Cadillac’s Escalade IQ sent a strong message that the brand was serious about embracing an all-electric future with the flagship EV SUV also teasing a shift in direction for the Escalade lineup as a whole once the refreshed ICE-powered model ends its production cycle. However, what if you’re looking to buy one and have perhaps seen an IQ or two cruising the grounds near a GM development facility?
Cadillac says that a chance to buy one will be happening but only if you have plenty of cash in your wallet and are willing to make the trip to the Barrett Jackson 2024 Fall Auction in Scottsdale.
The Slade struts its stuff for charity
The Slade in question is the first production-ready IQ model (VIN 001) with the brand donating it to be part of a charity auction to benefit the Detroit Children’s Fund a non-profit dedicated to helping children learn and stay in school by supporting the purchase of equipment and other materials for teachers. The SUV gets black paint and comes equipped with a dual-motor powertrain that makes 750 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque with the sprint to 60 mph being completed in under five seconds.
It’s also a Sport 2 model and the lucky bidder will get a 40-speaker premium audio system and the second-row Executive Seating package with this package giving the SUV power-adjustable heated and cooled massaging second-row seats with the center console getting tray tables, dual wireless phone charging pads, 12.6-inch personal screens, and a command center. Look for the Escalade to follow in the tire tracks of other charity auctions we’ve seen Barrett Jackson throw over the years with plenty of bids and a healthy donation for the charity too.
It costs how much?
For buyers who are willing to wait until the IQ formally makes its way to dealerships and don’t mind having a VIB further down the production order, they’ll be greeted with a base price of $130,000 but options and other extras can cause the IQ’s price to easily surpass the $200,000 barrier.
Look for that to not bother potential buyers too much and the IQ will also be a halo model for the brand too, with the Slade being tasked with luring in buyers to Cadillac showrooms especially those that might see the IQ in the showroom but ultimately go for another model instead like the smaller Optiq or even the Vistiq though it has been a while since we have heard anything new from Cadillac on the status of that particular model.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.