Cadillac's latest EV is the longest SUV ever built
What's the story
Cadillac is poised to redefine the electric vehicle market with its latest addition: the Escalade IQL.
The new model is an extended version of the popular electric Escalade IQ, aimed at offering more luggage space and legroom for third-row passengers.
The Escalade IQL will be longer than even the longest gasoline-powered Escalade and adopt a boxier silhouette like its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart.
Size
Escalade IQL: A record-breaking SUV
The Escalade IQL will be the longest SUV ever made, be it gasoline or electric.
It features an overall length of 228.5-inch, an inch and a half longer than the gas-powered ESV.
The new model is also roughly 4.2-inch longer than the standard IQ but with the same width and height.
The electric Escalade IQL outmeasures other three-row EVs like GMC Hummer EV SUV (206.7-inch), Rivian R1S (200.8-inch), Kia EV9 (197.2-inch), and Volkswagen ID Buzz (195-inch).
Design
Design differences between IQ and IQL
The design differences between the IQ and IQL models are subtle but significant.
The side profile of the IQ has small rear quarter windows bordering the rear passenger windows. However, the IQL adds a body panel separating this glass, extending it across to create a boxier rear hatch.
This new design not only looks good but also increases storage space capacity for larger suitcases in its rear compartment.
Comfort
Enhanced passenger comfort in Escalade IQ-L
Cadillac has focused on passenger comfort in the new Escalade IQL model.
The vehicle provides an additional four inches of legroom (from 32.3-inch to 36.7-inch) and one inch of headroom (from 37.2-inch to 38.2-inch) for third-row passengers over its predecessor, the standard IQ model.
These improvements are part of Cadillac's promise of a more spacious and comfortable ride for all passengers in their vehicles.
Storage
Escalade IQ's cargo space and front trunk
The Escalade IQL offers a whopping 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and a staggering 75.4 cubic feet with this row folded flat.
That's a tad more than what the standard IQ model offers (23.7 cu.ft behind the third row, and 69.1 cu.ft with it folded).
Cadillac's "eTrunk" under-the-hood storage also contributes another 12.2 cubic feet of frunk cargo space.
Specifications
Escalade IQL's power and production details
Cadillac's first Escalade IQ electric SUV was unveiled in 2023 with a 55-inch pillar-to-pillar infotainment screen running Android Automotive OS.
The new IQL model comes with a 205kWh battery pack that delivers the same range of up to 740km as the standard IQ model.
It can gain up to 186km of range in just 10 minutes when plugged into a 350kW-rated DC fast charger.
Production of this revolutionary vehicle will begin at GM's Factory Zero plant in Detroit from mid-2025.