- Cadillac just took the covers off its Escalade IQL, an extended-length version of its electric Escalade IQ
- The -L variant adds 106 mm (4.6 inches) of length to the regular ‘Slade EV, and power tops out at 750 hp
- Production is planned to start this summer, but price is still not yet revealed
If bigger is better, then Cadillac’s upcoming 2026 Escalade IQL just moved its massive seat to the front of its class. Just like the model walk for the model’s gasoline-powered lineup, which contains a regular- and extended-length Escalade, the EV ‘Slade range will be topped by a long-legged variant of its all-electric Escalade IQ.
Set to be called the “Escalade IQL” – which is at least better than the mystifying “Escalade ESV” moniker worn by the plus grand trim on the internal-combustion side of the showroom – this brute will stretch exactly 106 millimetres (4.2 inches) longer than a standard Escalade IQ. This will bring the IQL to an absolutely mahoosive total length of 5,803 mm, or 228.5 inches, a shade over 19 feet. Wheelbase is equal to the IQ. Measure yer garage before signing on the dotted line.
Similarly gargantuan figures are present in the columns under width (2,389 mm, or 94.1 inches); and height (1,933 mm, or 76.1 inches) yet its ground clearance is a relatively scant 175 mm, or 6.9 inches. The design is very similar to a standard Escalade IQ, with a like-minded front fascia and oddly bifurcated taillamps, just with the extra length necessitating an elongated side window behind the forward-canted body-colour C-pillar. This is unlike the shorter IQ, which just has a triangular side window aft of the rear door. The angle of this IQL rear hatch looks more upright than the IQ, as well.
As for power, the all-electric guts are said to heave out 680 horsepower, unless the driver hammers Maximum AttackVelocity Max mode, which summons 750 ponies. Torque jumps from 615 lb-ft to 785 lb-ft in that mode, too. The don’t-call-it-Ultium lithium-ion battery is just as huge as you might expect, measuring in at 205 kWh, which is roughly the same as an IQ and some variants of the GMC Hummer EV. Cadillac estimates up to 724 kilometres (450 miles) of range on a full battery in ideal conditions.
GM is notoriously cagey about the curb weights of these behemoths, though we do observe the IQL is rated for 7,500 lbs maximum trailering capacity, which is 500 pounds less than the IQ. Ceteris parabis, that’s probably close to the weight delta between the IQ and IQL. As an observation, the related GMC Hummer EV presses into the Earth with a curb weight of around 9,000 pounds.
Typically luxurious and appropriately over-the-top trappings line the cabin, complete with a curved pillar-to-pillar 55-inch total dashboard display; standard 21-speaker audio system which can be opted up to a stunning 42 speakers; a raft of passenger entertainment options; and Super Cruise driving helpers. The IQL’s extra length also means extra legroom for third-row passengers, plus an extra 6.3 cubic feet of storage space when that third row is stowed away.
Pricing hasn’t been announced, but the internal-combustion extended-length Escalade has traditionally carried a roughly $5,000 premium over its standard brother; the regular IQ starts at $159,899 in Canada. Expect a similar structure for this model, which will be sold globally. Production is slated to kick off in mid-2025 at GM’s Factory Zero plant in Detroit.
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