Hey there! With automakers rolling out exciting new electric vehicles left and right, choosing the right luxury EV SUV for your needs grows tougher by the day. Do you want practical utility or outrageous performance? Traditional elegance or progressive technology? Proven reputation or a bold clean-sheet design?
I‘ve put together this comprehensive head-to-head guide between two compelling options – the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB and the 2024 Cadillac Escalade IQ – to help you decide between them. We‘ll compare these electric crossovers across five key categories while getting to know the ethos behind each offer. Buckle up…this will be fun!
Overview
Before diving into the details, let‘s quickly introduce our two luxury battery-electric SUV contenders:
The Mercedes-Benz EQB arrived last year as the brand‘s most affordable and functional EV model yet. A bit smaller than the gas-powered GLB crossover, it seats 5-7 passengers using a 66.5 kWh battery sending power through dual asynchronous electric motors. Available in a few trims, pricing starts around $55,000 – not bad for a Benz.
The Cadillac Escalade IQ debuts next year as GM‘s bid to electrify its flagship luxury SUV nameplate. That means three roomy rows of seating, ostentatious styling and incredible next-gen technology in a massive full-size package. Official specs remain unannounced but early glimpses point to stunning luxury appointments powered by 200+ kWh of battery capacity for serious performance.
In broad strokes:
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Think of the EQB as an electrified version of Mercedes‘ practical compact SUVs promising quality, capability and some fun at mass-market scale and pricing. Nothing radical but well executed.
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The Escalade IQ draws inspiration from Cadillac‘s 2023 Celestiq concept sedan previewing radical infotainment advancements and avant-grade design likely to redefine American luxury expectations through an all-electric powertrain.
Let‘s now scrutinize how these diverging electric SUVs compare by the numbers and intangibles across five categories critical for EVs. May the best vehicle win!
Performance and Powertrain
While luxury buyers demand refinement and features above all, salty acceleration and massive torque feeds the soul too. Here‘s how these electric SUVs deliver the goods.
The EQB relies on a familiar drivetrain seen in Mercedes entry-level EVs pumping out between 225 to 288 horsepower and 284 to 384 lb-ft torque depending on the model. Dual asynchronous electric motors draw current from a conservative 66.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This straightforward setup delivers 0-60 mph sprints in 6 to 7 seconds onto a top speed of 99 miles per hour. Fully competitive for a compact crossover but not overly exciting.
The Escalade IQ should play in an entirely different arena as far as motivation. Though Cadillac plays coy about exact specifications, expectations based on the Ultium platform and SuperCruise promises suggest up to 600 horsepower, 460 lb-ft torque enabling a 3.5 second blast to 60 mph. The rumored 200+ kWh battery and 911 Turbo-like acceleration align with GM‘s vow to lead in electrification without sacrificing brawny V8 heritage.
Quick comparison:
| Spec | EQB | Escalade IQ (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 66.5 kWh | 200+ kWh |
| Power | 225 to 288 hp | 450 to 600 hp |
| Torque | 284 to 384 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 6.0 to 7.0 sec | 3.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 99 mph | 155 mph |
For some historical context: Mercedes follows a familiar path relying on existing EV components aimed primarily at efficiency and practicality versus maximum performance. Cadillac instead draws from its heritage pioneering V-series hot rod variants and may attempt segment benchmarks akin to the 4.5 second, 1,000+ HP GMC Hummer EV. Different philosophies but the IQ clearly wins this round.
Range and Charging Ability
Another make-or-break attribute for EVs comes down to driving distance per charge and how quickly batteries refuel. This gets technical but brings big lifestyle implications.
Mercedes quotes the EQB range at 232 miles in gentle RWD trim with AWD models dropping between 207 to 221 miles when evaluated on the EPA test cycle. Cold weather and aggressive driving will pare this down further of course. Charging capacity reaches 100 kWh enabling a 10 to 80% DC fast charge in about 32 minutes. Best case, figure 7.5 hours on 240V Level 2 charging from empty.
Cadillac remains largely silent about range projections but consistency with sister brand GMC‘s Hummer EV suggests 300+ miles as plausible given the Ultium platform battery capacities exceeding 200 kWh. GM also promises 350 kWh DC fast charging – among the fastest available today – that could feasibly restore hundreds of miles in just 15 minutes for short pit stops.
Let‘s crunch some numbers for context:
| Spec | EQB AWD | Escalade IQ (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Size | 66.5 kWh | 200+ kWh |
| Range | 207 to 221 miles | 325 miles* |
| Miles/kWh | 3.2 to 3.5 | 1.6 (est) |
| Fast Charge (10-80%) | 32 minutes | 15 minutes** |
*Unconfirmed projection
**350 kW capability suggests sub-20 minute times
As expected, the far larger battery in the Escalade IQ comes with tradeoffs – namely increased weight hampering efficiency (~1.6 miles per kWh versus 3.2 for EQB). But 75% quicker fast charging helps mitigate the impact when topping up electrons on road trips. Both deliver solid drivable distance just optimized around different engineering goals.
Passenger and Cargo Flexibility
Part of the core appeal of SUVs lies in comfortably transporting people and their gear. EV packaging brings fresh considerations to the equation so let‘s see how these models compare on practical grounds.
The EQB seats five to seven passengers depending on whether you spec the (very) optional third row. Four full-size adults fit nicely in the standard configuration while retaining a useful 21.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind row two. Fold everything flat and space grows to a modest but usable 53.4 cubes – think mountain bikes and luggage for a family weekend trip. The compact footprint stays maneuverable in tight spaces despite its 4,700 lb curb weight.
