Cadillac IQ makes electrifying debut

CADILLAC has uncovered its highly anticipated all-electric Escalade SUV in the United States this week, the larger-than-Hummer, Ultium platform-based luxury model the first EV offering in the nameplate’s 25 years of sale.

Oozing attitude, the Escalade IQ, as it is known, rolls on large 24-inch wheels, sports a massive illuminated grille-like panel and Lyriq-styled raked roofline.

It is equally ostentatious inside boasting pillar-to-pillar screens across the dashboard –measuring 55 inches diagonally – power-opening doors, a 5G-connected infotainment system, and tablet-style Command Centre for secondary controls.

The flagship model’s second row offers captain’s style seating with massaging and reclining seats, each with their own 12.6-inch screen, folding tray tables, wireless charging docks, and in-headrest speakers. An AKG Reference premium sound system offers 40 (yes, 40) speakers throughout the cabin.

Oddly, there is no mention of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity.

Third-row seats are also offered, but Cadillac says it will not offer a bench-style centre row, sticking instead to the two-seat centre format.

Sharing a platform with the Hummer EV and Silverado EV, the massive Escalade IQ measures 5697mm in length, 2167mm in width, 1934mm in height and rides on an 3460mm wheelbase. Kerb weight is not listed, but estimated place that figure at over 4000kg.

The numbers make the electric version some 315mm longer than the standard ICE-powered Escalade and a daunting 110mm wider.

Helping the model’s manoeuvrability is all-wheel steering – which is said to gift the model with a 12.0m turning circle – Arrival Mode parking assistant, like the Hummer EV’s Crab Walk features, self-parking technology, and all-independent adaptive air suspension with Magnetic Ride Control damping.

Initially, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ will be powered by a dual-motor AWD configuration outputting 505kW/834Nm in Normal mode and a towering 560kW/1064Nm in Velocity mode. It can hit triple digits in “around five seconds”, making it slightly slower than the V8-powered Escalade V with a 0-100km/h time of 4.4 seconds.

Power is supplied by a 24-module battery pack providing “more than 200kWh of available energy” which is said to deliver a driving range of up to 725km. The unit supports 800-volt DC and both 7.7kW and 19.2kW (240-volt) AC charging.

Up front, the mega-Caddy offers 345 litres of cargo space in the ‘eTrunk’ and up to 3374 litres up back with the seats flipped flat. In four-seat mode the Cadillac IQ offers 1958 litres of cargo space and 670 litres with all three rows in place.

Braked towing capacity is listed at 3628kg, or 128kg more than the current Toyota LandCrusier 300 Series.

Expectedly, the Cadillac Escalade IQ is offered with a comprehensive array of standard safety technology and includes GM’s SuperCruise self-driving technology, which is so far available on over 650,000km of highways and interstates across North America.

GM says the Cadillac Escalade IQ will enter production from the middle of next year and will enter the market as an MY25 model priced from $US130,000 ($A198,000).

There is no word yet as to whether the model will make it Down Under – as part of GMSV’s growing range – but it is reported that GM has recently trademarked the Escalade IQ nameplate locally, alongside that of the all-electric Lyriq and Optiq SUVs.

Adding further fuel to rumours that Cadillac is poised to debut Down Under is news that General Motors has announced the appointment of Jess Bala as managing director of GM Australia and New Zealand from September 1.

Ms Bala will succeed Marc Ebolo, who is moving to a new role in GM as director of sales for GM Middle East, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and recently served as Cadillac’s director of global product planning and strategy and brings what GM says is a deep knowledge of global vehicle product strategy to the ANZ market.

In her new role, the Australian-born Ms Bala will head up GM Specialty Vehicles, Isuzu New Zealand, Holden Customer Care and Aftersales, and Chevrolet Racing.

“Jess is a highly experienced GM professional who has over 15 years leading and implementing winning product strategies, including the introduction, and positioning of electric vehicles in both retail and commercial markets,” said GM’s president and managing director of strategic markets, alliances and distributors, Ernesto Ortiz.

“Australia and New Zealand are critical markets in GM’s international strategy and Jess’ appointment comes at an important time in the operation, with further opportunity and transformation for the business on the horizon.”

Ms Bala said that her new role will continue to focus on customers, partnerships, and employees, while also looking to the opportunities that are available in the short- and long term.

“Across Australia and New Zealand, we will remain focused on putting the customers first by bringing winning products and a world-class ownership experience,” she said.

“GM Australia and New Zealand has a strong foundation for future growth, deploying new technologies, and building new partnerships to surprise and delight our customers.”