Cadillac Escalade too small? New, bigger $133K Escalade IQL might be the ticket
Who are we to judge the needs of folks who have $133K burning a hole in their pocket? Certainly, a longer Escalade IQL is better as a huge electric vehicle rather than a gas version? Well, here we are…
Let’s have a look a the eye candy first:
I think objectively, it is a good looking vehicle and maybe even ironically looks smaller as a longer vehicle. Is that a station wagon with a child driving it? The extra $40K worth of increased length is almost entirely added to the rear, providing extra 3rd-row seating space and a larger cargo area(seen above).
Elevating the spaciousness of the vehicle, the 3rd row benefits from more than 4 inches of additional legroom (36.7″ vs. 32.3″), and an additional inch of headroom (38.2″ vs. 37.2″) contributing to more comfortable seating throughout the cabin.
As a reminder, Cadillac changed the Frunk name and says the large eTrunk compartment under the hood offers an additional 12.2 cubic feet of secure storage which is the same as the Escalade IQ.
As for the specs, this is GM’s Ultium 205kWh battery, shared between the Escalade IQ, GMC Hummer/Sierra and Chevy Silverado and it delivers the same 460 miles of range. Also, 350kW charging can deliver up to 116 miles of range in just 10 minutes. The 800V charging curve degrades slightly from there but it is still respectable.
- 750 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque (with driver-selectable Velocity Max10 estimate)
- 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds (with driver-selectable Velocity Max10, Cadillac estimate)
- A Cadillac-estimated max towing capacity of 7500 lbs,
- Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and Air Ride Adaptive suspension isolate passengers from undesirable road surfaces while providing precise steering and feel
- Isolated Precision, Cadillac’s ride and handling philosophy – quiet, smooth and effortless with a strong connection to the road
- Independent front and rear suspension
- 24-inch wheels and 35-inch tires
- Suite of standard active safety and driver assistance features
- Standard Super Cruise5, the industry’s first truly hand-free driver assistance technology (with three years of OnStar connected service)
GM outlines some of the standout features of the Escalade IQ/L lineup:
- A curved pillar-to-pillar 55-inch total diagonal display for an immersive and personalized infotainment experience with voice control, navigation, an app store and dedicated ESCALADE IQL graphics.
- Seating available for up to seven total passengers, with a power folding third-row, which folds flat for more storage
- Standard AKG 4 Studio 21-speaker audio system, with available AKG Studio
- Reference 38-speaker system, which increases to 42 speakers with available Executive Second Row package. The AKG audio system also features custom-tuned speakers and amplifier content Dolby Atmos® for deeper depth, clarity, and detail when listening to music and entertainment
- Standard Super Cruise5 driver assistance technology on all trims (3 years OnStar Super Cruise plan6)
- Available 5G Wi-Fi® hotspot capability7 connected by OnStar, along with a comprehensive suite of OnStar safety and connected services that enhances each journey and delivers extra peace of mind
- Ample passenger entertainment options, including HD streaming and browser compatibility, so customers can log into any streaming app and watch
- The Escalade IQL also comes equipped with vehicle-to-home (V2H) bidirectional charging capabilities, which when paired with the GM Energy V2H Bundle, allows for the transfer of energy between the vehicle and a properly equipped home during times of need
The ESCALADE IQL will be offered in four trims – Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury, and Premium Sport with MSRP starting at $132,695. The IQL will be sold globally, including in the U.S. and Canada, with production starting in mid-2025 at General Motors’ Factory ZERO plant in Detroit.
Electrek’s take
Sure, you could make about four small EVs with the 205kWh battery or 10 PHEVs with 50 miles of electric range with one of these batteries. But people are going to buy huge luxury SUVs and it is better to buy an EV than a gas version, right?
Also with GM’s V2L options, this huge 205kWh battery could back up a home for weeks or be used in emergencies.
For those who prize the decadence of an Escalade but also need some extra third row space for that ski trip to Aspen or Jackson Hole, you have your vehicle. Or, most likely, those ballers who want to have the biggest, most expensive, luxurious SUV on the market.
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Tesla is going to build a new Megafactory in Texas near Houston, according to a tax abatement agreement with Waller County.
At the time of writing, Tesla had yet to comment on the new project, but the Waller County Commissioners Court confirmed the project on Wednesday when they approved a tax abatement deal with the company:
Under the proposed agreement, Tesla will receive tax abatements from Waller County based on property improvements. The deal includes $44 million in facility improvements and $150 million in Tesla manufacturing equipment that Tesla will install. The next phase involves a new $31 million distribution facility with about $2 million in Tesla distribution equipment and building upgrades.
Tesla is going to take over a 1-million-sq-ft building that it already held the lease on at the Empire West industrial park near Katy, Texas – just outside of Houston.
Logistics company DB Schenker occupied the space where it handled parts for Tesla, but it will move out and Tesla plans to build Megapack production lines at the site:
Tesla will operate a new Megapack battery storage manufacturing facility at a 1 million-square-foot building, which was initially constructed with no tenant on speculation that it would attract jobs and economic development.
Tesla has previously referred to plants producing Megapacks as “Megafactory”. The company already operates one in Lathrop, California, and one in Shanghai, China, where it just started production.
Those factories are set up for a production capacity of 40 GWh worth of Megapacks per year.
It’s not clear if Tesla plans for a similar capacity at this new factory, but the county announced project should result in creating 1,500 jobs.
