2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ VIN 001 set for charity auction

Reservations for Cadillac’s highly anticipated 2025 Escalade IQ electric full-size SUV can already be made but anyone hoping to purchase the first example off line, the one bearing a VIN ending in 001, will have to bid on it at an upcoming auction.

Cadillac on Thursday said it will auction off the first retail Escalade IQ for charity. The sale will be handled by Barrett-Jackson at its auction in Scottsdale running Oct. 10-13, and all proceeds will benefit the Detroit Children’s Fund, an organization that supports child education.

In announcing the sale, Cadillac also said the Escalade IQ’s range estimate has been increased by 10 miles to 460 miles. An EPA estimate will be published at a later date.

The electric SUV is based on General Motors Ultium platform and battery technology set and will feature a battery capacity of more than 200 kwh (expected to be about 205 kwh) and DC fast-charging capability at rates up to 350 kw. Dual-motor all-wheel drive is standard and the peak output is 680 hp in normal mode and 750 hp in a Velocity Max. The Escalade IQ also gets a version of the GMC Hummer EV’s Crab Walk, dubbed Cadillac Arrival.

The 2025 Escalade IQ is priced from $129,095, including a $1,395 destination charge. VIN 001 will likely go for a huge premium, given the nature of its collectability and the tax write offs that are available for buyers in charity auctions.

Escalade IQ deliveries were due to start in the summer but have been pushed back to late 2024. Cadillac is also planning to launch a long-wheelbase Escalade IQL. Prototypes are out testing but timing hasn’t been announced.

Production is handled at GM’s Factory Zero plant in Detroit, where the Hummer EV, and Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV twins are built.