For luxury electric vehicle shoppers, 2024 and 2025 will open exciting new options from prominent automotive brands. Both Hyundai and GM are continuing their electrification efforts with the forthcoming IONIQ 7 and Escalade IQ EVs – two highly buzzworthy future SUVs.
This guide will analyze everything consumers need to know around the histories, positioning, and specs of these entries to understand how they compare. Whether seeking an affordable electric crossover or an ultra-luxury icon updated for the EV age, there are interesting considerations around these additions coming soon to the luxury EV segment.
Brief Backgrounds on Hyundai and GM’s Electric Journeys
As consumer interest in electric vehicles keeps accelerating, nearly every major automaker is investing in EV models to complement internal combustion engine offerings. Hyundai and GM have steadily built out their EV expertise over 30 years.
Hyundai’s Road to the IONIQ 7
Hyundai’s electric journey began in 1991 with the launch of the Sonata Electric sedan – one of the earliest modern EVs. Offering 60 miles of range from lead-acid batteries, it laid the groundwork for Hyundai’s alternative powertrain experimentation in coming decades.
Further concepts followed, until the commercial-focused BlueOn compact hatchback debuted in 2009 exclusively for the Korean domestic market. Range and performance constraints around lithium polymer batteries available at the time meant Hyundai wouldn’t seriously revisit EV tech again until 2016.
The arrival of the IONIQ five-door fastback crossover marked a watershed moment, heralding Hyundai’s re-emergence into the now-booming global electric car market. The IONIQ evolved through multiple generations to become Hyundai’s leading EV nameplate.
In 2021, the automaker unveiled its boldest IONIQ concept yet – the creatively designed IONIQ 7. This 3-row crossover SUV set to launch in 2024 holds the promise of delivering both advanced electric mobility and unique interior flexibility aimed at modern families.
GM: Pioneering EVs Long Before Tesla Existed
Unlike the budget-conscious reputation of Hyundai, General Motors built itself over the last century to become the very epitome of American automotive luxury. Its brands include Cadillac, the see-and-be-seen icon whose Escalade SUV represents one of GM‘s most ostentatious offerings blended with the capability expected from a full-size truck.
What may come as a surprise is GM’s role as an electric vehicle pioneer long before today‘s EV darling Tesla even existed. Its first modern electric concept came in 1987 before rolling out the groundbreaking 2-seater EV1 to lease customers in 1996.
While leasing challenges doomed the EV1 ahead of its time, those brief years left an indelible mark on GM’s institutional knowledge around electric powertrains. Subsequent hybrids and plug-in hybrid programs kept electrification dreams alive for its brands.
Today, GM‘s multi-billion dollar investments into its proprietary Ultium battery platforms finally allow the potential for EVs with equivalent range to internal combustion models across all vehicle segments. The 2023 Lyriq kicked off Cadillac’s reinvention, while the 2024 Celestiq showcases the height of bespoke luxury EVs.
Now, GM gears up to unveil its most cutting-edge – and likely shocking – pivot yet. Turning the Escalade SUV into an EV promises to infusion an icon with smoother, instantaneous performance while retaining the qualities owners cherish.
Head-to-Head: How the IONIQ 7 And Escalade IQ Shape Up
Based on what is known from Hyundai’s LA Auto Show unveiling and GM’s slow teases, a picture forms around the possible strengths of each upcoming model even as specs continue to emerge.
IONIQ 7 Estimates (2024)
- Dimensions: ~195 inches L x 81 inches W x 67 inches H
- Platform: Hyundai exclusive E-GMP architecture
- Power Outputs:
- RWD: 300+ hp (single motor)
- AWD: 600+ hp (dual motor)
- 0-60 mph: Under 6 seconds (est.)
- Range: 300 miles (estimated WLTP)
- Battery: 200+ kWh capacity (rumored)
- Charging: 10-80% in 20 minutes (~160 kW max)
- Interior Features:
- 7 seats
- Swiveling front chairs
- L-shaped rear couch
- OLED panoramic roof
- Refrigerator
Escalade IQ EV Specs (2025)
- Dimensions: 224.3 in L x 81.1 in W x 74.5 in H
- Platform: Ultium Platform
- Power Outputs:
- RWD: TBA
- AWD: 715 hp / 785 lb-ft tq
- 0-60 mph: Under 5 seconds (Cadillac est.)
- Range: 400 miles (GM est.)
