Mercedes G580 and Escalade IQ Compared: EV Power, Design, and Range

Explore the key differences between the Mercedes G580 and Cadillac Escalade IQ electric SUVs. Specs, performance, and tech features—no marketing, just facts.

The luxury car market is undergoing tectonic shifts. Environmental pressure is forcing even the most conservative manufacturers to move away from gasoline. But how do you adapt iconic gas-powered SUVs to the world of electric vehicles without losing their charisma? That’s precisely the challenge tackled by the Mercedes G580 and Cadillac Escalade IQ. Massive, expensive, and provocative—they represent a new class of transportation that teeters between progress and absurdity.

Mercedes G580: Classic in a New Form

On the outside, the G580 looks nearly identical to the familiar "G-Wagon." The recognizable silhouette, angular bodywork, and high-riding stance remain intact. But structurally, it’s an entirely new platform. Mercedes engineers preserved the ladder frame while turning the battery into a load-bearing component. Dual motors with low-range gearboxes, axles, and independent rear suspension all signal serious off-road intent.

The interior is the pinnacle of craftsmanship—carbon fiber accents, contrast stitching, a sporty steering wheel, and flawless build quality. However, the acceleration isn’t breathtaking: with a curb weight of almost 3.2 tons, even 859 lb-ft (1165 Nm) of torque struggles to excite. The main disappointment is range. Officially rated at 385 km (239 miles), it drops even lower in winter conditions. Fast charging is limited to 200 kW.

Escalade IQ: Flagship-Level Design, Mass-Market Platform

At first glance, the Escalade IQ tries to preserve the commanding presence of the original, but structurally it’s a very different machine. The unified Ultium platform (now rarely mentioned by name) is also used in mid-range models. This lowers production costs but erodes the sense of uniqueness. Moreover, abandoning the body-on-frame layout compromises off-road and towing capabilities.

That said, the cabin is a true tech theater: a 55-inch display, advanced charging solutions, and rear-wheel steering. But the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is puzzling—especially for a vehicle nearing six figures in price. The move toward Google integration feels aimed more at investors than end-users.

Performance is decent: 0–100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. Still, with a curb weight of nearly 4 tons, the vehicle’s dynamics suffer. The sloping roofline reduces third-row space, and efficiency remains questionable.

Visually, the Escalade IQ doesn’t match the presence of its gas counterpart. The attempt to create a “coupe” profile has hurt its charisma—losing both volume and recognizability in the process.

Who Is This All For?

The bigger question is: why do these vehicles exist at all? In the U.S. and Canada, EV incentives are modest, charging infrastructure is underdeveloped, and the economic rationale for such vehicles is weak. These are not ecological choices—they’re image-driven ones.

In Europe, where emissions penalties and ICE restrictions are stricter, these models might make practical sense. But in North America, for now, they remain symbols of the nouveau riche—nothing more.

The G580 wins in terms of engineering and character, while the Escalade IQ stands out for its technology and range. But for now, their main purpose is to signal the owner’s status—not serve as practical transportation.