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Not your typical holiday trim: Escalade IQ in full burgundy
Have you ever seen an electric luxury SUV dressed like this? A recent Instagram drop from wheel specialist Forgiato revealed a Cadillac Escalade IQ finished in deep burgundy with color-matched Forgiato alloys — a bold EV makeover that’s sure to divide opinion among enthusiasts. The finish looks festive, but this is apparently a year-round look rather than a seasonal wrap.
Forgiato wheels steal the show
The standout detail is undeniably the wheels. Finished to match the body color, the disc-style Forgiato alloys are oversized and fill the wheel arches in a way that changes the Escalade IQ’s stance completely. While Forgiato didn’t publish wheel specs, the proportions suggest 24- or even 26-inch diameters — sizes that suit a heavyweight electric SUV built on GM’s BT1 architecture.
Why the wheels matter
Large, custom wheels are a popular way to personalize luxury SUVs, and on an electric vehicle with a long wheelbase like the Escalade IQ, they can dramatically alter visual balance and attitude. Forgiato’s logo on the center cap confirms the aftermarket origin, and the three photos shared provide just enough detail for owners and curators to judge the project.
Highlights:
- Full burgundy exterior with matching Forgiato alloys
- Disc-like wheel design, likely 24–26 inches
- Photos shared on @ac_forgiato Instagram with limited context
Platform and power: How this EV differs from the ICE Escalade
It’s worth remembering that the Escalade IQ is more than a dressed-up Escalade — under the skin it’s a purpose-built electric luxury SUV. Based on General Motors’ BT1 platform, it shares mechanical DNA with the GMC Hummer EV and the Chevrolet Silverado/Sierra EV twins rather than the internal-combustion Escalade.
Key specs (manufacturer figures):
- Dual-motor electric powertrain
- Up to 750 hp (560 kW / 761 PS)
- 785 lb-ft (1,064 Nm) of torque in Velocity Max mode
- 0–60 mph in about 4.7 seconds
- Massive battery pack of over 200 kWh with an estimated 465 miles (748 km) range
- Maximum DC fast charging up to 350 kW (approx. 117 miles/188 km in ~10 minutes)
- Entry price around $127,405
These performance and range figures put the Escalade IQ near the top of the luxury EV segment for pure cruising range, while also offering surprising acceleration for its size.
Market context and owner personalization
Luxury EV buyers often look for distinctiveness, and bespoke wheels or unique paint are two of the most visible ways to achieve that. The burgundy Escalade IQ is a reminder that even technologically advanced EVs are canvases for automotive personalization — and aftermarket partners like Forgiato are happy to oblige.
From a market perspective, Cadillac’s shift to electric luxury seeks to blend flagship comfort with EV efficiency and long-range capability. Custom projects like this one emphasize the lifestyle angle: buyers aren’t just buying range and performance, they’re buying presence.
What do you think?
We spotted the images on @ac_forgiato’s Instagram and, despite limited context, they’re enough to spark debate. Is the burgundy Escalade IQ a tasteful statement or too much bling for an EV? Drop your take in the comments — and if you own an Escalade IQ or another BT1-based EV, tell us how you’ve personalized it.
Whether you love it or hate it, this Forgiato-equipped Escalade IQ is a reminder that EVs are becoming as customizable as their combustion predecessors — and in some cases, even bolder.
Source: autoevolution
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