The Cadillac Escalade IQ got its big debut for the 2025 model year, marking the first-ever all-electric iteration of the iconic luxury SUV. Looking ahead, the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ will likely introduce a few important updates and changes, including a new charge connector and possibly a new battery option. Now, GM Authority has learned when the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ will begin rolling off the line.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the start of regular production (SORP) for the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ is currently scheduled for May 5th, 2025. Production will once again take place at GM’s Factory Zero plant in Michigan. Dealers will be able to start submitting orders as early as March 27th, 2025. As with all production schedules, these dates are tentative and subject to change.
The 2025 Escalade IQ is in U.S. dealerships now, with the first units arriving late last year. While official pricing information for the 2026 model has yet to be announced, it’s expected to stay relatively close to pricing for the 2025 model year. For reference, the current Cadillac Escalade IQ is available in four trims: Luxury 1, Sport 1, Luxury 2, and Sport 2. Pricing starts at $129,990 for the Luxury 1 trim and goes up to $150,490 for the Sport 2 variant.
As for updates, the 2026 Escalade IQ may offer a new, lower-capacity battery option. Currently, the 2025 model is equipped with a 200 kWh battery pack, while peak motor output is rated 680 horsepower and 615 pound-feet of torque in Normal Mode, and 750 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque in Velocity Max Mode.
Another notable change expected for 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ is the introduction of a NACS (North American Charging Standard) connector. While the 2025 model utilizes a Combined Charging System (CCS) Type 1 port, an industry-wide shift towards NACS compatibility suggests that the 2026 Escalade IQ will adopt the NACS connector instead.
In addition to the standard Escalade IQ, Cadillac will introduce the Escalade IQL, an extended-length version of the all-electric Escalade. While the IQL is expected to arrive for the 2026 model year, it’s unlikely that IQL production will start on May 5th alongside the standard model.
Comments
They need to add the electrochromatic dimming roof option. No shade for the glass roof is a glaring (literally) omission.
Finally somebody said it. They should also bring the b pillar a/c outlets back from the pre production models. This is considered a basic amenity at this price point and its marketed segment. Why mention it in the owner’s manual if its not there?
Wow, first the XT4 then the 5 and 6 at the end of 2025 now the Escalade. So going into 2026 GM Cadillac will not have an ICE SUV. My previous 5 XT5’s and 2 XT6’s will not see a renewal. Now I have to find an alternative…GMAC Yukon???
I’ve had XT5 and XT6.
Now I have a Lyriq and it is so much better and so much more fun to drive than XT5 and XT6. So easy to charge in my garage and road trips just take a little planning. No maintenance other than rotating tires every 7,500 miles.
The article doesn’t say anything about discontinuing the ICE Escalade.
With all the federal handouts and subsidies gone, I think the production date will be delayed indefinitely since the price of these ridicules priced eyesores will go up even further to be priced like a Bentley. So if the price will be close to that, might as well buy a Bentley Bentayga instead.
OR just produce the ICE Escalade and all is forgiven.
LOL the price of these will not go up…. They were already above the 80K cap for the rebate.
Luddites are bad with facts.
Good buy CADILLAC and Mary
I don’t understand why Cadillac is not consistent with their lineup naming strategy, they use to have the Y trim strategy and now the lineup naming is very inconsistent. There is nothing luxurious feeling about a $130k Escalade IQ being named Sport 1 or Luxury 1 and the more expensive Sport 2 or Luxury 2. Also, consumers still want real leather, not sure why these expensive models are moving away from the materials that clients want for less premium materials that take away from what Cadillac is suppose to be.
There are still leather options but many want recycled material that both has the leather feel AND lasts longer.
And so GM stupidly deferred the NACS to first put on their highest price EVs! Good grief.
NACS will likely show up first on the 2026 Bolt when introduced later this year.
NACS is a downgrade to Canadians. There are far more CCS stations than Tesla stations. On top of that, the few Superchargers in my province are v2 so do not work with non-Teslas anyway.
New escalade 2026 IQL every model need massage seats. Sun roof with fabric blackout. Mud guards pre installed seat and interior with light color leather.