Why the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL Could Finally Convince People to Go Electric

Yes, the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL is expensive. It starts at $132,695 including destination fees, but all of the Escalades are expensive. The gas-powered Cadillac Escalade is the top-selling large, luxury SUV in the country and has been for over a decade. Now, that argument is out of the way, I’ll explain why I think the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL could convince many buyers to go electric. It’s big, it’s beautiful and it has solved the nagging EV questions.

“Escalade has been the best-selling luxury full-size SUV in North America since 2014. The Escalade IQL is an important addition to the Escalade franchise and the Cadillac portfolio,” said John Roth, vice president, Global Cadillac. “With the Escalade IQL, Cadillac now offers a full lineup of internal combustion and all-electric Escalade options for our customers, no matter the propulsion.”

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL           

The Escalade IQL captures the best of the ESCALADE IQ, but it is the extended version, adding more passenger and cargo room for the drivers that love the traditional gas-powered Escalade. Finally, an EV that drivers don’t have to make trade-offs and apologies for. Cargo and storage room is available behind the third-row seats but also in the locking eTrunk.

“The ESCALADE IQL builds on our iconic Escalade DNA, with a commanding profile offering additional cargo capacity. Brimming with the luxurious features and design found on the ESCALADE IQ, the ESCALADE IQL is another showcase of Cadillac’s artful integration of innovation,” said Craig Sass, Cadillac Design.

Face it, wealthy drivers don’t have to go electric, because they can afford the high gas prices. They continue driving the larger vehicles because they need the extra room to transport families and their gear. They want and can afford the space that a large vehicle provides. The IQL finally offers that roominess and gives those buyers a realistic choice if they want to go electric. Many may not want to make the switch, but this vehicle gives them a viable choice, without taking away the comfort factor.

The interior includes all the technology found on the ICE Escalade. The IQL even includes the available Executive Second Row package. The Executive Second Row offers stowable tray tables, 12.6-inch-diagonal personal screens, a rear command center, dual wireless phone charging pads and massaging, heating, and ventilated seats. The IQL’s 3rd row adds more than 4 inches of additional legroom (36.7" vs. 32.3"), and an additional inch of headroom (38.2" vs. 37.2"). 

The IQL can comfortably seat seven passengers. Plus, the third seat can fold flat if you need more storage.

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL Has Great Range

Finally, a large EV that can get the driver where he or she needs to go. The Escalade IQL delivers up to an estimated 460 miles of range. When it is low on charge, customers can expect up to 116 miles of range in 10 minutes at a public DC Fast Charging Station. The 24- module GM battery serves as the foundation of both ESCALADE IQ and IQL, producing 205 kWh.

This is the turning point that can convince parents that an EV is feasible for their family. I live in Denver. Parents with kids that ski need a vehicle that can make it to the ski areas and not be stranded with a low battery if there is heavy traffic. The same is true for hockey moms and dads that have to drive their players and their gear all over the state. Families that camp need ample range from a vehicle as well. Telling parents who want to take a driving vacation that they will have to schedule their trip around charging stations isn’t reasonable or practical. The consumers aren’t buying it and EV sales prove it.  

The Escalade IQL also comes equipped with vehicle-to-home (V2H) bidirectional charging capabilities, which when paired with the GM Energy V2H Bundle, allows the vehicle to charge a properly equipped home during times of need.

The IQL is loaded with the latest technology, which is great, but nobody goes electric because of better speakers or WIFI. Buyers will go electric because the vehicle can get them where they want to go in the comfort that they are accustomed to.

“ESCALADE IQL delivers on the promise of innovative design, paired with the iconic performance achieved from this EV-specific architecture,” said Al Oppenheiser, chief engineer, ESCALADE IQL. “Building on Cadillac’s theory of isolated precision, ESCALADE IQL offers an engaging driving experience with a strong connection to the road for those customers looking for a bit more space,” said Al Oppenheiser, chief engineer.

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL Will Set the Bar

The Cadillac Escalade IQL proves that the automakers have reached the point that they can build EVs that truly meet customers’ desires. The ICE version of the Escalade is built on the same architecture as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, and the GMC Yukon. The IQL proves that GM can build more affordable Chevrolet and GMC EV Versions down the road.  

Cadillac IQL By the Numbers

• 750 horsepower and 785 lb.-ft. of torque
• 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds (with driver-selectable Velocity Max feature)
• A Cadillac-estimated max towing capacity of 7500 lbs
• Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and Air Ride Adaptive suspension
• 24-inch wheels and 35-inch tires
• Standard Super Cruise, the industry's first truly hand-free driver assistance technology

ESCALADE IQL will be sold globally, starting in the U.S. and Canada. Production is scheduled to start in mid-2025 at General Motors’ Factory ZERO plant in Detroit.

Cadillac Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.