Spy photographers have snapped the upcoming Escalade IQ, just hours after the electric crossover was officially announced.
Set to debut later this year, the model promises to embrace the “craftsmanship, technology and performance” that has made the ICE-powered vehicle an iconic status symbol. However, that’s where the similarities end as the Escalade and Escalade IQ share little besides a name.
While the prototype is heavily camouflaged, it appears sleeker than the regular model although somewhat boxy. Of course, the disguise amplifies this and attempts to hide the gently sloping roof.
More: Cadillac Escalade IQ Announced, Will Debut Later This Year With Electric Powertrain
Additional details are hard to make out, but we can expect the Escalade IQ to have an illuminated front fascia that echoes the one found on the Lyriq and Celestiq. The SUV’s aerodynamically optimized wheels also draw inspiration from the flagship, but here they’re massive 24-inchers with eight lugs.
Elsewhere, we can see a long hood and a rakish windscreen. They’re joined by vertical taillights and what appears to be a slender rear window.
Spy photographers only got a glimpse inside, but it appears the Escalade IQ will have a full-width display like the Celestiq. As a result, the model could have a 55-inch display that consists of two separate screens. We also wouldn’t be surprised to find an 11-inch “front command center” as well as a possible 8-inch display for second-row passengers.
Powertrain details remain elusive, but the Escalade IQ will ride on the Ultium platform and will likely borrow heavily from the GMC Hummer EV SUV as well as the company’s fleet of electric pickups. In the case of the GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1, the truck has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that produces 754 hp (562 kW / 764 PS) and 785 lb-ft (1,063 Nm) of torque. However, it’s possible the electric ‘Slade could be offered with a tri-motor all-wheel drive system developing 830 hp (619 kW / 842 PS) or potentially even 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS).