- Battery: 24 modules / 200 kWh capacity
- Charging: Up to 350 kW (10 mins = 100 miles)
- Interior Features:
- 7 seats
- 55” pillar-to-pillar curved OLED dash display
- 40-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio
- 12.6” 5G rear passenger display
- Super Cruise driver assist
Reviewing the above head-to-head details showcases the different approaches. The Escalade IQ leverages parent company GM’s latest ‘clean sheet‘ EV architecture with amped up fit-and-finish. Hyundai appears to swing for a more radical overall design statement around cabin flexibility and screens.
However, GM‘s four years additional lead time may give the edge when it comes to refinement and build quality. Its striking concept art translates into tangible production plans, while buyers may have to temper expectations on how many creative elements make Hyundai’s final IONIQ 7 cut.
Let’s analyze key metrics and capabilities deeper to ascertain where each brand placed its focus.
Power and Performance Analysis
Unsurprisingly given its 2.5+ ton curb weight, GM fits its Escalade with enough EV muscle to retain the model‘s ‘king of full-size SUVs‘ reputation. An estimated 750 horsepower and supercar-like acceleration blast this luxury people hauler ahead of most on the road. All-wheel drive models enable incredible traction and control when needed.
Based on similar Ultium underpinnings, Hyundai’s IONIQ 7 output rumors hint at potential with its own dual motor AWD topping 600 hp. However, limitations from a Hyundai-exclusive platform versus GM’s engineered-from-the-ground up EV architecture may hamper just how close it reaches to the Escalade’s powertrain benchmarks without sacrifices elsewhere.
Designed for Dominating Long Drives
Over 400 miles max driving range and 350 kW charging for its Ultium pack keep the Escalade IQ true to its grand touring heritage – no compromised road trip ability here even while electricity propels this cruiser into a silent future.
Hyundai’s estimated 300 mile range still outpaces most affordable EVs today and hints at road trip possibilities as well. But expect the Escalade IQ to post higher real-world averages between recharging thanks to larger battery buffers. GM’s decade of working on next-generation lithium chemistry and process is an intangible edge.
Luxury Styling Taken to Extremes
Even in gasoline models, Escalades represented a chrome-laded, cowboy luxury unmatched elsewhere. Its EV offspring ratchets up the glam even further with a curved OLED strip larger than many home TVs spanning the dashboard to enthrall drivers and passengers alike. Quilted leather seats, exotic wood accents and AKG’s audiophile-grade sound system round out the lavishly reimagined and tech-forward cabin.
IONIQ 7’s info screen innovations may struggle seeing production but expectations remain high around a uniquely flexible interior. Swiveling front seats and adjustable second/third row configurations show the interior design talent at Hyundai. Premium materials and next-gen interfaces could still set IONIQ apart from mainstream EVs as a comfortable, sustainable form of family transportation if executed well.
The Price Gap Explained
Now that potential owners better understand what the Escalade IQ Experience sets out to achieve for the elite SUV echelon with no expenses spared, its $130,000-plus pricing fits appropriately. The sheer material and technology heft of this machine, before even tallying the added dealer markup common for high-demand halo vehicles, speaks to hard costs.
In contrast, Hyundai still markets itself as an affordable purveyor of forward-thinking mobility. A $50,000 target for its innovatively packaged crossover makes sense assuming most radical concept elements sit on the cutting board. Yet positioning as almost one-third the price of GM’s touring flagship means IONIQ adopters would need to embrace a different definition of luxury.
Still, both vehicle‘s EV drivetrains emit less noise and vibration over gas engines while providing responsive acceleration with no trips to the pump. Savvy shoppers ultimately must weigh their unique priorities around utility, capability and interior appointments given the wide spectrum from IONIQ 7 to Escalade IQ.
Key Takeaways from Comparing These Upcoming Luxury EVs
Hyundai IONIQ 7 and Cadillac Escalade IQ EV represent EV conversions of their brands’ family crossover and luxury flagship roles respectively. Each leans into strengths cultivated over decades of automotive experience while infusing next-gen batteries, tractor beams of torque and unconventional interior designs.
Yet their divergent missions also shine through. The Escalade IQ seeks utter supremacy with no consideration around costs in maximizing luxury, innovation and uncompromised road presence for those needing to make the ultimate statement during their EV transition.
In contrast, Hyundai’s IONIQ sub-brand channels disruptive thinking into how to deliver eco-conscious and delightfully progressive electric mobility to the masses. Value and approachability remain in focus rather than opulence.
Both vehicles will undoubtedly advance public perceptions around EVs when they hit roads soon. Whether your needs call for one plush utility vehicle or limitless luxury, these forward-thinking automakers have you covered.
