Last Updated: March 17, 2025 | By TheStraightPipes, Indian Automotive Expert

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is here, and it’s not your average luxury SUV—it’s an electric beast with a party trick up its sleeve: crab walk mode. Priced at a hefty ₹1.5 crore (approx. CAD 196,000), this all-electric Escalade promises 750 horsepower, a massive 55-inch infotainment screen, and a futuristic design. But does it live up to the hype for Indian buyers seeking a premium SUV? In this detailed review, we’ll explore its features, performance, looks, and practicality—straight from a 10-minute first-drive experience to guide you.

Overview: What’s the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ All About?

The Escalade IQ is Cadillac’s bold leap into the electric SUV market, built on GM’s Ultium platform (think Hummer EV vibes). It’s not just a gas Escalade gone green—it’s a ground-up EV with rear-wheel steering, a frunk big enough for two golf bags, and a gimmick called “Arrival Mode” (aka crab walk). Available in Sport 1, Sport 2, Luxury 1, and Luxury 2 trims, this review focuses on the Sport 2 variant in all-black—sleek but polarizing.

With 785 lb-ft of torque, a 460-mile (740 km) range, and an 800-volt charging architecture, it’s a tech-loaded titan. But how does it fare on Indian roads, where luxury meets practicality? Let’s break it down.

Exterior Design: Escalade or Not?

The Good

• Bold Presence: The all-black Sport 2 trim screams understated luxury, blending seamlessly into urban India’s elite parking lots. The 24-inch aero-style wheels are massive and eye-catching—perfect for a status-driven market.
• Frunk Appeal: A cavernous front trunk that fits a baby stroller or golf bag adds practicality for family buyers or weekend golfers.
• Powered Doors: Auto-opening doors with sensors feel futuristic and luxurious—ideal for impressing at a Delhi farmhouse party.

The Not-So-Good

• Identity Crisis: In two-tone variants, it looks more like Cadillac’s Lyriq or Celestiq than a classic Escalade. The swooping rear end and smaller grille ditch the iconic Escalade DNA, which might disappoint purists.
• All-Black Hides Details: While stealthy, the black-on-black finish masks the EV’s unique design elements—opt for a two-tone if you want it to pop.

Verdict: It’s a head-turner, but not quite the Escalade you’d expect. For Indian buyers who love chrome, the Luxury trims might feel more premium.

Performance: Power Meets Weight

Crab Walk Mode

The standout feature? Rear-wheel steering with Arrival Mode, letting the Escalade IQ “crab walk” sideways at up to 13 km/h. It’s a riot in parking lots—imagine dodging tight spaces in Mumbai’s Bandra or Bengaluru’s MG Road. But beware: it’s tricky to master, and Yuri nearly clipped cars while testing it. Fun? Yes. Practical? Not always.

Power and Launch

• Specs: 750 hp and 785 lb-ft in V-Max mode sound insane, but the 9,000-lb (approx. 4,082 kg) weight dulls the thrill. It tows 8,000 lbs, though—great for a caravan to Lonavala.
• Drive Feel: Yuri notes it doesn’t feel as quick as the gas-powered Escalade V or Hummer EV. The MagnaRide 4.0 suspension smooths out bumps (think pothole-ridden Indian highways), but speed bumps reveal its heft with a thud.

Verdict: Punchy yet restrained—perfect for cruising, less so for drag races.

Interior: Luxury with Caveats

The Highlights

• 55-Inch Screen: A futuristic dashboard dominates the cabin, but it’s Google-based—no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. For Spotify-loving Indian millennials, this is a dealbreaker.
• Massage Seats: Front and middle rows get heated, cooled, and massaging seats—pure bliss on a long drive from Delhi to Jaipur.
• Sound System: The AKG audio is “unreal”—a treat for Bollywood or Punjabi beats.
• Frunk and Trunk: Stroller-friendly storage makes it family-ready.

The Pain Points

• No CarPlay: Navigating texts or maps without CarPlay feels clunky. Logging into Google on a car? A privacy nightmare.
• Executive Package Woes: Rear screens and seats are a hassle to adjust—timeout issues and no hard buttons frustrate. Kids’ YouTube? Nope, not here.
• Child Seat Drama: Non-removable headrests clash with front-facing child seats—a safety red flag for Indian families.
• Third Row: Tight and hard to access—better in the upcoming Escalade IQL.

Verdict: Luxurious but flawed. Families might struggle; tech-savvy buyers might fume.

Driving Experience: Fun or Fussy?

• Super Cruise: GM’s hands-free driving tech works well—handy for highways like the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
• One-Pedal Driving: Adjustable regen braking is smooth and intuitive—ideal for stop-go traffic in Chennai or Kolkata.
• 360 Camera: Decent but low-res and lacks a wide-angle view—tricky for tight Indian parking.

Verdict: Crab walk steals the show, but daily driving is a mixed bag.

Price and Value: Worth ₹1.5 Crore?

Starting at ₹1.35 crore (approx. CAD 177,490) and topping out at ₹1.5 crore for the Sport 2 trim, the Escalade IQ is a rich man’s toy. In India, where EVs like the BMW iX or Mercedes EQS SUV compete, its gimmicks (crab walk, powered doors) justify the price for some. But the lack of CarPlay, child seat issues, and quirky design might push buyers toward the gas Escalade or rivals like the Lincoln Navigator EV.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Crab walk mode is a crowd-pleaser.
• Massive range (740 km) and fast charging (800V).
• Luxurious interior with killer sound and massage seats.
• Practical frunk for families.

Cons

• No Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
• Child seat compatibility issues.
• Rear design feels un-Escalade-like.
• Steep learning curve for features.

Who Should Buy the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ?

• Tech Enthusiasts: Love gimmicks like crab walk and powered doors? This is your ride.
• Luxury Seekers: The massage seats and AKG sound scream premium.
• EV Adopters: With 740 km range, it’s road-trip-ready.

Skip It If: You need CarPlay, prioritize child safety, or prefer the classic Escalade look.

Final Verdict: Crab Walk or Walk Away?

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is a bold, quirky EV that blends luxury with innovation. Crab walk mode is a blast, and the range is impressive, but it stumbles with tech (no CarPlay), family-friendliness, and Escalade identity. For Indian buyers, it’s a statement piece—perfect for crab-walking into a Gurgaon mall—but the gas Escalade might still reign supreme for practicality and style.

Rating: 3.8/5

About the Author: TheStraightPipes is an Indian automotive expert with over a decade of experience reviewing cars, from Tata Nanos to luxury EVs. Passionate about SEO-driven content, he blends real-world insights with market trends to help you find your perfect ride.

Sources: Insights derived from Yuri’s YouTube review (CRAB WALK ESCALADE – 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Review) and Cadillac’s official specs.