Cadillac’s future might be electric, but its current bestseller is still the iconic Escalade, a massive SUV powered by a classic V-8 engine. While the buzz may be around the upcoming 2025 Escalade IQ electric luxury SUV, GM is ensuring that its traditional Escalade remains competitive with a mid-cycle refresh for the 2025 model year. This refresh brings some of the IQ’s aesthetics and technology to the internal combustion models, aligning the two versions more closely.
The Escalade, a dominant player in the luxury SUV market since its debut in 1999, is now in its fifth generation. Cadillac, keen on maintaining its lead, is investing significantly in electric vehicles but also updating legacy models to keep them appealing. The current Escalade was introduced in 2021 with a host of new technologies and an independent rear suspension. The 2025 refresh retains the same platform and powertrains while introducing more advanced tech and refined materials. The design has been tweaked to make the gas and electric versions look like siblings while maintaining their distinct identities.
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Cadillac’s “Y” branding strategy continues, offering Luxury and Sport versions across six trims. The 2025 model also increases production of the high-demand Sport Platinum and sporty Cadillac-V models.
Design updates for 2025 are inspired by Cadillac’s electric flagship, the Celestiq, and the Lyriq midsize SUV. Vertical lighting technology has been introduced, giving the Escalade a more robust appearance. The V-Series gets an exclusive fascia with a different shape and a more aggressive bumper. Various grilles are available depending on the trim, with more chrome on higher trims and a menacing black grille for the V-Series. The iconic vertical taillights remain, but the rear has been redesigned to look wider. Standard 22-inch wheels can be upgraded to 24-inchers, a first for the Escalade. Three new colors have been added to the palette.
Powertrain options mostly remain unchanged. The standard 6.2-liter V-8 engine produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, while the Escalade-V boasts a supercharged version of the same engine, delivering 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. Both are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The previously available 3.0-liter turbodiesel I-6 has been discontinued due to low demand. Fuel economy figures are expected to be similar to the current model, which uses GM’s Dynamic Fuel Management system.
The 2025 Escalade retains its independent rear suspension, which has significantly improved ride quality and handling. The base suspension features coil springs with passive dampers, while higher trims offer magnetorheological Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 adaptive dampers and an air-sprung adaptive suspension with adjustable ride height.
One of the standout features of the 2021 Escalade was its 38-inch OLED screen, which has now been upgraded to a 55-inch curved screen spanning the entire dashboard. This screen is divided into a 35-inch display for the driver and a 20-inch touchscreen for the passenger, with polarization to prevent driver distraction. An 11-inch multifunction screen controller for HVAC and other controls maintains the sleek look of the screen, and a dial in the center console provides easy access to infotainment functions.
While the Escalade IQ relies on Google for its infotainment, the traditional Escalade continues to support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with Google-enabled services. Voice commands have been enhanced, with the vehicle responding to “hey Google” or Alexa commands. The AKG Studio sound system remains, with a standard 19-speaker setup and an optional 36-speaker system. An Executive Second Row package adds four more speakers in the headrests.
The interior of the 2025 Escalade features several updates, including a new steering wheel design and a relocated gearshift to the steering column, creating more space in the center console. Two new interior color options have been introduced: Renaissance Red with quilted and perforated leather seats and dark open-pore wood veneer, and Jet Black and Sheer Gray with leather and heathered gray quilted seats. The V-Series features a carbon fiber-oriented interior with unique quilt patterns and a suede headliner.
The Escalade offers seating for up to eight passengers, with options for a second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs. The third row has power-folding seats. A new Executive Second Row package, similar to that in the Escalade IQ, provides a mobile office setup with heated, cooled, and massaging seats, stowable tray tables, HDMI inputs, and extensive power and charging options.
Orders for the 2025 Escalade will begin in the fall, with production starting later in the year in Arlington, Texas. Deliveries are expected to start by the end of the year, ramping up in early 2025. Pricing details will be announced soon, and the Escalade will be sold in multiple global markets.
While the Escalade IQ might be the future, the traditional Escalade remains an important and profitable model for Cadillac, ensuring the brand’s continued success and supporting its transition to electric vehicles.
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