6 WORST AND 8 BEST THINGS ABOUT THE 2025 CADILLAC ESCALADE IQ

EV Channels Review

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ presents a polarizing package, excelling in presence and visual appeal while faltering in practicality and refinement for its steep price. The exterior styling, particularly the matte blue paint, is striking, and the interior's "pillar-to-pillar" screen and inlaid wood create an intoxicating, opulent cabin experience, especially at night. The EV powertrain offers impressive range, with real-world tests yielding around 430 miles on a full charge and 350-360 miles on the highway, supported by rapid charging capabilities. However, the vehicle's immense size (over 9,000 lbs) and width make it cumbersome to maneuver. The optional executive rear seat package, while luxurious, renders the third row unusable and effectively makes it a four-seater, a significant drawback for an Escalade. Minor gripes include occasional creaks and rattles, a plasticky feel in some areas, and the persistent absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a major disappointment for a vehicle in this price bracket. Despite its luxury features and powerful dual-motor AWD system, the Escalade IQ's excessive weight and high tire pressures lead to a ride that doesn't always feel commensurate with its $168,000 as-tested price, making it a visually stunning but practically compromised electric behemoth.