San Francisco, luxury and innovation: Experiencing the Cadillac ESCALADE IQ and OPTIQ

San Francisco, with its rolling hills, coastal beauty, and tech-forward spirit, provided the perfect backdrop for what would be my three-day immersive experience with two of Cadillac’s newest electric luxury SUVs—the Cadillac ESCALADE IQ and OPTIQ. Expectations were high given everything I’d already heard about the two new additions. Luxury meeting style, comfort and innovation all in one…or two. As Cadillac continues its electrification journey, testing them out was going to be an exciting opportunity to gauge how far along the brand has come – and after just three short days…these vehicles stood out not just for their performance but also for their bold design, advanced technology and an elevated sense of luxury that redefines what it means to drive an EV.

See also: Lexus unveils the all-new RZ: A game-changer in electric luxury

A city of innovation meets a new era of luxury

From the moment I arrived at the St. Regis, it was clear that Cadillac was orchestrating an experience designed to showcase not just their vehicles but an entire lifestyle. One that closely mirrors what to expect from these beautifully designed vehicles. The itinerary blended high-end dining, scenic drives, and cutting-edge technology demonstrations, allowing us to interact with the vehicles in real-world settings.

The first evening kicked off with a welcome dinner at Dolby HQ, where we got a taste of how Cadillac is incorporating immersive sound into their vehicles. More on this later. Over the next two days, we drove both the Cadillac ESCALADE IQ and OPTIQ, experiencing the unique qualities that set these two SUVs apart while appreciating the synergy between modern luxury and electric innovation.

Cadillac ESCALADE IQ: The bold electric powerhouse

The Cadillac ESCALADE IQ is a statement-making vehicle that takes everything we know about the iconic Escalade and transforms it into an all-electric marvel. What’s more, if you’re like me and find yourself a little hesitant to be driving a vehicle that feels like it’s got the width of a tank, I was pleasantly surprised by how nimble the vehicle actually is. Whether in the narrow streets of San Francisco or the winding hills south of the city, the vehicle moves like it’s half its actual size. I also can’t say enough about the smoothness of the ride. Dare I say it felt like I was driving in the business class of vehicles? Yes, yes I do.

Performance & range

• Built on GM’s Ultium platform, the ESCALADE IQ delivers up to 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque in Velocity Max mode.
• It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, a remarkable feat for a full-size luxury SUV.
• The vehicle boasts an impressive 460-mile range, one of the longest of any EV SUV on the market.
• 800-volt DC fast charging allows it to gain 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes, making long trips effortless.

Luxury & technology

• A 55-inch curved pillar-to-pillar LED display provides an immersive digital cockpit experience.
• Super Cruise, Cadillac’s hands-free driving system, is standard, offering a seamless and stress-free driving experience.
• The 42-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system brings concert-level sound into the cabin, redefining in-car audio.
• Executive second-row seating, with available massaging seats and personal screens, turns the backseat into a first-class experience.
• Advanced Four-Wheel Steer and Cadillac Arrival Mode make this the most maneuverable Escalade ever.

Design & Comfort

• A more aerodynamic silhouette, massive 24-inch wheels, and Cadillac’s signature Black Crystal Shield grille create a bold, futuristic aesthetic.
• The cabin features sustainable materials, premium finishes, and a panoramic glass roof, adding to the open, luxurious feel.
• More space for passengers, with increased legroom in the third row, ensures ultimate comfort for long drives.

Why consider the ESCALADE IQ?

The ESCALADE IQ is for those who want the power and presence of a traditional Escalade but in a fully electric package. It blends range, luxury, and technology seamlessly, making it a top contender in the high-end EV market. What’s more, as someone who one day hopes to be driven around in style on a regular basis, the ESCALADE IQ is simply a power statement. Whether pulling up to the red carpet at an international film festival or rolling up with your groomsmen on the day of your wedding (seriously considering this), it’s one of the few statement vehicles you want to be seen stepping out of, even as a passenger.

Cadillac OPTIQ: A dynamic electric SUV

If the ESCALADE IQ represents Cadillac’s electric luxury dominance, the Cadillac OPTIQ is a gateway for new buyers looking for something bold, sporty, and sustainable. This was my ride for the long drive north of San Francisco and between the super winding trails, cliff side driving (with beautiful views of course) and urban city navigation, this vehicle seamlessly fit into all. I, admittedly, was never a huge SUV driver. Admired some from afar but always preferred a vehicle with a more sporty feel. That’s until I hit the winding roads and let me tell you, the handling on the OPTIQ is incredible. It’s been some time since I’ve had fun driving a car on a road like this.

Performance & range

• The OPTIQ is built with dual-motor all-wheel drive, delivering 300 horsepower for a dynamic and fun driving experience.
• Its Ultium Drive system provides instant torque and smooth acceleration.
• Optimized aerodynamics, including a vented rear spoiler and sculptural diffusers, ensure efficiency without sacrificing performance.

Technology & features

• A 33-inch diagonal LED display integrates infotainment, navigation, and digital controls.
• Google Built-In allows seamless voice commands, real-time battery optimization, and intuitive smartphone integration.
• The 19-speaker AKG Studio Audio System with Dolby Atmos creates a 360-degree sound experience, making every drive feel like a private concert.
• Super Cruise comes standard, giving drivers access to hands-free driving on more than 400,000 miles of North American roads.

Design & sustainability

• The OPTIQ introduces vibrant colour options, including the striking Monarch Orange, adding to its youthful energy.
• Cadillac incorporates sustainable materials like 100% recycled fabric and PaperWood veneer, blending eco-conscious design with luxury.
• Its compact yet spacious interior redefines what a small luxury SUV can offer.

Why Consider the Optiq?

The Cadillac OPTIQ is perfect for those transitioning to an EV who want a high-end experience without the bulk of a full-size SUV. Its blend of performance, technology, and sustainability makes it a compelling option for buyers or city dwellers seeking luxury in an agile package.

The Dolby Atmos experience: Elevating in-car audio

I wanted to dedicate a section specifically to the Dolby Atmos experience. Dolby’s headquarters in San Francisco set the stage for understanding how immersive, 3D sound transforms the driving experience. In the OPTIQ, the 19-speaker AKG system with Dolby Atmos created an environment where every note, beat, and voice was positioned perfectly, as if the artist were performing live in the cabin. They really weren’t lying when they said it’s a mobile music studio.

When we had the opportunity to sit in with Grammy nominated sound engineer Nick Reeves, a magician in the booth, to see how he makes music come to life, it was an emotion-fuelled experience. It created an appreciation for sound I previously did not have outside of the Gents Talk podcast studio. Yet to visualize the process of sound engineering and then experiencing it on a scenic drive up the coast…game changer.

The future of Cadillac is electric

Over three days, the Cadillac ESCALADE IQ and Optiq proved that luxury and EV technology can coexist seamlessly. The ESCALADE IQ offers power, space and presence, while the OPTIQ delivers a dynamic approach to electric SUVs. Cadillac’s partnership with Dolby, the integration of Super Cruise, and a commitment to sustainable design make these vehicles not just transportation but statements of innovation and progress.

If you’re considering making the switch to an EV, both of these vehicles offer an unmatched blend of luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology—making them some of the most exciting entries into the electric vehicle space today.