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Thanks: Global Motorsports Website: 2023 Cadillac Escalade From $82,690 The Highs Luxe interior, with lots of high-tech features, is the debut of the hot-rod V-series variant. Low Values Overpriced high-end models, gas-fired V-8 drivetrains, similarly priced rivals offer more badge envy. The Escalade is a massive modern American luxury vehicle. overview The Cadillac Escalade has long served as the brand's flagship, its massive size and aggressive look that echoes the outward, red-blooded American sense of luxury. Despite building on the same fundamentals as the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon, the Escalade makes a solid stand as a rival to other large luxury SUVs such as the Lincoln Navigator, Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Mercedes-Benz GLS-class. That's because the big Caddy has the brand's most cutting-edge technology and most luxurious features. Its cabin is covered with wood, leather, specially designed fabrics and satin-finished metals. A large, curved screen runs across the dash, serving as both an instrument cluster and an infotainment centre. Cadillac has a host of driver assistance features, including the excellent Super Cruise system, which combines adaptive cruise control and hands-free mode. Buyers can choose between the mighty petrol V-8 or the diesel-powered inline-six, and this year Cadillac is adding a wild, high-performance V-series model with mega-horsepower to its Escalade lineup. Time will tell if the new hi-po Escalade is a dancing elephant, but given the brilliant athleticism of Cadillac's latest Blackwing powered sedans, it gives us hope. What's New in 2023? This year marks the birth of the first V-series Escalade. The high-performance Escalade V will be powered by a 682-hp version of the supercharged V-8 engine borrowed from the 10Best award-winning CT5-V Blackwing sedan. It also has a menacing, blackened exterior. The V model comes standard with all-wheel drive and six-piston sport Brembo performance brakes with red painted calipers. The Escalade's air suspension has been retuned to improve handling on the V model. The Escalade V will go on sale in the summer of 2022 and will top the Cadillac lineup with a starting price of $149,990. Pricing and Which One to Buy? Luxury: $82,690 Premium Luxury: $91,490 Sports: $94,490 Premium Luxury Platinum: $108,990 Sports Platinum: $108,990 V-Class: $152,590 To equip the Escalade with its best features, go for Premium Luxury Platinum equipment. Semi-aniline leather adds 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, soft-closing doors and an AKG sound system with 36 speakers. It also comes standard with self-parking, a head-up display and adaptive cruise control. For performance fireworks, of course, there's a one-letter answer: V. Engine, Transmission and Performance Cadillac's largest SUV is powered by a standard V-8 engine that produces 420 horsepower and can disable half of its cylinders while cruising to save fuel; A diesel inline-six is also available. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard on both engines, and buyers can choose between rear- or all-wheel drive setups. Like its siblings, the current-generation Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon, the Escalade rides on an independent rear suspension that provides a third row of additional legroom that was compromised on the previous solid rear axle model. High-end trims also offer an air suspension with adaptive shock absorbers. On our test track, the V-8-powered long-wheelbase Escalade ESV accelerated to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds. The 277-hp diesel doesn't offer the nearly straight-line performance of the standard V-8, but for some buyers it's worth the compromised improved fuel economy and powerful 460 lb-ft of low-end torque. For Escalade fans who need speed, just the V will suffice. It's powered by a monstrous supercharged V-8 producing 682 horsepower, which proved enough power to get the big SUV up to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds on our test track. During our first test drive, we were impressed with the power and baritone noise of the V-8. Changes to the SUV's suspension provide better handling than the standard SUV, but the Escalade still doesn't feel as agile as rivals like the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 or BMW Alpina XB7. Read More
