• by Tanya Gazdik , August 9, 2023

Cadillac is enlisting "Barbie" star Simu Liu for the launch of its 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ, the first all-electric full-size SUV from Cadillac.

The General Motors luxury brand is unveiling the vehicle today in New York City. It will go into production summer 2024 and be available at dealerships that fall. 

Liu, who already owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade Sport, will be featured in both TV and digital launch spots. 

With its 450 miles of range and reimagined high-tech design elements, the vehicle aims to lure a younger average buyer, says Donnelly Baxter, marketing manager — Cadillac Escalade and XTS.

Currently, the Escalade attracts a 40- to 50-year-old buyer, he says. 

“We’re aiming for high 30s to high 40s with the IQ, so a little bit younger,” Baxter tells Marketing Daily. “And a little higher household income, as well.”

Every trim level of the vehicle, which starts at $130,000, will include Super Cruise driver assistance technology, including three years of the subscription service. Also included is a suite of additional standard active safety and driver assistance.

Along with the extended range, charging will be ultra fast, with customers able to add 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes at a level 3 DC fast charger. 

The interior is plush, with many luxury touches.  An eye-catching design featuring the Cadillac logo is embroidered in the fabric under the middle console. The interior also features a curved pillar-to-pillar 55-inch total diagonal LED display.

All four doors power open and close at the touch of a button, and if activated, the driver’s door will automatically open as the driver approaches with the key fob.

“We do see this vehicle appealing to a wide range of customers,” Baxter days. “It will appeal to our current buyers, but we also see it bringing in a lot of conquest buyers as well: people that might not have been looking at Cadillac before, or wanted an EV and wanted a luxury EV but weren't able to find it. We think we're going to be pulling a lot of those customers into the brand.”

Cadillac is anticipating customers will be psychographically similar to those who have bought the internal-combustion-engine Escalade, he says, 

“They live life to the fullest,” Baxter says. “They don't compromise. They don't do this or that — they do this AND that. So they really want a vehicle that supports their lifestyle.”

The vehicle will offer up to an estimated 750 horsepower, up to 785 lb-ft of torque and 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds. The automaker is also estimating it will feature up to 8,000 pounds of towing capability.

In keeping with other vehicles in the Cadillac portfolio, Escalade IQ delineates itself with two personas: Luxury and Sport. This trim strategy enables customers to choose a vehicle that matches their own personality and preferences. 

Each offers distinctive appearances, including brushed aluminum metallic finishes on areas such as the wheels and exterior moldings on Luxury, and a darkened metal finish on Sport.