The new 2025 Escalade and first-ever all-electric 2025 ESCALADE IQ boast iconic design, interior craftsmanship and the latest automotive technology. Each of these luxury full-size SUVs offer a number of new features that provide an exceptional passenger experience. Since some of these features are new to the Cadillac family, here’s a look at their operation and functionality.
Pillar-to-Pillar Display
The all-new, curved, pillar-to-pillar 55-inch diagonal LED display (Fig. 1) is powered by a next-generation Snapdragon® Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. The integrated infotainment experience is personalized and enhanced with Google built-in. It also offers intuitive virtual Smart Controls, such as Universal Remote control when you pull up to your garage.
Fig. 1
The 55-inch pillar-to-pillar display, or Human Machine Interface (HMI) includes a standard built-in Front Passenger Infotainment (FPI) system on the right side of the screen that is functional only when a passenger is sitting in the front-passenger. seat. When the vehicle is shifted out of Park, the front-passenger screen changes, not allowing the driver to view the media being displayed, while the passenger can see the screen and watch videos, surf the internet, or display their own personal device via an HDMI connection located in the glove box.
To power on the front passenger screen, tap anywhere on the screen. Touch an app to steam media or view web content. Bluetooth headphones can be paired to the system by selecting the Headphones icon.
The Entertainment Hub on the infotainment home screen also can be used to control the front passenger screen as well as the two rear screens.
The 55-inch display is a display only and does not have modules built into it. If there is a resolution issue, black screen, or fuzzy lines on the screen, the display is not at fault. Check the A11 Radio, inputs into the radio, or the wires/LVDS cables that connect the radio to the display.
AutoSense Power Hood and Rear Liftgate
The AutoSense power hood (ESCALADE IQ) (Fig. 2) and rear liftgate (ESCALADE IQ and Escalade) are designed to open automatically when approaching the vehicle, if enabled in the Vehicle Settings, offering the convenience of hands-free operation.
Fig. 2
Approach the front of the vehicle to open the power hood, or the rear of the vehicle to open the liftgate, with the remote key fob from a distance greater than 15 feet (5 meters) from the front or rear of the vehicle (the approach zone). When the key fob is within 3 feet (1 meter) of the front or rear of the vehicle (the authentication zone) for several seconds, the hood or liftgate, respectively, will open automatically. (Fig. 3) Beeps sound and the lights flash before the hood or liftgate will open.
Fig. 3
The hood or liftgate will still open if you step in and out of the approach zone (within 15 feet, 5 meters, of the vehicle) and return within 8 seconds. However, automatic operation will be unavailable until the key fob has been moved out of the approach zone for some time if the key fob enters the approach zone but does not enter the authentication zone within a short period of time.
To cancel an automatic opening, move the key fob more than 3 feet away from the vehicle, or press the power hood or liftgate button on the key fob or the exterior hood or liftgate control.
After closing the hood or liftgate, or canceling operation, AutoSense functionality must be reactivated by stepping outside the approach zone for more than 20 seconds before approaching the vehicle again.
To change the power hood and liftgate settings, go to Settings > Vehicle > Comfort and Convenience > Hands-Free Exterior Storage Access on the infotainment screen.
TIP: If a detected key fob remains in the authentication zone for more than 2 minutes, the fob will mute. Press any key fob button or any door handle touchpad to activate the AutoSense liftgate again.
Automatic operation of the power hood and liftgate also will not be active under these conditions:
- The feature is set to Off in the Vehicle Settings.
- If the vehicle is equipped with the side approach feature, the rear closure hands-free feature may not work when the rear doors are open.
- Vehicle battery is low.
- A remote key is inside the vehicle.
- The vehicle is not in Park.
- The vehicle remains parked for more than several days, with no remote key fob use or Keyless Access operation. To re-enable, press any button on the key fob or open and close any vehicle door.
Executive Second-Row Seating
The available Executive Second-Row Seating package features task-oriented comfort, and includes stowable tray tables, 12.6-inch-diagonal personal screens, a Rear Command Center touchscreen, dual wireless phone charging pads, USB-C and HDMI ports, massaging seats and headrest speakers. (Fig. 4)
Fig. 4
The available Front Command Center, located on the center console between the two front seats, is a touchscreen that allows passengers to operate the climate controls, first- and second-row power seat functions and more. Vehicles with a Rear Command Center have an additional touchscreen in the second row of seats. (Fig. 5) The Command Center screens are separate from the infotainment screen.
To make adjustments, select from the icons at the bottom of the screen, and then use the top bar to navigate to the different functions. Both the front screen and rear screen (if equipped) default to climate controls when driving if other screens are not in use.
Fig. 5
The stowed tray tables are located in the rear center console. Lift the armrest to access the folded tables. Press the button inside the console bin to unlock the tray tables. The tables must be released on at a time. When deployed, the tray tables can be rotated to allow easy vehicle entry and exit.
– Thanks to Mark Shearer and Mike Waszczenko
