SHERIDAN, WYOMING – October 29, 2024 – The first retail production 2025 Cadillac ESCALADE IQ EV was auctioned for $550,000 at the 2024 Detroit Grand Prix, with all proceeds benefiting the Detroit Children's Fund.
The nonprofit will receive the full amount raised for the vehicle, which was purchased by Michelle and Dan Gilbert.
“We are grateful to General Motors, Cadillac, and the Gilberts for this generous donation, which will help us continue our mission to improve educational equity in Detroit,” said Jack Elsey, executive director of the Detroit Children's Fund. “This gift will support our efforts to provide students with the resources they need to succeed in school and in life.”
Cadillac has been a strong supporter of the Detroit Children's Fund for many years. In 2023, the brand donated $1 million to the organization to support its work in providing educational opportunities for Detroit students.
“Cadillac is committed to supporting organizations that are making a difference in the lives of children,” said Global Cadillac Vice President Rory Harvey. “We are proud to partner with the Detroit Children's Fund to help ensure that all students in Detroit have access to a quality education.”
The ESCALADE IQ is Cadillac's first all-electric SUV. It offers a spacious interior, advanced technology, and an estimated range of 450 miles. The vehicle is expected to go on sale in early 2025.
“The ESCALADE IQ is a game-changer for Cadillac,” said Harvey. “It is the most luxurious and technologically advanced SUV we have ever produced. We are confident that it will be a huge success.”
The Detroit Children's Fund is a nonprofit organization that works to improve educational equity in Detroit. The organization provides funding and support to schools and community organizations that are working to close the achievement gap.
“We believe that all children deserve access to a quality education,” said Elsey. “We are working to ensure that every student in Detroit has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The ESCALADE has been the best-selling luxury full-size SUV in the United States for the past 20 years. The ESCALADE IQ is expected to continue that tradition.
“The ESCALADE is an icon,” said Harvey. “It is synonymous with luxury and style. We are excited to introduce the next generation of the ESCALADE with the ESCALADE IQ.”
Cadillac is committed to electrifying its entire portfolio by 2030. The ESCALADE IQ is a key part of that strategy.
“We are committed to a future of zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion,” said Harvey. “The ESCALADE IQ is a major step forward in that journey.”
Along with the ESCALADE IQ, Cadillac's EV portfolio includes the LYRIQ and the upcoming CELESTIQ.
Cadillac is a leading luxury automotive brand. The brand is committed to providing customers with innovative and stylish vehicles that offer a world-class driving experience.