2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Spy Shot

Cadillac's electric Escalade is scheduled to debut on August 9, but a camouflaged prototype is still driving around town near General Motors' main test site in Michigan.

In keeping with Cadillac's EV naming strategy of having model names end in "iq," the zero-emission full-size SUV, to be called the Escalade IQ, has been snapped along with other vehicles, giving a good indication of its size and proportions.

Spy shots suggest that the Escalade IQ will feature a distinct design against the current gasoline-powered Escalade. The proportions point to a sleeker shape, with the roof tapering back more than the gas model and the front end appearing longer and lower. The headlights and grille combination will also be similar to Cadillac's previously unveiled EV and SUV Lyric and flagship hatchback Celestic. A glimpse of this was shown in a recent teaser video.

Several design elements inspired by the Celestic are shown. These include the wheels, which on the Escalade IQ are a 24-inch design with an 8-lug pattern. The Celestic's wheels are 23 inches with a 6-lug pattern, while the 8-lug pattern is used on the largest EVs based on GM's Ultium platform and battery technology set, including the GMC Hummer EV and the upcoming Chevrolet Silverado EV. This is necessary to support the weight of the battery, which has a maximum capacity of 205 kwh; the 275/50 tire size also matches these larger EVs.

The 200 kwh work truck version of the Silverado EV has an EPA-rated range of 450 miles. The Hummer EV, also an Ultium-based SUV, has a smaller 170 kwh battery and is rated for 314 miles of range. The Escalade IQ's range should be in the same neighborhood.

Photos of the interior reveal another connection to the Celestic. It appears to have the same dash-wide digital display as the Celestic's 55" width. This display consists of two screens and has active elements (called digital blinds) that can dim part of the screen to prevent driver distraction.

Don't be surprised if the Escalade IQ comes equipped with an upgraded version of GM's Super Cruise automated driver assistance feature, dubbed Ultra Cruise; GM says the upgraded system will debut in the Celestiq and will cover 95% of the country's roads roads in the country.

Sales will likely not begin until 2024, and the Escalade IQ will appear as a 2025 model. Production will take place at a plant near Detroit where Hummer EVs are built.

Cadillac is known to be working on at least two other EVs besides the Escalade IQ. These are a compact crossover, to be called the Optic, and a mid-size SUV with a third row of seats that will likely be related to the two-row Lyric. Both would be in production by 2024. A long-wheelbase Escalade IQL is also believed to be in the planning stages.

Cadillac has plans to become a fully electric vehicle brand by the end of the decade, but the current gas-powered Escalade model will remain on sale for the foreseeable future. An update to the gas-powered model is planned, most likely to coincide with the arrival of the Escalade IQ.