By: Krish Persaud
December 9, 2025
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Sport is one of those vehicles that announces itself without raising its voice. It has the presence of a flagship and the quiet confidence of an EV that knows it doesn’t need to prove anything. Cadillac didn’t simply turn the Escalade electric. They reshaped something familiar into something that feels like the next chapter. The result is a full size luxury SUV that moves with unexpected grace and carries the attitude you expect from an Escalade.
Finished in Black Raven with a Camelia interior, our tester looked every bit the modern luxury SUV Cadillac needed it to be. The 24 inch Diamond Cut wheels with gloss black pockets give it real presence, and the illuminated front fascia makes its own impression before you even climb in. At 19.1 feet long (5,822 mm), the IQ is larger than the gas powered ESV, though once you’re seated, it shrinks around you in a way most big SUVs don’t manage.
Walking up to the IQ sets the tone. Press the button behind the handle and the door opens with a smooth, choreographed motion that feels intentional. When you’re not rushing, it’s a neat moment. When you are, it sometimes lags just enough to remind you you’re working around a feature rather than benefiting from it. I learned to time it instead of trusting it. Owners will be split on whether it adds to the experience or gets old quickly.
Out on the road the Escalade IQ settles in almost immediately. Power delivery stands out most. The initial response is instant without feeling jumpy, and Cadillac tuned the throttle so it doesn’t lurch the way some heavy EVs can. It eases itself forward, then builds speed with a steady, confident push that makes the size feel lighter than it is. Midrange acceleration is strong and passing at highway speeds takes very little effort. You always feel the weight underneath, especially once you’re already cruising and ask for more. The motors mask a lot of it, but the mass never fully disappears.
Ride quality carries that same calm confidence. The adaptive air suspension and Magnetic Ride Control smooth out rough pavement without the float you sometimes get in large luxury SUVs. The IQ stays composed even when the surface isn’t, though sharper bumps remind you there’s a massive battery below you. It isn’t disruptive, just part of the EV experience in something this scale.
Four wheel steering isn’t a gimmick here. In parking lots the IQ genuinely feels short. Tight turns, narrow exits, awkward garage ramps, it handles all of it without the drama you expect from something this long. At higher speeds it sharpens lane changes and gives the SUV a more settled feel through long curves. Steering is light but not loose. There were moments where a bit more weight would have matched the size better, though it never feels vague or nervous. The length only becomes obvious when reversing into tighter spots.
Cargo space is generous and the flat load floor makes it easy to slide in larger items. The powered liftgate opens high enough that you’re not ducking under it every time. The front storage area is fine for soft items or backpacks but too shallow for anything bulky. Towing maxes at 8,000 pounds when equipped properly. It won’t match the V8 models for serious hauling, though for most Escalade buyers it covers the typical lifestyle use case.
Inside, the cabin mixes technology with a sense of warmth that feels deliberate. The 55 inch curved display stretches across the dash and looks dramatic, but it can feel busy until you learn its layout. A few icons sit farther out of reach than expected and during the first day I needed an extra beat to find what I wanted. Once it clicks, it blends into the drive naturally. Materials feel rich and well finished, and the Camelia leather lightens the space without leaning into flashiness. The front seats offer very good long distance comfort and the massage settings feel properly tuned. The Executive Second Row package transforms the rear cabin into something close to a lounge, helped by the panoramic glass roof that opens up the entire interior.
The AKG Studio Reference 40 speaker system takes advantage of the quiet cabin. It has strong clarity, clean separation and a controlled low end. It isn’t tuned to overwhelm. What stands out is how accurate it is at normal volumes, which suits the IQ’s laid back personality.
Blue Cruise stayed consistent throughout testing. It kept lane position smoothly and adjusted speeds naturally without the back and forth corrections some systems struggle with. The safety systems step in quietly and stay out of the way unless needed.
Charging shapes how you use the IQ more than in smaller EVs. Level 1 is strictly emergency use. Level 2 supports up to 19.2 kW, though our home setup maxed at 9.8 kW. Even at that rate it was easy to start each morning with a full battery. Fast charging will matter more here given the size of the pack. Buyers should expect longer stops than with smaller electric luxury SUVs, though it’s workable for long trips with some buffer.
Escalade loyalists will miss the 6.2 litre V8. It has defined the model’s personality for decades and there’s no replacing the way it sounds or feels. The IQ trades that edge for a clean, steady wave of power that suits the vehicle in a different way. The familiar traits remain: the upright seating position, the confident ride, the unmistakable presence. They’re just delivered more quietly.
Pricing for the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Sport starts at $177,499 in Canada. With the Executive Second Row package, Onyx Package, Rear Seat Entertainment, illuminated sill plates, destination and dealer fees, our tester lands at $198,603 before tax. That places it exactly where a flagship electric Cadillac is expected to sit.
After a week with the Escalade IQ, the picture becomes clear. Cadillac didn’t reinvent the Escalade. They modernized it. The fundamentals that made it a status symbol are still present, only now they’re delivered with a calmer, more measured confidence. It won’t satisfy buyers who want the sound and attitude of a big V8, though for anyone ready to move into an electric flagship without giving up the traits they value, the Escalade IQ feels like a natural progression forward.
