GM Releases Cadillac Escalade IQ Design Sketches, Execution Seems On Point

General Motors is amidst an electric vehicle offensive with multiple models in the pipeline. Among them is the recently released juggernaut, the Cadillac Escalade IQ, the electric alternative to the popular gas-powered V8 Escalade. After revealing the SUV at a New York City event early this week, GM Design has now shared the pre-production sketches of the EV on Instagram.

The drawings help us differentiate between GM's vision of Escalade IQ's design, and what eventually panned out. For instance, the front fascia appears similar to the version showcased this week – the vertical LED headlamps, illuminated grille, and lower air intake especially appear true to the sketches. The shoulder line also appears similar in how it stretches from the top of the headlamps to the taillamps.

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Although, the silhouette has changed in reality. The pre-production sketches portray a squared-off rear end, much like the Escalade IQ’s gas-powered counterparts. But on the production model, the D-pillar is canted forward, the rear windshield is sharply raked, and the split taillamp design seems distinct.

One rear sketch showcased L-shaped taillamps, while another one had simple vertical units stretching from the roof to the bumper. And lastly, the drawings also showcased a sporty rear bumper with two-part diffusers. The production model has a single faux diffuser carved into a conventional-looking bumper.

The differences aside, the Escalade IQ looks imposing, and its design seems to be an ode to both its predecessors and its green future. It shares GM’s scalable Ultium platform with its siblings like the Cadillac Celestiq, Chevrolet Equinox EV, Silverado EV, and the GMC Hummer EV among others.

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The swanky SUV will get a battery capacity of over 200 kilowatt-hours, with a GM-estimated range of 450 miles. It will be manufactured at GM’s Factory Zero assembly plant in Detroit-Hamtramck.

Cadillac hasn’t released the exact MSRP yet but has indicated that the starting price will be around $130,000. That’s significantly more than the V8 Escalade, which starts at $80,795. Production will begin next summer, and customer deliveries are expected to commence by the end of 2024.

Do you see any interesting design details in the sketches? Let us know in the comments.