Cadillac’s electric revolution is kicking into high gear with the 2025 Escalade IQ, but how does it compare to other three-row luxury EVs? Pretty well as you’re about to see.
Those with a bigger is better mentality will find a lot to love about the Escalade IQ as it’s a Texas-sized electric SUV that measures 224.3 inches (5,697 mm) long and has a wheelbase spanning 136.2 inches (3,460 mm). That’s massive compared to its closest rivals as the EQS SUV is 201.9 inches (5,128 mm) long and has a 126.4 inch (3,211 mm) wheelbase. The Model X is even smaller as it’s 199.1 inches (5,057 mm) long with 116.7 inches (2,965 mm) between the wheels.
Given the Caddy’s huge size advantage, it’s not surprising to find a spacious interior with 45.2 inches (1,148 mm) of front seat legroom, 41.3 inches (1,051 mm) of second-row legroom, and 30.1 inches (765 mm) of third-row legroom. Tesla’s numbers vary by configuration, but you’re looking at 41.1 inches (1,046 mm) of front seat legroom, up to 39.8 inches (1,012 mm) of second-row legroom, and 29.8-32.2 inches (756-819 mm) of third-row legroom. The EQS SUV plays in a similar ballpark with 40.6 inches (1,031 mm) front and 41.3 inches (1,049 mm) in the second-row, but the company didn’t mention specs for the third-row.
Speaking of space, the Escalade IQ has 23.7 cubic feet (670 liters) of room behind the third-row, 69.1 cubic feet (1,958 liters) behind the second-row, and a whopping 119.2 cubic feet (3,374 liters) behind the first-row. That’s quite a bit more than the seven-seat Tesla Model X, which has 15 cubic feet (425 liters) behind the third-row, 33.8 cubic feet (957 liters) behind the second-row, and 81.7 cubic feet (2,314 liters) behind the first row. The five-seat Mercedes EQS SUV comes up short with 22.7 cubic feet (643 liters) behind the second-row and 74.2 cubic feet (2,101 liters) behind the first row.
The Escalade Is The Range Champion, While The Tesla Is A Speed Demon
The Escalade IQ has a massive 200+ kWh battery pack, which should enable the model to have a range of approximately 450 miles (724 km). The Model X has roughly half the capacity, but it offers ranges of 333 and 348 miles (536 and 560 km). The EQS SUV has a 108.4 kWh battery and it allows for a range of 285 miles (459 km) when equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system.
Speaking of powertrains, the AWD Cadillac produces up to 750 hp (559 kW / 760 PS) and 785 lb-ft (1,063 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in less than five seconds.
The EQS SUV is offered with multiple powertrains, but the 580 4MATIC SUV has a combined output of 536 hp (400 kW / 543 PS) and 633 lb-ft (857 Nm) of torque. Despite being significantly less powerful, the Mercedes can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.5 seconds thanks to its significantly smaller and lighter battery.
Drivers looking for maximum performance should opt for the Tesla Model X as the dual-motor variant has 670 hp (500 kW / 679 PS) and can rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.8 seconds. The tri-motor Model X Plaid is more extreme as it boasts 1,020 hp (761 kW / 1,034 PS) and can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 2.5 seconds with a rollout subtracted.
Towing And Pricing
While the Tesla is the speed demon, the Escalade IQ is the towing champ as it can haul up to 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg). That easily beats the 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) capacity for the EQS SUV and the 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) rating for the Model X.
Sticking with the performance theme, the Escalade IQ has a turning circle of 39.4 feet (12 m) thanks to its standard four-wheel steer system. That enables it to beat the Model X’s 40.3 foot (12.3 m) circle, but fall short of the EQS’ 39 foot (11.9 m) circle thanks to its rear axle steering system.
The Escalade IQ will start around $130,000 and go into production next summer. That’s significantly more than the Tesla Model X, which begins at $98,490 and climbs to $108,490 in Plaid guise. The Mercedes EQS 450+ SUV starts at $104,400 but the EQS 580 4MATIC SUV will set you back $125,950.
Note: Some specifications vary and may change
