750 horsepower, 739 km and Super Cruise.
Cadillac's first full-size electric SUV in Korea, 'Escalade IQ', has been launched.
GM's Korea business sites held a launch event at a cafe in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 19th and introduced "a movement ahead of its time" Cadillac electrified model 'Escalade IQ'.
The reason Cadillac described the car as "a movement ahead of its time" is because of the various symbolism this car holds. As shown by the figures presented earlier, 'Escalade IQ' boasts impressive driving range, a hands-free driver assistance system, and a futuristic design among its notable strengths.
Yoon Myung-ok, executive director at GM business sites, introduced it as "'Escalade IQ (ESCALADE IQ)' is a model that newly reinterprets the Cadillac brand's flagship SUV 'Escalade' as a pure electric model."
Since the first-generation launch in 1998, the Escalade, which has sold more than 1 million units worldwide, has established itself as the standard for luxury SUVs through its distinctive design and technology. The Escalade IQ unveiled this time inherits heritage elements of the existing internal combustion engine Escalade model while combining innovative electrification technology and the dignity of a full-size SUV to present a new standard for luxury electric vehicles.
Yoon Myung-ok, chief marketing officer (CMO) and head of communications at GM Korea business sites, said, "Escalade IQ is Cadillac's core model that expands the heritage Escalade has built for the electrification era, and through the country's first full-size electric SUV it presents the new standard the brand aims for," and added, "we expect not only that customers will directly experience Cadillac's enduring values and the essence of Escalade in the electrification era, but also that it will provide Korean consumers with the brand's cutting-edge technology and a new driving experience."
Escalade IQ, introduced in Korea for the first time as a full-size electric SUV, boasts an overwhelming scale and sense of space with an overall length of 5,715 mm and a wheelbase of 3,460 mm.
Escalade IQ, which claims the longest length among electric SUVs sold in Korea, maintains the spacious interior of the existing internal combustion model through GM's innovative electric vehicle architecture design. In addition, the long-stretched front of the vehicle features the country's largest 345-liter large storage compartment, the 'e-trunk', offering new space utilization that only a full-size electric SUV can achieve.
Escalade IQ reinterpret's Cadillac's signature design in a futuristic way to complete a striking yet refined presence. The brand's signature vertical LED headlamps, black crystal shield and illuminated Cadillac crest make an overwhelming impression at the front, and together with the newly designed blade-type taillamps they form a unique identity exclusive to Cadillac electric vehicles.
In particular, the sloping roofline that naturally falls toward the rear makes the vehicle's overall silhouette more graceful and dynamic, expressing a sophisticated impression. In addition, newly designed 24-inch alloy wheels (275/50R24) extend to the vehicle's edges to complete the Escalade IQ's distinctive silhouette and sense of balance.
▲Latest electric vehicle architecture...performance and driving
Escalade IQ is based on GM's latest dedicated electric vehicle architecture and is equipped with a large-capacity 205 kWh battery produced by Ultium Cells LLC, a joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution, and it has been certified with the country's longest single-charge driving range of 739 km (combined standard, urban 776 km, highway 692 km). In addition, an 800V ultra-fast charging system is applied, supporting a maximum charging speed of 350 kW, and can drive up to 188 km with a 10-minute charge.
The dual-motor AWD system, optimally paired with the battery, delivers overwhelming performance with a maximum output of 750 horsepower (when Velocity mode is applied) and maximum torque of 108.5 kg·m, and continuously adjusts front and rear drive force according to driving conditions to maximize driving efficiency and stability.
Escalade IQ applies Cadillac's signature Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, which senses road conditions up to 1,000 times per second and adjusts damping in real time to achieve precise driving control and optimal ride comfort. In addition, Air Ride Adaptive Suspension absorbs road impacts smoothly and automatically adjusts ride height according to driving situations to maintain optimal ride comfort and excellent handling in any driving environment.
The newly applied four-wheel steer system adjusts the rear wheel steering angle according to speed to realize optimal vehicle control for each situation. At low speeds, the rear wheels move up to 10 degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels to achieve a minimum turning radius on narrow roads, and at high speeds the rear wheels move in the same direction as the front wheels to provide smoother and more stable movements when changing lanes.
In particular, Escalade IQ's unique 'Arrival Mode' uses rear-wheel steering to drive the vehicle diagonally, helping create precise maneuverability and a stylish arrival presentation in urban parking situations or on narrow roads.
▲Korea's first hands-free driving assist
Escalade IQ is the first in Korea to apply GM's hands-free driver assistance system (ADAS), 'Super Cruise'. Super Cruise, currently usable on about 23,000 km of highways and major arterial roads in Korea, enables 'hands-free driving' where the driver can take their hands off the steering wheel while in an eyes-on state. In particular, it senses traffic flow to maintain distance between vehicles and automatically changes lanes as needed, offering a new level of driving experience.
In addition, through linkage with the Cadillac OnStar service that began last year, it supports various remote control functions such as remote start, vehicle information checking including battery status, and OTA (over-the-air) updates, continuously expanding the vehicle's usability and digital experience.
The completely renewed interior of the Escalade IQ provides an immersive luxury experience that envelops occupants. A pillar-to-pillar 55-inch curved LED display stretching across the front of the dashboard intuitively delivers driving and infotainment information. In addition, a panoramic fixed full-glass roof stretching across the first and second rows and LED ambient lighting that responds organically according to drive mode maximize openness and help all interior elements connect emotionally.
The floating cantilever console, inspired by modern architecture, offers visual spaciousness with a structure that appears to float, and the built-in refrigerator in the lower console adopts a double-door structure that can be opened from both the driver's and passenger's sides to enhance usability. Interior materials using luxury materials and recycled yarns, laser-processed door panels and detailed finishes present the direction of sustainable luxury while providing both sensory satisfaction and practicality.
▲38 speakers
The AKG® studio reference sound system, consisting of 38 speakers, delivers powerful yet refined sound. Escalade IQ is the first Cadillac electric vehicle released in Korea to support Dolby Atmos, allowing both driver and passengers to experience a more immersive enhanced sound.
Also, the 'integrated noise management system', which combines active noise cancellation and Electric Vehicle Sound Enhancement technology, uses various real-time data such as accelerometer sensors mounted at each corner of the vehicle, pedal position, vehicle speed, torque, driving mode and interior microphones to cancel or mask unnecessary noise and implements driving-related sounds through the audio speakers so that occupants can always feel a natural and delicate driving sense.
Escalade IQ is released in Korea in a single Premium Sport trim, and the sale price is 270,000,000 won (based on including a 3.5% special consumption tax).
On the 18th (local U.S. time), Escalade IQ was named the 2026 'SUV of the Year' by North American MotorTrend. Escalade IQ was recognized for its innovative technology, powerful performance, long driving range and fast charging capability as an outstanding luxury SUV, and was evaluated as a model that set a new standard for electric luxury SUVs.
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