The Escalade plays in a different league entirely already dominating as one of the largest SUVs on the road. Engineers will surely preserve this roominess as much as possible when inserting the EV powertrain with seating for 7 or 8 adults across three rows. Even with batteries eating into the subfloor we can expect 25+ cubic feet behind row three expanding to well over 120+ cubic feet total. And it‘ll still tow your bass boat or small airplane weighing three tons itself.
| Spec | EQB | Escalade IQ |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5-7 | 7-8 |
| Cargo (cu. ft.) | 53.4 max | 144 max (est) |
| Tow Rating | TBA | 8,000 lbs* |
| Curb Weight | 4,649 to 4,754 lbs | ~6,500 lbs* |
*Projections only
Unless you regularly haul whole hockey teams, the EQB clearly provides sufficient utility for most folks in a tidier package. But I can‘t ignore the bragging rights and flexibility the Cadillac‘s imposing scale provides when max cargo and trailering enter conversation. Different tools for different jobs.
Luxury, Comfort and Convenience
As flagship SUVs, both the EQB and Escalade IQ pamper driver and passengers through premium furnishings and abundant amenities. But they follow diverging schools of thought.
The Mercedes EQB adopts familiar styling themes from the combustion GLB model with handsomely conservative results. Dual 10.3 inch digital displays present instruments and infotainment supplemented by stalks and switches for key vehicle controls. Expect quality leathers,Ambient lighting sets a mood while capabilities like massaging front seats, four-zone climate control, voice commands and smartphone integration will satisfy most luxury buyers. More functional than expressive though.
By contrast the Escalade IQ interior appears ready to propel owners into some distant, utopian era once envisioned by 1960s concept cars. Inspired by the radical Celestiq sedan, engineers swap mechanical buttons for towering pillar-to-pillar OLED screens spanning nearly 40 inches in width to govern most vehicle interactions through touch, gestures and voice. Cantilevered displays treat second row riders to their own interfaces as well while all three rows receive individual climate zones. Fear not analog fans – a camera-based augmented reality system projects a "virtual" speedo also onto the curved glass surface ahead of the driver. Sinister Jetsons!
Different visions yielding nearly equal appeal in their own way. The choice comes down highly personal taste in ambiance and interaction modes inside your conveyance capsule. Mercedes keeps one foot rooted in tradition while Cadillac boldly rewrites the rulebook. Neither approach seems wrong from my perspective.
MSRP and Purchase Process
Last but hardly least lies the actual transaction realities of securing your shiny new luxury EV. Both carry costs befitting their premier status.
An average Mercedes EQB configuration spans $55,000 to $60,000 – not exactly an impulse buy but a relative bargain in the luxury crossover segment. Custom-order an AWD Premium trim from your dealer and expect delivery in less than six months give potential supply chain snarls. As a bonus, both Federal EV tax incentives along with state-level rebates can chop several thousand off sticker providing solid value.
Cadillac only hints the Escalade IQ will play in rarefied six-figure air starting around $120,000 – seeming equal parts exclusivity premium and compensation for the massive battery. Custom-tailor your dream SUV but expect an eighteen month waiting game or more once production begins sometime next year. Government rebates need not apply at this altitude either.
Of course leasing offers an attractive alternative ownership proposition as well if you simply must sample Cadillac‘s cutting-edge tech vision or score an affordable Benz SUV. Incentives knock effective monthly payments down to palatable levels for qualified applicants willing to haggle. Just don‘t forget insurance and electricity bills exacerbating already enlarged maintenance line items.
| Spec | EQB | Escalade IQ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | ~$55,000+ | ~$120,000 (est.) |
| Available | Now | Late 2023 (est.) |
| Order Timing | < 6 months (est) | 12-18 months (est) |
Only you can determine whether the Escalade IQ warrants 4X+ price premium over the Mercedes. But easier access and shorter wait times score obvious wins for the EQB.
This detailed comparison reveals two impressive battery-powered luxury SUVs, albeit optimized around very different sets of capabilities, aesthetics and ethos.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB delivers great real-world range, performance and comfort in an practical premium package available immediately with restrained pricing and operating costs.
Meanwhile the 2024 Cadillac Escalade IQ sets its sights higher promising to redefine luxury expectations through otherworldly technology, outlandish scale and aesthetics rivaling six-figure supercars once production begins.
Two alluring choices ultimately delivering equal appeal albeit through opposing strengths catering to diverging sensibilities or lifestyle needs. The Escalade IQ wins by an whisker purely on its envelope-pushing originality making no compromises for emission-free transportation. Yet I expect pragmatic EQB will outsell its flashier Cadillac rival three-fold by nailing accessible sustainable mobility for the aspirational affluent family.
For eco-minded drivers more interested in practical Stepford-mobility, the little Benz feels like a smarter all-round choice today. But the extroverted Cadillac beckons those who need to feed deeper cravings for status, innovation and performance from their conveyances.
Either way, this golden age of electric vehicles shines brighter with every passing month as brilliant new efforts like the EQB and Escalade IQ set benchmarks across the luxury EV segment. We all win thanks to visionary automakers pushing boundaries on technology, capability and possiblity to rapidly electrify premium transportation for a sustainable future. What an exciting era to go electric!
So which model fits your lifestyle best? Let me know if you have any other questions!
Jeremy
EV Analyst and Gearhead
