GM has finally pulled the sheets on the new 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL, showing off an extended-length body that provides more space for passengers and cargo. As covered previously, the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL is currently GM’s biggest SUV, measuring in at a staggering 228.5 inches from tip to tail. The question, then, becomes this – how much more spacious is the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL compared to the Escalade IQ?
Cadillac Escalade IQL
Cadillac Escalade IQ
Putting the two spec sheets side by side, the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL delivers a noticeably roomier interior, particularly in the second and third rows, as well as in overall cargo capacity. While front-row dimensions remain nearly identical between the two models, with both offering 43.5 inches of headroom, 45.2 inches of legroom, and 65.4 inches of shoulder room, the real differences can be found further back.
In the second row, the Escalade IQL provides 40.6 inches of headroom compared to the Escalade IQ’s 39.9 inches, an increase of 0.7 inches. Legroom in the second row sees a marginal bump from 41.3 inches in the Escalade IQ to 41.4 inches in the IQL, while shoulder and hip room remain unchanged at 63.6 inches and 60.3 inches, respectively.
Cadillac Escalade IQL
The third row benefits from the most substantial improvements in space. Headroom increases by 1 inch, from 37.2 inches to 38.2 inches. Meanwhile, legroom expands by a considerable 4.4 inches, growing from 32.3 inches in the Escalade IQ to 36.7 inches in the IQL. Additionally, shoulder room in the third row increases by 0.9 inches, improving from 56.5 inches to 57.4 inches. However, hip room sees a slight decrease of 0.2 inches, moving from 49.4 inches in the Escalade IQ to 49.2 inches in the IQL.
Cadillac Escalade IQL
Cargo capacity also sees meaningful gains. Behind the first row, the Escalade IQL provides 125.2 cubic feet of cargo space, 6.1 cubic feet more than the Escalade IQ’s 119.1 cubic feet. Behind the second row, the IQL offers 75.4 cubic feet, a 6.3 cubic-foot increase over the IQ’s 69.1 cubic feet. Even behind the third row, the Escalade IQL offers 24.2 cubic feet, slightly more than the IQ’s 23.6 cubic feet, for a gain of 0.6 cubic feet. The eTrunk volume remains identical between the two models at 12.2 cubic feet.
Check out the full interior room spec breakdown right here:
| Escalade IQL | Escalade IQ | +/- IQL vs. IQ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Headroom (in. / mm) | 43.5 / 1,106 | 43.5 / 1,105 | 0 / +1 |
| Front Legroom (in. / mm) | 45.2 / 1,148 | 45.2 / 1,148 | 0 / 0 |
| Front Shoulder Room (in. / mm) | 65.4 / 1,662 | 65.4 / 1,661 | 0 / +1 |
| Front Hip Room (in. / mm) | 61.1 / 1,551 | 61.1 / 1,552 | 0 / -1 |
| Second-Row Headroom (in. / mm) | 40.6 / 1,032 | 39.9 / 1,013 | +0.7 / +19 |
| Second-Row Legroom (in. / mm) | 41.4 / 1,051 | 41.3 / 1,049 | +0.1 / +2 |
| Second-Row Shoulder Room (in. / mm) | 63.6 / 1,615 | 63.6 / 1,615 | 0 / 0 |
| Second-Row Hip Room (in. / mm) | 60.3 / 1,532 | 60.3 / 1,532 | 0 / 0 |
| Third-Row Headroom (in. / mm) | 38.2 / 970 | 37.2 / 945 | +1 / +25 |
| Third-Row Legroom (in. / mm) | 36.7 / 933 | 32.3 / 820 | +4.4 / +113 |
| Third-Row Shoulder Room (in. / mm) | 57.4 / 1,457 | 56.5 / 1,435 | +0.9 / +22 |
| Third-Row Hip Room (in. / mm) | 49.2 / 1,251 | 49.4 / 1,255 | -0.2 / -4 |
| Cargo Volume Behind First Row (cu. ft. / L) | 125.2 / 3,546 | 119.1 / 3,373 | +6.1 / +173 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Second Row (cu. ft. / L) | 75.4 / 2,135 | 69.1 / 1,957 | +6.3 / +178 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Third Row (cu. ft. / L) | 24.2 / 686 | 23.6 / 668 | +0.6 / +18 |
| eTrunk Volume (cu. ft. / L) | 12.2 / 345 | 12.2 / 345 | 0 / 0 |
As for the mechanical bits, the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL is powered by the same dual-motor powertrain as the standard-length IQ, with a 205 kWh battery and max output of 750 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque with the Velocity Max mode activated. Production will kick off mid-2025 at the GM Factory Zero plant in Detroit.
Comments
Honestly, very few will care.
This is the largest electric luxury vehicle in the world! Great job, Cadillac! Wealty residents in several states, notable California and New York, will buy this.
Yes we will! I want one!
Can’t afford it new so will have to wait a few years to get a used one. My gas powered Escalade ESV is still going strong so I will make it last until a suitable IQL is affordable.
This will be the biggest flop in the history of GM. I bet Mary won’t be inconvenienced at a charging station.
LOL You are soo wrong on this.
These vehicles will sell very well. Also these vehicles have great range and charging speeds so inconvenience here.