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Cadillac is expanding the Escalade lineup with the introduction of the all-electric 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL. The Escalade IQL build off the Escalade IQ, but adds additional passenger and cargo capacity to meet the lifestyle needs of customers who require extra space. Escalade IQL will be sold globally, including in the U.S. and Canada, with production starting in mid-2025 at General Motors’ Factory ZERO plant in Detroit. Since its launch, the Cadillac Escalade has dominated the full-size luxury SUV segment for more than 25 years, selling more than 1 million units globally. [see footnote 1]
“Escalade has been the best-selling luxury full-size SUV in North America since 2014. The Escalade IQL is an important addition to the Escalade franchise and the Cadillac portfolio,” said John Roth, vice president, Global Cadillac. “With the Escalade IQL, Cadillac now offers a full lineup of internal combustion and all-electric Escalade options for our customers, no matter the propulsion.”
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The Escalade IQL will be offered in four trims – Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury, and Premium Sport. MSRP starts at $132,695 [12] including destination freight charge, and excluding tax, title and dealer fees.
Escalade IQL delivers a claimed Cadillac-estimated 460 miles of range [footnote 8] and when it comes time to charge, customers can expect up to 116 miles of range in 10 minutes at a public DC Fast Charging Station [9]. The 24-module GM battery serves as the foundation of both Escalade IQ and IQL, producing 205 kWh.
Outside the Escalade IQL has longer silhouette than that found on the Escalade IQ. This longer silhouette enables more room in the third-row and additional rear storage. The large eTrunk compartment under the hood offers an additional 12.2 cubic feet of secure storage. [2]
The interior continues luxurious accommodations found in the Escalade IQ, including an optional Executive Second Row package. The Executive Second Row package has stowable tray tables, 12.6-inch-diagonal personal screens, a rear command center, dual wireless phone charging pads [3] and massaging, heating, and ventilated seats, which also offer 14-way power adjustment and headrest speakers. The 3rd row has more than 4 inches of additional legroom (36.7″ vs. 32.3″), and an additional inch of headroom (38.2″ vs. 37.2″).
Technology
Escalade IQL has the latest Cadillac technology:
- A curved pillar-to-pillar 55-inch total diagonal display for an immersive and personalized infotainment experience with voice control, navigation, an app store and dedicated Escalade IQL graphics.
- Seating available for up to seven total passengers, with a power folding third-row, which folds flat for more storage
- Standard AKG 4 Studio 21-speaker audio system, with available AKG Studio Reference 38-speaker system, which increases to 42 speakers with available Executive Second Row package. The AKG audio system also features custom-tuned speakers and amplifier content.
- Dolby Atmos® for deeper depth, clarity, and detail when listening to music and entertainment
- Standard Super Cruise [5] driver assistance technology on all trims (3 years OnStar Super Cruise plan. [6]
- Available 5G Wi-Fi® hotspot capability [7] by OnStar, along with a suite of OnStar safety and connected services that is said to enhance each journey and delivers extra peace of mind
- Ample passenger entertainment options, including HD streaming and browser compatibility, so customers can log into any streaming app and watch.
- The Escalade IQL also comes equipped with vehicle-to-home (V2H) bidirectional charging capabilities, which when paired with the GM Energy V2H Bundle, allows for the transfer of energy between the vehicle and a properly equipped home during times of need.
“Escalade IQL delivers on the promise of innovative design, paired with the iconic performance achieved from this EV-specific architecture,” said Al Oppenheiser, chief engineer, Escalade IQL. “Building on Cadillac’s theory of isolated precision, Escalade IQL offers an engaging driving experience with a strong connection to the road for those customers looking for a bit more space,” said Al Oppenheiser, chief engineer.
AutoInformed on
Inevitable Escalade Footnotes
- Assembled with US and globally sourced parts.
- Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
- The system wirelessly charges one compatible mobile device. Some phones have built-in wireless charging technology and others require a special adaptor/back cover. To check for phone or other device compatibility, see my.cadillac.com/learn or consult your carrier
- AKG is a trademark of AKG Acoustics GmbH, registered in the United States and/or other countries.
- Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Do not use a hand-held device. Requires active Super Cruise plan or trial. Terms apply. Visit cadillac.com/supercruise for compatible roads and full details.
- After initial 3-year period, an eligible OnStar Super Cruise plan must be purchased. Services vary by vehicle and model and require active service plan, working electrical system, cell reception and GPS signal. Does not include safety services. Super Cruise vehicles are connected to emergency services. See onstar.com for details and limitations.
- OnStar plan, working electrical system, cell reception and GPS signal required. OnStar links to emergency services. See onstar.com for details and limitations.
- On a full charge based on development testing and/or analytical projection consistent with SAE J1634 revision 2017 – MCT. EPA estimate not yet available. Range subject to change prior to production. Actual range may vary based on several factors, including ambient temperature, terrain, battery age and condition, loading, and how you use and maintain your vehicle.
- Actual charge times will vary based on battery starting state of charge, battery condition, output of charger, vehicle settings and battery temperature. See the Owner’s Manual for your vehicle and charger for additional details & limitations.
- On a closed course.
- Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.
- The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment, as well as the Trump Administration’ ruinous tariffs. Dealer sets final price.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
First Look – 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL EV
Click for more.
Cadillac is expanding the Escalade lineup with the introduction of the all-electric 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL. The Escalade IQL build off the Escalade IQ, but adds additional passenger and cargo capacity to meet the lifestyle needs of customers who require extra space. Escalade IQL will be sold globally, including in the U.S. and Canada, with production starting in mid-2025 at General Motors’ Factory ZERO plant in Detroit. Since its launch, the Cadillac Escalade has dominated the full-size luxury SUV segment for more than 25 years, selling more than 1 million units globally. [see footnote 1]
“Escalade has been the best-selling luxury full-size SUV in North America since 2014. The Escalade IQL is an important addition to the Escalade franchise and the Cadillac portfolio,” said John Roth, vice president, Global Cadillac. “With the Escalade IQL, Cadillac now offers a full lineup of internal combustion and all-electric Escalade options for our customers, no matter the propulsion.”
Click for more.
The Escalade IQL will be offered in four trims – Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury, and Premium Sport. MSRP starts at $132,695 [12] including destination freight charge, and excluding tax, title and dealer fees.
Escalade IQL delivers a claimed Cadillac-estimated 460 miles of range [footnote 8] and when it comes time to charge, customers can expect up to 116 miles of range in 10 minutes at a public DC Fast Charging Station [9]. The 24-module GM battery serves as the foundation of both Escalade IQ and IQL, producing 205 kWh.
Outside the Escalade IQL has longer silhouette than that found on the Escalade IQ. This longer silhouette enables more room in the third-row and additional rear storage. The large eTrunk compartment under the hood offers an additional 12.2 cubic feet of secure storage. [2]
The interior continues luxurious accommodations found in the Escalade IQ, including an optional Executive Second Row package. The Executive Second Row package has stowable tray tables, 12.6-inch-diagonal personal screens, a rear command center, dual wireless phone charging pads [3] and massaging, heating, and ventilated seats, which also offer 14-way power adjustment and headrest speakers. The 3rd row has more than 4 inches of additional legroom (36.7″ vs. 32.3″), and an additional inch of headroom (38.2″ vs. 37.2″).
Technology
Escalade IQL has the latest Cadillac technology:
“Escalade IQL delivers on the promise of innovative design, paired with the iconic performance achieved from this EV-specific architecture,” said Al Oppenheiser, chief engineer, Escalade IQL. “Building on Cadillac’s theory of isolated precision, Escalade IQL offers an engaging driving experience with a strong connection to the road for those customers looking for a bit more space,” said Al Oppenheiser, chief engineer.
AutoInformed on
Inevitable Escalade Footnotes
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.