If one model defines a brand, you’d be
hard pressed to find a more fitting example than Cadillac and the Escalade.
Introduced over 20 years ago, the Escalade went from a rebadged GMC Yukon
Denali to an American status symbol embraced by everyone from rappers to
business executives. However, the SUV has lost some of its luster as other
luxury brands have slowly entered the segment.
Cadillac is now fighting back with an
all-new Escalade that is far more luxurious and differentiated than its
predecessor. That being said, the redesigned model also benefits from the
improvements made to the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.
The Escalade is known for its somewhat
brash appearance, but the fifth-generation model tones things down as it
features an all-new design that follows in the footsteps of the XT6. As a
result, the SUV has an upright grille which is flanked by horizontal
headlights. The latter are joined by vertical LED daytime running lights which
are a hallmark of the brand. The sides resemble the Escalade’s corporate
cousins, but the model comes standard with 22-inch alloy wheels. Bigger changes
occur out at the back as there are vertical taillights with “deep
three-dimensional layers and finishes with detailed etching.”
While the Escalade used to define bling,
the 2021 model will be offered in a Sport trim for the first time. It replaces
the bright Galvano accents used on the Luxury and Premium Luxury models with
black trim and a black mesh grille. Customers can also opt for a range-topping
Platinum variant that has “unique interior and exterior details.”
Stepping inside the cabin, drivers sit
behind a leather-wrapped steering wheel and find themselves looking at a 38+
inch curved OLED display which has twice the pixel density of a 4K television.
While Cadillac likes to taut the size of the display, it’s actually broken up
into multiple sections. Key among them are a 14.2-inch digital instrument
cluster, a 16.9-inch infotainment system and a 7.2-inch driver information
center which resides left of the steering wheel.
The high-tech features don’t end there as
the Escalade has a newly available augmented reality navigation system. It
displays a live video feed in the instrument cluster and embeds directional
information on top of it. The system also incorporates an audio function which
will tells drivers to “turn left” only through the left speakers.
Other tech options include Cadillac’s
familiar Rear Camera Mirror and a Night Vision system which uses infrared
technology to enhance visibility as well as detect pedestrians and large
animals. Customers can also opt for a Trailering Integration Package which
includes a trailer brake controller, extended side blind zone alert and access
to up to nine camera views. Speaking of cameras, the Escalade comes standard
with a Surround Vision system that uses four cameras to provide a bird’s eye
view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
Getting back to interior options,
customers can order a rear-seat entertainment system which features a pair of
12.6-inch touchscreen displays. They’re pretty high-tech as they can be used to
play games, music and videos through HDMI and USB inputs as well as mirror
Android smartphones. For chauffeur duties, the screens can be used to “suggest”
destinations to driver, which they can either accept or decline.
Putting aside the technology for a bit,
the cabin is awash with premium leather, wood trim and metallic accents. Among
the highlights are ambient lighting, door panel piping and stainless-steel
speaker grilles. Customers will have “no less than eight color and trim
choices” including an all-new Gideon Whisper Beige option which boasts
“custom-woven fabric that adds a new level of style and ambience.” The Escalade
also comes with new audio systems by AKG. The base system features 19 speakers
and a subwoofer, while the optional AKG Studio Reference system has 36 speakers
and three amplifiers.
The latter system also has a few tricks of
its own including a Conversation Enhancement function which uses microphones
and speakers to improve conversations between people in the front and rear
seats. Another interesting addition is a dedicated volume controller for the
front passenger. Thanks to the all-new platform and independent rear
suspension, the Escalade is far more spacious than its predecessor. In the
standard model, third-row legroom climbs 40% to 886 mm and this
creates “one of the roomiest third rows in the segment.” Cargo space behind the
third-row seat also jumps 68% to 722 liters, while overall
capacity climbs to 3,089 liters. Those needing additional space can get the
Escalade ESV which is 404 mm longer than the standard model. It boasts 933 mm of third-row
legroom and an overall cargo capacity of 3,585 liters.
Cadillac’s
semi-autonomous driving system will be available on the Escalade. It allows for
“hands-free driving” on more than 200,000 miles (321,869 km) of highways in
Canada and the United States. This is possible thanks to “LiDAR map data,
high-precision GPS, a state-of-the-art driver attention system and a network of
cameras and radar sensors.” While Super Cruise isn’t new, Cadillac recently
announced an update which allows for automated lane changes. When the system is
activated, drivers simply need to use the turn signal and the SUV will
automatically change into the desired lane when an appropriate opening has been
found.
As expected, the Escalade has a 6.2-liter
V8 engine that produces 420 hp and 623 Nm)of
torque. While it’s not the twin-turbo 4.2-liter Blackwing V8 that fans were
hoping for, the engine does have variable valve timing, stop/start technology
and a cylinder deactivation system. Cadillac says these features enable the
engine to balance performance with efficiency. The big powertrain news for 2021
is a newly available 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine. The six-cylinder unit is
connected to a ten-speed automatic transmission and produces 277 hp and 623 Nm of torque. Speaking of performance, drivers can
expect “dramatically” enhanced ride quality, control and steering
responsiveness thanks to the aforementioned independent rear suspension. The
model also has Magnetic Ride Control which continually adjusts the shocks to
deliver a comfortable ride.
New for 2021 is an available Air Ride
Adaptive Suspension which allows for automatic load-leveling and automatic ride
height adjustments. Speaking of the latter, the system will automatically
reduce the ride height at highway speeds to improve aerodynamics. It can also be set to lower the ride height
by 51 mm to improve entry and egress. Lastly, drivers can raise the
suspension to provide additional ground clearance when off-roading. On the
topic of off-road adventures, the Escalade can be outfitted with an optional
electronic limited-slip differential. It delivers torque to the rear wheel with
the most traction and this helps to aid in rough terrain and inclement weather.
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade will be
launched in the third quarter and pricing will be announced in the coming
months.