The new Cadillac Escalade IQ is built on GM’s Ultium BEV platform. Compared to the conventional Escalade ESV, the IQ is built on a 54 mm longer wheelbase, is 69 mm shorter overall, and slightly wider.

The iQ is powered by a massive 200 kWh battery pack that GM estimates will offer a potential range up to 725 kilometers. A dual-motor all-wheel-drive system is standard and it produces up to 750 horsepower. The chassis features adaptive air suspension and four-wheel steering. Recharge times have not been announced. A vehicle-to-load system that can power external equipment, is standard.

Final active safety equipment is not yet settled but autonomous emergency braking, junction turn intervention, blind zone steering assist and pedestrian and cyclist avoidance are all standard, as are a 360-degree camera system and self parking. GM’s SuperCruise, a limited self driving system, is optional.

The exterior marries a front end very much in the style of Cadillac electric vehicles to a side profile that is similar to the conventional gasoline Escalade.
With an extra long 3460 mm wheelbase, cabin space should be impressive in this three-row, crossover. A massive, 55-inch screen begins at the left side of the dash and extends to the front passenger space, which has a second screen that continues all the way to the right side of the vehicle. The gap between the centre of the dash and the flying bridge centre console is filled by a screen arrayed at a 45-degree angle. The cabin is elegant and appears to be assembled from quality materials.

Deliveries of the Escalade IQ are scheduled for the end of the year but GM’s electric vehicles generally suffer from tortured launches so the first vehicles may be delayed. The APA predicts plenty of bugs in this complex vehicle loaded with all-new technology, and dealers will face a steep learning curve to diagnose and repair it.