in the IQ) and headroom (38.2″ vs. 37.2″) augment the living room feel.
“The IQL builds on our iconic Escalade DNA, with a commanding profile offering additional cargo capacity. Brimming with the luxurious features and design found on the IQ, the IQL is another showcase of Cadillac’s artful integration of innovation,” said Cadillac designer Craig Sass.
IQL has seating for seven passengers, and the third row can be folded flat for more storage. Passengers are surrounded by a standard AKG 4 Studio 21-speaker audio system, with available 42-speaker AKG Studio Reference when the Executive Second Row package is included.
When the city disappears in the rear-view mirror and the open road calls, IQL comes with a 5G WiFi hot spot — and the driver can relax with Super Cruise. To get you to your destination, IQL boasts 460 miles of range, which is on par with the V8-powered Escalade. Unlike the ICE Escalade, IQL won’t fill up in three minutes, but on a DC fast charger it can add 116 miles of range in 10 minutes.
The IQ and IQL carry Cadillac’s signature vertical design cues but are strikingly different from their boxier ICE brethren. Like IQ, IQL takes its design theme from the Lyriq EV with its graphically-etched face and sleek rear profile punctuated by split vertical lights at the rear corners.
Put your right foot into it and IQL will sprint to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds with 750 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque — about 70% more than the ICE Escalade. IQL will likely weigh about 50% more, too, thanks to its big 202 kWh battery.
IQL can tow 7,500 pounds with the ride smoothed by magnetic shocks and air suspension. It will roll on some of the biggest, 24-inch rims in the industry. IQ will start at $129,695 and be offered in four trims — Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury and Premium Sport.
Complementing news this week of Cadillac’s global ambitions to race four cars at this June’s 24 Hours of Le Mans in France, the IQ siblings will be sold internationally along with the rest of Caddy’s electric lineup. As the brand goes all-electric, it wants the global reach of other EV brands like Tesla and Mercedes’ EQS EV line.
IQLs will be assembled at GM’s Factory Zero plant in Detroit.
Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or @HenryEPayne.