The Cadillac Escalade IQ Premium Sport combines a large electric SUV with a cabin dominated by screens, including a 55-inch dashboard display, passenger and rear-seat entertainment systems, and Android Automotive OS apps. Its spacious rear cabin offers flexible middle-row seating and useful third-row legroom, although limited foot space affects comfort. At a listed price of $153,490, the Escalade IQ delivers an electric alternative to the gasoline-powered Escalade, but its efficiency remains modest for an EV.
Large screens and multiple control options
A dial controller on the center console lets you operate the infotainment system without using the touchscreen or relying on voice commands. Voice control worked with some commands, but the scrolling action of the dial was less refined than expected for a vehicle with a $153,490 list price. Like the 55-inch display, the controller is shared across Cadillac’s electric vehicle lineup.
Climate controls are handled through a separate touchscreen positioned below the infotainment display, in front of the center console.
Passenger and rear-seat entertainment
Front-seat passengers can use their own touchscreen, and an optional $1,995 rear-seat entertainment system adds another screen in the center row. These displays stream video from various platforms. The automotive industry has largely adopted Android Automotive OS, which offers extensive app support.
The passenger display includes a privacy filter that prevents the driver from seeing its content while the vehicle is moving. The setup is somewhat clunky, but a phone can serve as a keyboard or input controller for games.
Space for passengers and luggage
The rear cabin is spacious, and the middle row can slide forward and backward. Moving it forward gives the third row considerable legroom for long journeys. However, there is not much vertical space beneath the seats for feet, forcing third-row passengers to sit with their knees close to their faces.
Electric efficiency compared with the V8 Escalade
The Escalade IQ’s appeal is its role as an alternative to the traditionally powered Escalade. It may not be especially efficient for an electric vehicle, but its 2.1 miles/kWh is equivalent to more than 70 mpg (3.3 L/100 km). The standard V8 version, by comparison, achieves only 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) combined.
Even with that advantage, the electric model requires a charging stop roughly 80 miles (129 km) before a gasoline Escalade would need to stop for fuel.
Source: arstechnica.com