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Thanks: 2024 Cadillac Escalade Starting at $ Highs: Imposing appearance, sublime chassis tuning, SuperCruise hands-free driving. Lows: Some downmarket borrowed interior bits, powerful thirst for unleaded, Chevy and GMC siblings do nearly as much for less. Verdict: The most prestigious Caddy is also the most accomplished full-size luxury SUV. Overview In the more than two decades since its controversial debut, the Escalade has evolved from a tarted-up GMC Yukon to Cadillac's most recognizable nameplate. The current-generation Escalade enters its third model year, and although it's still related to the Yukon and the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban it undeniably has the luxury chops to take on high-dollar competitors such as the Lincoln Navigator, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and the Lexus LX600—in fact, it vanquished those three rivals in a comparison test last year. Credit the Escalade's plush ride and secure handling; its powerful V-8 (a torque-rich turbo-diesel inline-six is also available); and a high-tech interior that features a curved OLED digital display. As before, the Escalade is offered in a standard-length body style or in the longer ESV configuration that has significantly more cargo space behind the third-row seat. And last year, a potent new V-series model joined the lineup as the high-performance flagship, its supercharged V-8 churning out 682 horsepower. What's New for 2024? The Escalade steams into 2024 with no major changes. And no minor changes, either. Presumably, Cadillac is concentrating its efforts on the already announced electric version, the Escalade iQ, which is slated to arrive sometime this year. Pricing and Which One to Buy Luxury: $83,890 Premium Luxury: $95,190 Sport: $98,190 Premium Luxury Platinum: $112,690 Sport Platinum: $112,690 V-Series: $154,290 Engine, Transmission, and Performance Cadillac's biggest SUV is powered by a standard V-8 engine that makes 420 horsepower and can deactivate half of its cylinders when cruising to save fuel; a diesel inline-six is also available. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard with both engines, and buyers can choose from rear- or all-wheel-drive setups. As with its siblings, the current-generation Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon, the Escalade rides on an independent rear suspension that provides additional third-row legroom, which was compromised in the previous model due to it solid rear axle. Higher-end trims also offer air springs with adaptive dampers. At our test track, the long-wheelbase Escalade ESV with the V-8 engine sprinted to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. The 277-hp diesel engine doesn’t deliver nearly the straight-line performance of the standard V-8, but for some buyers that compromise is worth the improved fuel economy and punchy 460 lb-ft of low-end torque. For those Escalade fans with a need for speed, only the V will do. It’s powered by a beastly supercharged V-8 making 682 horsepower, which proved to be enough power to blast the humongous SUV to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds at our test track. We were also impressed with the V-8's power and its baritone burble. The modifications to the SUV's suspension make it handle better than the standard SUV, but the Escalade-V still doesn't feel as nimble as rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 or the BMW Alpina XB7. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo As the flagship of the Cadillac lineup, the Escalade ups the ante on in-cabin luxury. Faux leather is used in the base Luxury trim, but all other trims receive the real deal, with Platinum models getting extra-soft semi-aniline hides. Leather-covered dash and door panels, aluminum speaker grilles, and adjustable interior ambient lighting provide an upscale appearance, although some switchgear is shared with lesser GM models. Both a standard and long-wheelbase ESV model are offered, the latter of which yields more legroom for third-row riders and additional cargo space. Read More 📌 Instagram ▶ 📌 Tiktok ▶ @cartvpress
