Cadillac gives its gas-powered Escalade an electric upgrade

The Cadillac Escalade IQ, the electric version of the automaker’s yacht-sized luxury SUV, won’t arrive until later this year. In the meantime, the automaker is hoping to whet appetites by giving the gas-powered version an electric makeover.

Starting with the front grille, the new 2025 Escalade will feature new vertically positioned headlights, inspired by the Cadillac Lyriq and Celestiq, as well as an illuminated Cadillac badge in the center. And on the V-series, Premium Luxury, and Platinum trims, there’s also an LED border that outlines the grille, which is also reminiscent of the illuminated grilles on Cadillac’s EV lineup.

The interior has been completely redesigned to provide much more space for screens. The Escalade will now feature a pillar-to-pillar diagonal screen split into two screens, a 35-inch screen for the driver and a 20-inch screen for the passenger. Taken together, the new 55-inch screen sits behind a single continuous piece of curved glass.

It’s a sign that our current trend toward screen maximalism continues unabated. In 2020, Cadillac introduced a more modest 38-inch OLED display on the Escalade, which at the time was one of the largest in the industry. It fit the Escalade’s status as the SUV you get when you want more of everything, for better or worse. And now GM is doubling down with its new 55-incher, which will also make its way into the Cadillac IQ when it eventually goes on sale.

The 25-inch passenger display, new to the Escalade, offers a full range of video streaming options. Passengers can even watch their favorite shows while the vehicle is in motion; the passenger display will be polarized black and will not be visible to the driver while driving, a modest concession to the very real problem of driver distraction. Passengers can connect Bluetooth headphones for audio or use the vehicle’s stereo system.

Additional screens dot the interior, including a command center below the center display, a command center in the rear seats, and 12.6-inch personal displays for second-row passengers.

The infotainment screen will run on Google’s Android software and include built-in apps like Maps and Assistant. However, unlike the IQ, the gas-powered Escalade will continue to support popular phone-mirroring systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. (GM made the controversial decision to eliminate CarPlay and Android Auto support from its future electric vehicles, and despite criticism, it’s still sticking with it.) Phone-mirroring systems can also be connected wirelessly.

The infotainment system supports multiple voice assistants. Google Assistant is available natively, but owners can also download Amazon’s Alexa if they prefer.

Other new features include power doors. The driver’s door opens automatically when the driver approaches with the key in his pocket. All four doors open when the door handle is touched or from the control center inside the vehicle. The doors are equipped with a sensor to avoid hitting nearby obstacles. Once inside, a simple press of the brake pedal automatically closes the doors. Power doors are standard on the V-Series and Platinum trims.

Cadillac said pricing will be announced later. But with more technology, bigger wheels and more expensive features, Cadillac will have a hard time keeping its price tag below six figures.