Cadillac has released a teaser image showing a close-up of an Escalade IQ badge, confirming the upcoming release of the fully electric version of the US brand’s full-sized luxury Escalade SUV.
Details accompanying the teaser are slim, with Cadillac simply saying that the seven-seater Escalade IQ will be fully revealed later this year.
Cadillac has attempted to carry on the IQ naming strategy apparent in the Lyriq and Celestiq while keeping the iconic Escalade name, which has been used since 1999.
The name and existence of the electric Escalade has been speculated on since the Escalade IQ name was first trademarked in 2021.
Escalade-V
At the same time, the brand also trademarked the Escalade IQL name, indicating the possibility of a long-wheelbase variant.
It’s unclear if Cadillac intends to replace the combustion-engine Escalade with the electric version after launch or more likely sell them side-by-side, considering General Motors’ full-sized pickup trucks and SUVs are profit machines that are helping fund the company’s electrification efforts.
The brand says it “promises the same commitment to craftsmanship, technology and performance that has helped the Escalade nameplate dominate the large luxury SUV segment for the last 20 years”.
The Escalade IQ will likely use General Motors’ Ultium EV underpinnings, specifically the BT1 body-on-frame architecture also used by the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Hummer EV, and GMC Sierra EV.
Celestiq
For an idea of the kind of power to be expected from the Escalade IQ, the flagship Hummer off-roader is available with a tri-motor electric powertrain with a total system output of 750kW. Less powerful dual-motor options are also available.
The Escalade IQ will be the third model to join Cadillac’s all-electric portfolio, joining the Lyriq SUV and Celestiq sedan.
Cadillac plans to only sell electric vehicles from 2030.
As part of this electric push, Cadillac Vice President Rory Harvey previously confirmed the brand will reveal three new EVs this year.
Lyriq
The Escalade IQ is likely to be a part of this trio, meaning production could start as soon as 2024.
Cadillac last officially sold vehicles in Australia in 1969, but the possibility of a comeback has been discussed recently.
General Motors filed a trademark in Australia late last year for the Cadillac Lyriq.
A GM Specialty Vehicles spokesperson said “It is common practice for GM to secure key trademarks globally. GM has several brands registered, to protect them from unapproved usage.”
However, the company doesn’t have any other local trademark filings for Cadillac products, or any other GM vehicles using the automaker’s Ultium electric underpinnings.
Senior members of the General Motors team in Australia have told CarExpert there’s “a lot of exciting stuff coming this year”.
When asked about Cadillac, a General Motors spokesperson simply said “stay tuned”.
“We’ll have more to say this year, that’s for sure,” said Marc Ebolo, GM Australia and New Zealand managing director.
Keyword: Cadillac confirms electric future for iconic Escalade SUV