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Home > 2026 Vehicles > 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ Review: The $130K Electric Beast That Changes Everything (Plus Video) on Everyman Driver

2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ Review: The $130K Electric Beast That Changes Everything (Plus Video) on Everyman Driver

If you’re shopping for a three-row luxury SUV and think you’ve seen it all, think again. The 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ isn’t just an electric version of the iconic Escalade — it’s a statement: massive, unapologetically high-tech, and built to outclass everything from Rivian to Range Rover. With an estimated 465-mile range, 750 horsepower, and a cabin that looks straight out of a concept car, this electric behemoth might just redefine American luxury.

On the outside, the Escalade IQ commands attention like no other EV on the road. It wears its size proudly, with a long hood, upright profile, and Cadillac’s bold new lighting signature that stretches across its grille and sides. The illuminated crest and sharp LED patterns are theatrical — and they should be. It’s the kind of SUV that turns every parking lot into a red-carpet entrance. For longtime Escalade fans, the design says one thing loud and clear: going electric doesn’t mean losing presence.

Inside, Cadillac went all in on technology and craftsmanship. You’re greeted by a sweeping 55-inch curved LED display that stretches across the dash — it’s one of the largest in the industry. Materials range from hand-stitched leather to open-pore wood and aluminum trim, depending on trim level. The second row can be ordered as captain’s chairs or a full executive setup, complete with power adjustments, individual screens, and available massage. Cargo space remains generous with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, plus an eTrunk up front for extra storage.

Underneath the luxury, the numbers tell the real story. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system produces 615 hp and 680 lb-ft of torque in normal driving and cranks up to 750 hp and 785 lb-ft in Velocity Max mode. That’s good for an estimated 0-60 mph in about 4.7 seconds — in a vehicle that weighs over 9,000 pounds. It’s powered by GM’s Ultium battery platform and can tow up to 8,000 pounds, proving that even in EV form, the Escalade hasn’t lost its muscle. Ride quality is buttery-smooth thanks to air suspension and Magnetic Ride Control, keeping it stable and composed even on rough pavement.

Technology and safety are every bit as impressive. The infotainment runs on Google-built software with built-in Assistant, Maps, and Play Store, while Super Cruise allows hands-free driving on more than 400,000 miles of compatible highways. There’s also automatic lane change assist, adaptive cruise, parking automation, and a full suite of driver-assist systems. The charging system supports up to 350 kW DC fast charging, adding roughly 100 miles in 10 minutes under ideal conditions. Real-world range depends on driving style and load, but the numbers remain class-leading.

Prices start around $127,000 and stretch well past $150,000 fully equipped. That’s six-figure money, but you’re getting a true luxury flagship with zero-emission power. Against rivals like the Rivian R1S, Mercedes EQS SUV, and BMW iX, the Escalade IQ wins on size, range, and sheer road presence — though it’s also the heaviest and priciest of the group. For buyers who want to be seen, feel power, and still glide silently, Cadillac’s new EV flagship nails it.

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ is proof that electrification doesn’t have to mean downsizing or compromise. It’s still everything an Escalade should be — bold, loud in attitude if not in sound, and unmistakably American. Sure, it’s massive, expensive, and demands serious garage space, but for those ready to make a statement while going electric, it’s unmatched.

Before you buy, check real-time dealer invoice pricing and incentives in your ZIP code at Quotes.EverymanDriver.com. Whether you’re eyeing an Escalade IQ or any new EV SUV, that tool can save you hundreds — sometimes thousands — by showing what dealers actually paid.

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