Cadillac raises the bar on the luxury, full-size, all-electric, SUV experience with its 2026 Escalade IQ Premium Sport.
If you’re a fan of iconic design, the highest level of craftsmanship and the latest automotive technology, Escalade is worth every penny of your $154,715 investment.
“Escalade IQ raises the standard just as the original Escalade redefined luxury a quarter-century ago,” said John Roth, vice president, Global Cadillac. “This reimagining of an icon marks the next step in Cadillac’s all-electric future. For more than 120 years, Cadillac’s bold innovative spirit has defined American luxury,” Roth said. “The Escalade IQ embodies this spirit in the most sophisticated form.”
Powered by a dual-motor, all-wheel drive system with a standard output of 680 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque, IQ delivers the most range available in the segment, 440 miles. A 24-module Ultium battery serves as the foundation of the IQ, producing more than 200 kWh of available energy. In Velocity Max mode, horsepower increases to 750 and torque to 785 lb-ft. With a 0-to-60 time of 4.7 seconds. It can tow up to 8,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Escalade cuts a long, wide swath in the driveway. Exterior highlights include an illuminated, sealed front grille, crystal LED headlights with waterfall daytime running lights vertical LED tail lights, power-folding side mirrors with blind spot monitoring, fixed panoramic glass roof, 24-inch alloy wheels, and a front trunk large enough to accommodate two full-size golf bags. My tester sported a “Deep Space Metallic” coat of enamel.
Three-rows of seating can transport up to seven adults in unmitigated luxury. When cargo capacity is a priority, the second- and third-row seats fold flat, reaching a maximum of 119.1 cubic feet of space when necessary.
Front passengers benefit from heated, ventilated and massaging seats along with dual wireless phone charging. A pillar-to-pillar, 55-inch sheet of glass spans the entire front row, providing virtually everything imaginable at your fingertips. Second-row passengers make do with individual 12.6-inch entertainment screens that connect via HDMI to gaming consoles with Bluetooth headphones at the ready,
Everyone benefits from the five-zone heating and air conditioning, 38-speaker AKG audio system, connectivity, storage space, W-Fi Hotspot, Google Built-In, Bluetooth and more. The panoramic roof extends past the second-row and is tinted and treated with UV-filtering film that ensures the cabin stays comfortable, even on bright days.
Ambient lighting is customizable with 126 color choices, allowing the owner to curate a more personal experience. Even the interior deco illuminates, creating a warm, inviting glow. Husky purple worked well for us.
Cadillac Escalade IQ supports a robust charging capability including up to 350kW DC fast-charging that adds approximately 100 miles of range in 10 minutes. My Level 2 AC charger in the garage added about 26 miles range per hour.
Escalade IQ includes the industry’s first true hands-free advanced driver assistance system. When Super Cruise is engage, the vehicle’s precision LIDAR map data, real-time cameras, radars and GPS keep the vehicle traveling within the lane for a hands-free driving experience.
During a drive over Snoqualmie Pass to Suncadia we enjoyed the IQ’s Air Ride Adaptive Suspension that delivered enhanced agility and a smooth ride. Driving slightly over the speed limit felt like 45 miles per hour on a suburban street.
I’ve barely scratched the surface, but space limits dictate the end. You are encouraged to research the Escalade IQ at your convenience. Or better yet, experience the vehicle for yourself with a test drive at a local dealership.
Base Price: $150,595
Price As Driven: $154,715
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
