Totally redesigned for the 2015 model year, Cadillac's flagship SUV continues to offer rugged opulence and unmatched stage presence. As much as any competitor, it’s a full-size SUV for folks who will be satisfied with nothing less. If recent demand is any indication, that’s exactly what plenty of buyers want. Despite the abundant dimensions of the regular Escalade, large families might prefer the extended-length Escalade ESV.
Two new technology options mark the 2017 season. The available rear camera mirror uses a camera mounted at the rear of the vehicle, promising a field of vision four times as great as a regular rearview mirror. It also removes obstructions from your view, including passenger heads and rear pillars. A newly optional automated parking system uses ultrasonic sensors to locate a suitable parking spot, and then maneuvers the car into either a parallel and perpendicular space. The available 22-inch aluminum wheels have a new design. Trim levels have been renamed to Escalade, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Platinum.
All Escalades contain a 420-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 that produces 460 pound-feet of torque, matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-drive is standard, but most buyers opt for four-wheel drive. The Magnetic Ride Control system features Sport and Comfort modes. Fuel economy is estimated 15 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway. With four-wheel drive, the highway estimate drops to 20 mpg. Both versions are rated at 17 mpg in combined driving. A 4WD Escalade can reach 60 mph in a hair under 6 seconds.
An enormous load of standard equipment leaves no doubt about the Escalade's luxury mission. Interiors offer seating for eight (or seven with no-cost second-row captain's chairs). Cabins are as indulgent as anyone would expect in a Cadillac of this repute. The third row folds completely into the floor at the touch of button. The CUE infotainment incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cargo volume behind the third row is 15.2 cubic feet, growing to 94.2 cubic feet with second and third rows folded.
Trim levels differ primarily in safety technology:
Starting at $74,390, the “basic” Escalade lacks practically nothing in terms of luxury and convenience, except for a sunroof. Every example gets navigation, chrome wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, keyless access and ignition, tri-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, Bose surround-sound, and a surround-view camera system.
Tacks on a batch of safety features such as an upgraded anti-theft system, automatic high beams, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, forward collision alert, and lane change alert. The driver seat vibrates to alert you to potential hazards. You also get power-folding second-row seats and a sunroof.
Adds even more in the way of safety: adaptive cruise control, cornering lamps, and collision mitigation (front and rear) with automatic braking. A rear entertainment system with dual screens is also standard.
Topping the line at $93,190, the Platinum Escalade gets unique 22-inch wheels, an extended Nappa leather interior with semi-aniline seating surfaces, two kinds of wood trim, and a third screen for the rear entertainment system. The center console holds a refrigerated compartment.
Luxury is baked into every Escalade, so you won't feel deprived in the least by selecting the “entry-level” model -- unless you absolutely must have a sunroof. Whether to upgrade depends mainly on your comfort level with piloting a vehicle of this size. The additional safety features are quite reassuring, especially in urban traffic.
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