The New Cadillac Escalade IQL Is 19 Solid Feet of Electric SUV Beast
With the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ first reaching customers at the end of 2024, it was only a matter of time before the automaker rolled out The Big One. As with the gasoline-powered Escalade lineup, the all-new 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL provides even more third-row space, cargo capacity, and straight-up road presence. Here's everything you need to know about GM's latest electric SUV.
The 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL is based on the same BT1 Platform that underpins the Hummer EV, as well as GM's more "normal" electric trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV. At the heart of this model sits a 24-module battery pack rated at 205 kWh, up from 200 in the standard IQ. That pack works with a motor drive unit at each axle to provide all-wheel-drive, with output ratings of 680 hp and 615 lb-ft. Those figures can briefly jump to 750 hp and 785 lb-ft in the truck's Velocity Max mode, which allows for an estimated 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. The IQL features the same 136.2-inch wheelbase as the standard electric Escalade, but it's just over four inches longer overall, at 228.5 inches. That's approaching heavy duty pickup levels of size.
Like every Escalade IQ, the long-wheelbase model features a four-wheel independent suspension setup bolstered by Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and Air Ride Adaptive hardware. (Given that the truck rides on 24-inch wheels with 35-inch rubber, that sort of tech is welcome in the name of ride comfort.) The truck also supports DC fast charging speeds that can add up to 116 miles of range in 10 minutes. On a more typical Level 2 unit, the truck can add as much as 36 miles of range per hour. Cadillac says the truck should provide customers with around 450 miles of range on a full charge.
Inside the truck you'll find a largely familiar space. The brand's 55-inch diagonal display dominates the experience, though third-row passengers will see a notable change in IQL: that added length allowed GM to reposition the rear seats, giving passengers four extra inches of legroom and an additional inch of headroom. Storage capacity is also quite stout, with 24.2 cubic feet behind the third row alone. Fold the rear row and that capacity jumps up to 75.6 cubic feet, which should more than handle most sports weekends. If you don't plan on carrying third-row occupants, the Executive Second Row package turns the truck into more of a rolling jet than a family car.
The added luxury of space does come at a cost, however. The Cadillac Escalade IQL Sport will start at $132,695 including destination. That's up from $129,900 for the 'regular' IQ. Expect pricing for the Sport, Premium Luxury, and Premium Sport to follow a similar strategy. Order books should open before too much longer, as GM says it plans to start production at Detroit's Factory Zero in mid-2025.
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