Cargazing
By Derek Price
Cadillac is expanding its electric lineup with the 2026 Escalade IQL, an all-electric luxury SUV that builds upon the recently introduced Escalade IQ while offering more interior space and cargo capacity.
The Escalade IQL features a longer silhouette than its IQ sibling, providing enhanced third-row accommodations with over 4 inches of additional legroom — 36.7 inches vs. 32.3 inches — and an extra inch of headroom.
This extended design increases cargo capacity behind the third row and adds a front “eTrunk” with 12.2 cubic feet of storage under the hood.
The longer proportions represent Cadillac’s response to customer feedback requesting more space in the third row of its luxury SUVs, an area where competitors have sometimes offered more room.
The IQL claims a Cadillac-estimated 460 miles of range. When recharging, Cadillac states owners can gain approximately 116 miles of range in 10 minutes at a public DC Fast Charging station.
While the impressive range figures should accommodate most daily driving needs with plenty to spare, buyers who frequently take extended road trips may need to factor in charging stops.
The 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL features a longer silhouette than the standard Escalade IQ, with 24-inch wheels and distinctive front lighting.
However, for families who primarily use their vehicle around town and for occasional longer trips, the substantial range could make the IQL a practical choice.
Performance specifications indicate 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque when using the driver-selectable Velocity Max mode, enabling 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.7 seconds, according to Cadillac estimates. The SUV lists a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds.
Inside, the IQL features a curved pillar-to-pillar 55-inch total diagonal display.
An available Executive Second Row package adds stowable tray tables, 12.6-inch personal screens, dual wireless charging pads, and massaging, heated and ventilated seats with 14-way power adjustment and headrest speakers.
The vehicle includes Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology on all trims with three years of OnStar Super Cruise service.
The Escalade IQL’s cabin includes a curved 55-inch display spanning the dashboard and an optional Executive Second Row package with personal screens and dedicated amenities.
For utility beyond transportation, the Escalade IQL includes vehicle-to-home (V2H) bidirectional charging capabilities, allowing energy transfer between the vehicle and a properly equipped home during power outages.
The Escalade IQL will be offered in four trims: Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury and Premium Sport.
MSRP starts at $132,695, positioning it at the premium end of the luxury SUV market.
Production is scheduled to begin in mid-2025 at General Motors’ Factory ZERO plant in Detroit, with sales planned globally including the U.S. and Canada.
The timing comes as the EV market continues to evolve, with luxury buyers showing particular interest in electric options that don’t compromise on size or amenities.
At A Glance
WHAT WAS ANNOUNCED?
2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL ($132,695). Production expected to begin mid-2025.
BY THE NUMBERS
Wheelbase: 136.2 in.
Length: 228.5 in.
Width: 94.1 in.
Height: 76.1 in.
Power: 750 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque
Wheels: 24-inch
Estimated range: 460 miles
MPGe: 90 city, 79 highway
PREDICTED RATINGS
Style: 9
Performance: 9
Price: 3
Handling: 5
Ride: 10
Comfort: 10
Quality: 8
Overall: 9
WHY BUY IT?
The 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL will offer increased passenger space and cargo capacity in an all-electric luxury SUV with substantial range for daily driving.