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Thanks: Global Motorsports Website: Take GM's full-size SUV platform, add some eye-catching styling cues, and give the interior a Neiman Marcus-level makeover. It works brilliantly. The latest version, which launched just last year, carries the formula successfully into the high-tech era. Cadillac has loaded the Escalade's luxury cabin with such an impressive array of digital displays and tech features that it feels almost like piloting a starship. The redesign also fixed one of the prior version's weak spots by reconfiguring the rear suspension to provide more interior room. Now even the standard-length model boasts adult-sized seating in the third row, while the longer ESV version (which stands for Escalade Stretch Vehicle) is positively gargantuan. The Escalade also impresses with its standard V8 engine, which offers enough thrust to make the large, rear-drive platform feel surprisingly lively on the road, though at the cost of rather poor fuel economy. For the efficiency-minded, an available turbodiesel helps take the sting out of refueling the big SUV. The Escalade doesn't come cheap, though. While there's a base model that starts under $80,000, it's easy to push the Escalade's sticker price over six figures once you add some of the many desirable options, such as all-wheel drive, Magnetic Ride Control, and Super Cruise (semi-autonomous driving). That's in the same league as high-class German heavyweights such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the BMW X7, as well as the just relaunched Jeep Grand Wagoneer. They are all worth a look if you're considering a top-shelf large SUV. Pros Cavernous interior packed with high-tech features. Bold styling. Powerful standard V8. Cons V8 engine gulps fuel. Key safety features not available on base model. Verdict With its assertive design, brawny engine, and spacious, high-end cabin, the Cadillac Escalade is the epitome of the American luxury SUV. And it's priced accordingly. Trims and Pricing The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is available in five trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Sport Platinum, and Premium Luxury Platinum. All are offered in standard- and extended-length body styles. All-wheel drive is a $3,000 upcharge on all Escalades, and the Duramax diesel engine is a no-cost option. The Premium Luxury is the most popular model, and it's our pick, too. We'll explain why. Luxury The base Luxury trim starts at $77,990, including a $1,695 destination fee. It comes with 22-inch wheels, a hands-free power liftgate, a 19-speaker audio system, a surround-view camera, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power-folding third-row seat. Cadillac added lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning to the Luxury trim this year. But it still doesn't include real leather upholstery. And some key features — such as a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Super Cruise — are not available. Premium Luxury The Premium Luxury is $86,590 and adds leather, a head-up display, ventilated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rear camera mirror, and a panoramic sunroof. Also included for 2022 are adaptive cruise control and forward and reverse automatic emergency braking. There's not much reason to go beyond the Premium Luxury trim, which can be optioned with virtually all of the top models' finery. Therefore, this is our recommended trim. Taking the a la carte approach to the options buffet doesn't necessarily garner much savings, however, as our Premium Luxury test vehicle still topped out at $108,810. Sport Differentiated mainly by its dark front grille and exterior trim bits, the Sport ($89,290) includes everything from the Premium Luxury trim plus some features from the top trims, such as Magnetic Ride Control and advanced trailering technology. Sport Platinum The Sport Platinum ($103,290) has the same dark exterior trim as the standard Sport, which includes everything from a distinctive grille to black exhaust tips. The Sport Platinum is loaded with high-end features, such as a 36-speaker audio system, upgraded leather seating, and a rear-seat entertainment system. It also includes an adaptive air-spring suspension, Magnetic Ride Control dampers, and soft-close doors. Premium Luxury Platinum In contrast to the Sport Platinum, the Premium Luxury Platinum (also $103,290) has metallic exterior trim along with an exclusive Platinum grille and 22-inch 10-spoke wheels. It otherwise mirrors the Sport Platinum's feature list. Read More 📌 Instagram ▶ 📌 Tiktok ▶ @cartvpress
