- The 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL is an even longer version of the already huge Escalade IQ and the equivalent of the gas-powered Escalade ESV.
- The IQL features an extra 4.4 inches of third-row legroom and an extra six cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row.
- The Escalade IQL also wears a more upright rear end with a unique C-pillar design, and the electric SUV will start at $132,695.
We first learned Cadillac was working on an Escalade IQL at last year’s Chicago auto show, a logical move since the gas-powered Escalade SUV already comes with a long-wheelbase Escalade ESV variant. Now we have full details on the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL, which is, as expected, a more capacious version of the already ginormous electric full-size luxury SUV.
A Bigger Box Affords More Space
The Escalade IQL looks nearly identical to its slightly smaller—but certainly not small—sibling, measuring 4.2 inches longer from nose to tail. The IQL wears unique bodywork at the rear, however, with a more upright triangular C-pillar decorated by the downward-swooping window trim. The D-pillar is also more vertical, and there is a full window between the two rear-most pillars, instead of the thick panel that hampers visibility at the rear of the standard IQ.
Inside, the longer body means that the third row gains an extra 4.4 inches of legroom, one inch of additional headroom, and almost another full inch of shoulder room. There is also marginally more headroom and legroom for second-row occupants. The IQL can seat up to seven passengers and features a power-folding third row that can lie completely flat.
Cargo volume has also improved, with the 75 cubic feet available with the third row stowed up by six cubes over the standard Escalade IQ. With the third row up, cargo capacity is only up by about one cubic foot. Of course, Escalade IQL customers also have access to the 12 cubes of storage space in the frunk.
The rest of the cabin mirrors the smaller Escalade IQ, with a majestic 55-inch display that spans the entire dashboard. There’s a standard 21-speaker AKG sound system, but if that’s not enough for you, there’s an optional 38-speaker version. And for those who can never have too many speakers, the Executive Second Row package brings a whopping 42 speakers. That package, which is also available on the IQ, includes 12.6-inch screens for each second-row passenger, dual wireless phone-charging pads, and stowable tray tables. The package also equips the 14-way power-adjustable rear seats with heat, ventilation, and massage functions, as well as headrest speakers.
Same Beastly Powertrain
The powertrain is unchanged from the standard Escalade IQ, producing an absurd 750 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque from a pair of electric motors, allowing the electric behemoth to blast from zero to 60 mph in a claimed 4.7 seconds. The IQL uses the same 205.0-kWh battery as the IQ, and Cadillac estimates the same 460-mile range despite the added length. Cadillac also claims the IQL can add 116 miles of range in 10 minutes when connected to a DC fast-charger.
At 7500 pounds, the IQL’s towing capacity is 500 pounds less than the standard Escalade IQ. Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driver-assistance system, comes standard on all trims. The IQL is also capable of bi-directional charging, and when equipped with the GM Energy V2H Bundle, the EV SUV can send power back to a person’s home when needed.
Cadillac says production of the Escalade IQL will begin in the middle of this year. Four trims will be offered: Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury, and Premium Sport. Pricing will start at $132,695, about $3K more than the smaller Escalade IQ. It will be built at the same Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly—also known as Factory Zero—where the standard Escalade IQ is put together.
Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.
Source: Motor - aranddriver.com
