Before a trip to Tahoe last weekend, GM provided me with their new 2026 electric Escalade IQL (starting at $130,405) to test-drive for a week. Though I’m not a professional car reviewer, I do drive an electric car.
I was intrigued to try it. I initially saw the Escalade IQL at a car show last summer, where its massive size amazed me, yet I admired its restrained design.
However, when the car arrived a day before our departure, my excitement faded. This vehicle is massive – 228.5 inches long and 94.1 inches wide – making our other cars seem like toys. Even my first San Francisco apartment was smaller. Driving it up my driveway, with its high hood, was nerve-wracking as it obscures your view of what’s directly ahead on a hill.
I almost left it in the driveway for the trip. But then, I decided to drive it around locally to get used to it. Upon meeting a friend, I found myself clarifying that it wasn’t my new car but possibly reviewing it, highlighting its size as ridiculous. It felt like a tank. I wondered who would choose such a vehicle aside from hotels transporting guests.
Five days later, I realized I became that person.
I can pinpoint exactly when I began to appreciate the car, but its performance in a snowstorm won me over. Even getting into it requires effort; I found myself wishing for an automated step stool despite being fairly athletic.
Inside, digital maximalism occurs. The dashboard boasts a 55-inch curved LED screen with 8K resolution reminiscent of a situation room. Front and second-row passengers have their individual screens, with features like wireless chargers and massage seats, providing an experience akin to being outside a vehicle. The seamless polarized screen technology ensures rear passengers’ streaming doesn’t affect the driver’s view.
The cabin ensures no one feels cramped, with spacious legroom across all rows. Standard features include leather seats with heating and ventilation, as well as Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free system, which I found took some getting used to.
The 38-speaker AKG Studio sound system is impressive.
The Escalade’s exterior is an imposing sight, especially its ornamental grille. This car emanates power and presence, even launching an LED light show upon detecting you nearby. I found this over-the-top feature charming.
Despite its size, the Escalade IQL handles unexpectedly well.
Now, for the challenges: The front trunk operates erratically, requiring precise button presses or risking a restart. Twice, the car wouldn’t turn off easily. The software is adequate unless compared to Tesla’s seamless system.
The trip’s low point was finding charging options in Tahoe’s winter. This vehicle, with its 205 kWh battery pack, is power-hungry. During adventures depleting the battery, like finding emergency clothing, recharging became critical. Finding functioning charging stations was challenging, but we eventually found an Electrify America station late at night.
Post-overnight cold weather revealed deflated tires, requiring adjustment. Overall, the Escalade IQL is luxurious, spacious with considerable trade-offs: limited forward visibility, challenging parking dimensions, charging infrastructure, and tire demands.
However, when snow kept falling, the Escalade’s weight and durability transformed a daunting drive into a serene journey. It felt like driving a tank.
Gradually, I became accustomed to its size, and my initial embarrassment about its extravagance subsided. My husband seemed to appreciate it too.
The snow cleared to reveal a dirty car in the driveway, but I enjoyed the high ride, sound system, and astonishing light show.
The frunk remains a struggle, and the failed charging attempt was stressful. Parking demands patience. Strong opinions about consumption persist, yet the car’s appeal is undeniable.
Now, I might just hide it when GM comes to retrieve it.