General Motors is making a bold statement in the electric vehicle (EV) market with the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ, suggesting that size truly matters when it comes to battery capacity and driving range. This all-wheel drive SUV boasts an impressive range of up to 450 miles, surpassing any other electric SUV currently available, thanks to its massive battery pack weighing over a ton and a half. For those in the market for the best all-wheel drive SUV, the Escalade IQ is certainly turning heads.
While the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ offers three rows and seven seats, positioning it as a family-friendly all-wheel drive SUV, it’s not designed for every budget. Although official pricing details are still pending, GM has indicated a starting price around $130,000. This price point is significantly higher, more than 20% above competitors like the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, another luxury three-row all-electric all-wheel drive SUV. The Escalade IQ is entering a premium segment of the best all-wheel drive SUV market, where range and size are paramount.
In the realm of electric SUVs, the GMC Hummer EV SUV stands out as a size competitor, yet even it can’t match the Escalade IQ’s range. The Hummer EV SUV, starting at a lower $98,845, is indeed heavier and wider, but notably shorter and with only five seats. Despite having a nearly identical battery size, the Hummer’s range is limited to 314 miles due to its greater mass. Comparing further within the luxury all-wheel drive SUV category, the top trim of the seven-passenger Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, priced at $127,100, still comes in under the Escalade IQ’s anticipated starting price. However, the EQS SUV is considerably smaller and achieves only 285 miles of range in its all-wheel-drive configuration, highlighting the Escalade IQ’s range advantage in the best all-wheel drive SUV discussion. Tesla’s Model X, while more affordable, is significantly shorter and offers a smaller third row, with a range of 348 miles, further solidifying the Escalade IQ’s position as a leader in range for all-wheel drive SUVs.
Despite sharing the Escalade name, the IQ model diverges significantly from its internal combustion engine counterpart, built upon GM’s dedicated Ultium platform for EVs. This shift in platform underpins the Escalade IQ’s capabilities as a top contender for the best all-wheel drive SUV title. Interestingly, the Escalade IQ is wider than the extended Escalade ESV but shorter in length, indicating a focus on maximizing interior space within a slightly more compact footprint.
While official weight figures from Cadillac are pending, projections place the Escalade IQ between 8,000 and 9,000 pounds, with the battery pack alone contributing 3,000 pounds. This substantial weight typically impacts energy efficiency in EVs. It’s anticipated that the 2025 Escalade IQ will be among the less energy-efficient EVs on the market. However, when considering the size and range offered, and comparing it to traditional gasoline-powered counterparts, the Escalade IQ still likely presents a more efficient option, especially for those seeking the best all-wheel drive SUV with electric power and extended range. For consumers prioritizing range and size in an all-wheel drive SUV, and willing to invest in the luxury EV segment, the Cadillac Escalade IQ is poised to be a leading, albeit premium-priced, choice.