In addition to the existing building, the project will include the construction of an additional “600,000-square-foot distribution facility with some manufacturing capabilities.”
Unlike its automotive business, Tesla’s energy business has been growing at an impressive pace – although prices and margins have come down last year.
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![Is Genesis taking notes from Porsche? New GV60 Magma caught with the Taycan [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/Genesis-GV60-Magma-Porsche-2.jpeg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Genesis is gearing up to unleash its alter ego with its upcoming Magma lineup, its debut into the world of high-performance luxury vehicles. First up is the Genesis GV60 Magma, due out later this year. As testing wraps up, the GV60 Magma was spotted alongside none other than the Porsche Taycan.
The first dedicated Genesis EV model, the GV60, will kick off another new chapter for the Korean luxury automaker.
Genesis unveiled the GV60 Magma last March, claiming it will kick off “the brand’s expansion into the realm of high-performance vehicles.” The performance EV includes an improved battery, chassis, and motor for added performance.
The Magma model boasts a wider, lower stance for more control. Other key upgrades include a wider front air intake to help cool the batteries, motor, and brakes. It also includes air curtains to maximize efficiency and an added roof fin channels air to the rear wing, generating downward force.
Genesis upgraded the interior to match the GV60 Magma’s luxurious, sporty design. It includes unique sports car-like bucket seats with exclusive “double-diamond stitching” in the Magma orange and titanium coloring.
Genesis GV60 Magma spotted with the Porsche Taycan
With its official debut coming up, the sporty Genesis GV60 Magma was spotted testing alongside a Porsche Taycan and Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 N models.
Despite the camouflage, the video from CarSpyMedia reveals a few new design elements, like the two-line headlight featured on the updated GV60 model.
Genesis will launch the GV60 Magma later this year in its home market, followed by the US, Europe, and others. Production is scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2025.
Will the Genesis GV60 Magma keep up with the Porsche Taycan or Tesla Model S Plaid? Priced and specs will be revealed closer to launch, but it will sit above the Performance AWD trim, which starts at $69,900 in the US. With up to 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, it can hit 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.
| Horsepower | 0 to 60 mph (seconds) |
Starting Price | |
| Genesis GV60 Performance | 429 | 3.7 | $69,900 |
| Genesis GV60 Magma | ? | ? | ? |
| Porsche Taycan | 402 | 4.5 | $99,400 |
| Porsche Taycan Turbo GT (with Weissach Package) |
1,092 | 2.1 | $230,000 |
| Tesla Model S Plaid | 1,020 | 1.99 | $89,990 |
In comparison, the Porsche Taycan starts at $99,400 with up to 402 hp and a 0 to 60 mph time in 4.5 seconds. The Taycan Turbo GT, equipped with its Weissach package, packs 1,092 hp for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 2.1 seconds, but it costs $230,000.
Tesla’s Model S Plaid starts at $79,990 and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds with 1,020 horsepower. Which performance EV are you choosing?
Source: CarSpyMedia
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Tesla gets more than 20% of its parts from Mexico, as well as some from Canada on top of it. So, yes, Tesla will be negatively affected by the tariffs.
However, there’s another one-month delay.
I didn’t think I would have to write this article, but I have seen plenty of “Tesla influencers” claim that Tesla would not be affected by President Trump’s current trade war:
This is false. Tesla gets a significant percentage of its car parts from Mexico and Canada.
NHTSA releases data about the sourcing of parts for all vehicles in the US. Unfortunately, it doesn’t account for the US and Canada together, but it also lists the country of origin for the next largest source of parts.
For Tesla, that’s Mexico for all car models:
| Models | US/Canada | Mexico |
| Model 3 LR AWD/RWD | 75% | 20% |
| Model 3 Performance | 70% | 20% |
| Model Y LR AWD/RWD | 70% | 25% |
| Model Y Performance | 70% | 20% |
| Cybertruck | 65% | 25% |
| Model S | 65% | 20% |
| Model X | 60% | 25% |
This means that Tesla gets more than 20% of its parts from Mexico in addition to what it gets from Canada.
It’s also noteworthy that Tesla’s most popular car, Model Y, gets 25% of its parts from Mexico.
Despite free trade agreements with Canada and Mexico, Trump has implemented 25% blanket tariffs on the countries.
The tariffs were delayed last month, but they went into effect on Tuesday.
However, today, the White House confirmed that they were delayed again just for the automotive industry. Trump reportedly had a call with the big three this morning, Ford, GM, and Chrysler, and he agreed to another one-month delay.
If you needed more proof that Tesla is going to be affected by the tariffs, ever they go into effect, Tesla’s stock was up 2% on the news that Trump agreed to delay the tariffs.
Electrek’s Take
Tesla fans are delusional. They think that because Elon is involved with Trump and he is not fighting the tariffs, it means that it wouldn’t negatively affect Tesla.
That’s a false assumption. Elon is not fighting because he is either completely delusional about Tesla himself or just doesn’t care.
If the tariffs are ever implemented, they will negatively affect Tesla. They will increase the cost of all Tesla vehicles. Some automakers will be more affected, but Tesla will be hurt, too.
The tariffs are a complete mess. They are on one day and delayed the next. I doubt they will ever be in place for any significant length of time.
Their only real impact is making Canadian and Mexican buyers and businesses think twice about doing business with the US. This impact will likely last longer than the tariffs and Trump’s administration.
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