Cadillac makes the electric Escalade even bigger

A full-size SUV measuring 5.70 metres is not big enough for you? General Motors will soon have the solution, as Cadillac presented a long-wheelbase version of the electric Escalade iQ. It is only 10 centimetres longer at 5.80 metres, but will be sold worldwide.

The Escalade IQL that has now been presented is still aimed at the US market and will be offered there starting at 132,695 US dollars (currently 122,220 euros). Although GM states in its announcement that the Escalade IQL will be sold “worldwide”, only the US and Canada are mentioned specifically – the company has yet to name any other markets.

The additional ten centimetres of the long-wheelbase version are supposed to provide “enhanced spaciousness in the third-row and additional rear storage.” The Escalade IQL should thus “meet the lifestyle needs of customers who require extra space,” GM says in its press release. Even with the third row of seats, there is still a 686-litre boot. When the backrests of the third row of seats are folded down, 2,135 litres fit into the Escalade IQL – and if you also fold down the seats from row two, the capacity increases to 3,546 litres. Regardless of this, the frunk under the front bonnet holds another 345 litres.

There are hardly any changes to the drive technology: even at its premiere in 2024, the ‘short’ Escalade IQ had a 200-kWh battery in the underbody, because GM combines two 100-kWh packs, each with 400 volts, stacked on top of each other to form an 800-volt system for its large (and above all tall) models on its Ultium platform. For the long-wheelbase version, Cadillac now states 205 kWh of usable energy content, which increases the estimated range by ten miles to 460 miles (724 to 745 kilometres). During fast charging, electricity for 196 kilometres (original specification: 116 miles) flows into the battery within ten minutes.

The electric drive with two motors delivers 559 kW and can accelerate the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. The towing capacity is an impressive 7,500 lbs, or the equivalent of 3.4 tonnes.

Regardless of the drive system, the Escalade has been the best-selling luxury SUV in North America since 2014. John Roth, Vice President of Global Cadillac, sees the Escalade IQL as “an important addition to the Escalade franchise and the Cadillac portfolio.”

“Escalade IQL delivers on the promise of innovative design, paired with the iconic performance achieved from this EV-specific architecture,” said Al Oppenheiser, chief engineer of the Escalade IQL. “Building on Cadillac’s theory of isolated precision, Escalade IQL offers an engaging driving experience with a strong connection to the road for those customers looking for a bit more space.”

gm.com