Cadillac just made its biggest electric SUV even bigger. The 2026 Escalade IQL is here, stretching out the already massive Escalade IQ for even more space. This was expected—Cadillac hinted at it last year at the Chicago Auto Show, and since the gas-powered Escalade has a long-wheelbase version, it only made sense for the electric model to get one too. That’s not the only big SUV news. The 2025 Lincoln Navigator just debuted, and despite all the industry chatter, it still doesn’t have a hybrid or electric version. Ford’s luxury arm hasn’t shown much interest in electrification for the Navigator, and this just confirms it. Meanwhile, GM is going all in on EVs, rolling out yet another all-electric alternative to Lincoln’s flagship SUV. Read More Mercedes-Benz Teases Vision V, A 311-Mile Luxury Electric Van for 2026 Cadillac Stretches the Limits—Literally The Escalade IQL is a stretched version of its smaller sibling. It's body is a massive 228.5 inches from nose to tail. That makes it 4.2 inches longer than the regular IQ and even 1.5 inches longer than the gas-powered Escalade ESV. It’s now one of the longest SUVs on the road, outgrowing the Lincoln Navigator L, Chevy Suburban, and Jeep Grand Wagoneer L. In fact, when it comes to sheer size, only ultra-luxury sedans like the Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Pullman are in the same league. The extra inches mean more space where it matters—the third row. There’s 4.4 more inches of legroom, an inch more headroom, and nearly an extra inch of shoulder space. Second-row passengers get a slight boost in space, too. The power-folding third row still lies completely flat. With the third row up, you get 24.2 cubic feet of storage, barely a difference from the standard model. But fold it down, and that jumps to 75.4 cubic feet—a 6.3-cube increase. Drop both rows, and the IQL opens up 125.2 cubic feet of space. The frunk remains the same at 12.2 cubic feet, so the extra room is all in the cabin. On the outside, Cadillac made a few tweaks. The C-pillar is more upright, the D-pillar stands straighter, and there’s now a full window between the two rear-most pillars. That last part is a big deal because the standard Escalade IQ had a thick panel that blocked visibility. Inside, the massive 55-inch curved display dominates the dashboard, and a 21-speaker AKG sound system comes standard. The 38-speaker upgrade takes the audio up a notch. The Executive Second Row package delivers a wild 42-speaker setup. That package also brings 12.6-inch rear screens, dual wireless charging pads, stowable tray tables, and 14-way power-adjustable rear seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions—plus speakers in the headrests. Despite its massive size, the IQL keeps the same 136.2-inch wheelbase as the standard IQ. Unlike the gas-powered Escalade ESV, which stretches its wheelbase, the IQL only extends the body. Same Power, More Presence A longer Escalade doesn’t mean less power. The IQL still packs 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque, just like the standard IQ. It launches from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, which is a fraction quicker than Cadillac’s “under 5 seconds” claim for the regular version. The 205-kWh battery remains unchanged, delivering an estimated 460 miles of range. Need a quick top-up? Plug it into a DC fast charger, and it picks up 116 miles in just 10 minutes. Read More Lanzante Revives Le Mans Spirit with a Three-Seat, 700bhp/tonne Supercar Towing takes a small hit, dropping to 7,500 pounds, down 500 pounds from the standard IQ. But the IQL makes up for it with bi-directional charging, meaning it can power a house with the GM Energy V2H Bundle. Super Cruise comes standard on all trims, so hands-free highway driving is built in. And those 24-inch wheels with 35-inch tires make sure this SUV looks as massive as it is. Cadillac is building the IQL at Factory Zero in Detroit/Hamtramck, with production starting in mid-2025. Buyers will have four trims to choose from—Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury, and Premium Sport. Pricing kicks off at $132,695, a slight bump over the standard IQ, and it’ll be sold in the U.S., Canada, and select global markets. Source: Cadillac
