Cadillac Escalade IQ Spotted On China Streets For The First Time

Two months after it was unveiled in the Asian country as part of the brand’s L.O.V.E. family of utility vehicles, the Cadillac Escalade IQ has been seen for the first time on the streets of China.

Chinese media has just captured an all-new Cadillac Escalade IQ driving down the streets of Shanghai completely uncovered and without any camouflage on the badges, marking the first sighting of Cadillac’s iconic all-electric flagship SUV in China. The American luxury brand officially unveiled the Escalade IQ at the 2025 Auto Shanghai as the top-of-the-line model in its L.O.V.E. EV family for the Chinese market.

The all-new Cadillac Escalade IQ unit spotted on public roads shows some differences compared to the model presented at the Shanghai International Auto Show. In fact, the Escalade IQ seen on the streets of China seemingly isn’t a range-topping variant.

In this regard, this first Cadillac Escalade IQ unit is painted in what appears to be new-for-2026 Luna Metallic (color code GNO) paint, with glossy trim and aesthetic details typical of the Luxury trim level in the brand’s portfolio. In the same vein, the wheels are significantly smaller than the massive 24-inch rollers of the model presented at the 2025 Auto Shanghai and appear to be the same 22-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels as on the entry-level 2026 Escalade IQ in the U.S.

In addition, the Cadillac Escalade IQ spotted driving in Shanghai traffic uses the lighting elements already approved for the Chinese market, with soft-finish side reflectors instead of the amber ones typical of American models. The new Escalade IQ for China also stands out by using clear taillights instead of the red lenses on the model sold in North America.

This sighting of the all-new Cadillac Escalade IQ configured to meet local legislation standards suggests that the model is ready for its official introduction in China, fulfilling the brand’s promise to market it in the country as the flagship model of the L.O.V.E. family above the Lyriq, Optiq and Vistiq. While local manufacturing of the crossovers is already confirmed, it is still unclear how the Escalade IQ will end up coming to China.