The Cadillac Escalade has always been about flaunting its size with the ICE-powered Escalade having an ESV variant that not only added length to the luxury SUV, but also enhanced passenger room as well. It was not a matter of if, but rather, when, the electric version of the Slade would get a similar stretch. Thankfully, Cadillac didn’t make us wait very long and formally confirmed the Escalade IQ is getting a stretched model, the IQL which will be one of the longest production vehicles built when it makes its way into production.
Escalade IQL proves bigger is better
Unlike the ESV which uses an extended wheelbase to help it get its extra inches, the IQL retains the stock wheelbase. Instead, its extra inches come from its lengthened bodywork a tactic we have seen in other recent elongated SUV models where the body is visually lengthened in lieu of enhancing the wheelbase itself.
In the case of the IQL, it causes the EV to stretch to 228.5 inches which is not only longer than a Jeep Wagoneer L but it also outclasses the Suburban and the Lincoln Navigator L. The only other SUV that manages to outclass it in terms of length is the pricer Rolls-Royce Cullinan with the remainder being larger pickup truck models and bespoke flagship sedan models. The extra length is used in enhancing passenger room in the third row with occupants getting over four inches of extra legroom and an extra inch in headroom. Cargo space is also enhanced as well.
The core essentials are otherwise largely unchanged with opulent SUV continuing to be a rolling statement in luxury and style. Massive 24-inch wheels enhance its side profile and a 205-kWh battery pack provides the juice to feed its EV powertrain which makes a combined 750 hp and allows the Slade to make the sprint to 6o mph in 4.7 seconds. Cadillac didn’t talk about weight, but it’s safe to assume the extra length and some of the engineering Cadillac needed to do to make it all work have contributed to a weight gain versus the standard length model. Towing capacity is also down 500 lbs but the revised 7,500 lb figure is nothing to sneeze at either. The only changes to note are in the rear with the L getting larger quarter glass and a more upright rear end.
Luxury continues to reign supreme in IQL
Slip inside the IQL and you’ll find that the cabin is largely the same as the standard IQ with the L getting a 55-inch curved display and a dashboard that blends modern style with high-quality materials. Second-row passengers get 12.6-inch tablet screens but only if the L is equipped with the optional Executive Second Row package with the suite also including a 42-speaker premium audio system a noticeable tick upward from the base 21-speaker sound system.
The extra-long luxury EV will go into production in mid-2025 and be sold in the United States, Canada, and some global markets. Cadillac says pricing will start at $132,695 for a base Escalade IQL before options, making it $2,705 more expensive than the regular IQ. Look for that price tag to not matter too much to luxury buyers who always want to make a potent fashion statement and are willing to lex their wallets to do it.
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.