Cadillac Escalade IQ Reveal Set for August

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

GM is making good on its promise to exit this decade with Cadillac offering a portfolio of fully electric vehicles. To date we’ve seen the Lyriq and uber-lux Celestiq; next up, the Escalade IQ.


Guess the word ‘Escaladiq’ didn’t play well in focus groups, then. And even the frosh in Marketing 101 know better than to bin decades of name recognition built into the Escalade nameplate, so Escalade IQ it is. And it’s still leagues better than the dunderhead alphanumeric soup foisted upon the place by Johan de Nysschen. 

A preview video has been posted to YouTube and provided the screenshots shown here, along with the expected teaser photo which is appropriately dim and dark like Gotham City. Speaking of, this Caddy will apparently be built in Detroit but shown for the first time in New York.


The official image fronts a vehicle with appropriately Escalade-y boxy proportions, plus a set of headlamps that share a design language with existing Cadillac EVs. More LEDs spread across its nose, including a light bar which proves the 1986 Mercury Sable was simply ahead of its time. The badge is illuminated as well. Brightening up the image didn’t do much, other than confirm this thing will have elephant-ear side-view mirrors and front-row seats which may have speakers built into the headrests. We’ll see.

Taking screenshots during the YouTube video revealed a bit more detail, such as a set of taillamps that continue to reach for the sky. A red lamp, probably a CHMSL, stretches the width of this SUV’s liftgate but note the new angular peak at its center which is also illuminated. The briefest of glimpses into the interior through a panoramic sunroof promises a dashboard jumbotron that seems to stretch from pillar to post. 


We won’t have to wait too long for the real thing. Cadillac says they’ll be showing the Escalade IQ on August 9 at a location in New York City.


[Images: Cadillac, YouTube]


Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.

Matthew Guy
Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

More by Matthew Guy

Comments
Join the conversation
5 of 19 comments
  • ToolGuy ToolGuy on Jun 20, 2023

    Sweet. (Every one of these sold means lower gasoline prices for me -- lol)

    • See 2 previous
    • Tassos Tassos on Jun 21, 2023


      Vwery true, but since the loser will only sell a few units, it will NOT make a damned bit of a difference, I am sad to say.


      On the OTHER hand, the 2 MILLION TESLAS sold EVERY YEAR (and going to 20 million soon in a theater near you) will SURE AS HELL make a dent on oil demand, and, Other things being EQUAL (they won't be, OPEC will for sure cut production again to support the sagging prices), WILL lower our fuel bills a LOT.


  • Lou_BC Lou_BC on Jun 21, 2023

    Warm summer day: Drive girlfriend with IQ to DQ. Hopes: I screw.

  • 2ACL My girlfriend currently drives a 2018 SE hatch. Automatic, but I've been handling the fluid services (looking to do another along with the filter soon) and it's been a solid runner for her. My only issue with its dynamics is the transmission's gingerly kick down out of corners (the SEL is the lowest trim that offers manual control functionality IIRC). Otherwise, none of the quirks that've blighted the Powershift's reputation have manifested.A stick would drastically extend its life expectancy. I know she isn't as committed to stick life though, which influenced my approval.
  • MaintenanceCosts GM hasn't put any effort into any Cadillacs except the Blackwings and the electrics. They're getting out what they put in. Pretty simple, really.The XT4/5/6 are all just slightly up-styled versions of Chevy products, but priced as if they were on dedicated luxury platforms like the BMW and Benz competitors to the larger two. The XT6 is especially embarrassing.Even the Escalade is just a Tahoe/Suburban with a few trick design touches and a halfhearted materials upgrade. The good news for Cadillac is that the Tahoe/Suburban are seen as upscale enough that a half-a$s upgrade to them can be a legitimate luxury car.Where's the "gotta have it" factor? Where are the dazzling interior designs? Where's the swagger? Until those show up the brand is just a set of memories.
  • Dwford The problem with Cadillac is that the only Cadillac they sell is the Escalade. Cadillacs are supposed to be large imposing vehicles that are visually impressive. Only the Escalade meets that standard. Everything else Cadillac sells are knock off BMWs. Cadillac shouldn't be in the business of selling compact 4 cylinder crossovers. Dime a dozen vehicles. You'd be better off buying a high trim version of any mainstream crossover than an XT4. Why does a CT4 start at the same price as a Camry XSE? Why do Buicks have nicer interiors than Cadillacs? Why to CHEVYS have nicer interiors than Cadillacs?
  • EBFlex “Insatiable demand” Pretty sad when even the Uber deranged EU doesn’t want EVs.
  • Jbltg Had a rental like this once, stock of course. NYC to Vermont. Very smooth and quiet, amazing fuel economy. Not the best for interior space though. Back seat and trunk barely usable.
Next