Going Where Cadillac Has Never Gone Before

2023 cadillac escalade v

Sport utility vehicles continue to gain in their popularity primarily because of their practicality and sensibility. But every once in a while, an SUV comes along that’s not really all that sensible at all, but a whole lot of fun. So, let’s see what happens when Cadillac puts the V in Escalade.

2023 cadillac escalade v
Seeing a V badge on a Cadillac has meant various levels of high performance over the years. But, no doubt Caddy went above and beyond with the CT5-V Blackwing; a Drivers’ Choice winner for us, and a car that will easily go down as one of the most incredible American sport sedans ever. How did Cadillac decide to follow that up? With their first ever V-Series SUV, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V.

Getting right to the heart of the matter, under this ferocious beast’s tall hood lies a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, similar to the one found in the CT5-V Blackwing; only it gets an even bigger supercharger, and outputs an incredible 682-horsepower and 653 lb-ft. of torque. That’s 14 more horsepower than in the CT5, and a whopping 262 more than you could previously get in an Escalade.

You’ll get clued in that this is something special right at startup. It comes to life with an obnoxious roar, before settling down to a gentle rumble. The Escalade’s 10-speed traditional automatic is recalibrated to properly manage the additional power, and Cadillac’s full-time active all-wheel-drive system is in place to transfer all to the pavement.

On the well-prepped pavement of our Mason Dixon test track, this Escalade was everything we’d hoped it would be. Initiate launch control, and the V explodes off the line with a tsunami of torque, hitting 60 in 4.4-seconds. Gear changes in the automatic trans hit harder than a few dual-clutch units we’ve tested. It will rev to 6,200 RPM, but since torque plateaus at 4,400 there’s no real reason to run it up that high; and the Escalade-V seems to know this, short-shifting at around 5,500 throughout the 12.7-second ¼-mile at 111 miles-per-hour. The sound? Pure automotive bliss!

2023 cadillac escalade v
Cadillac will build you an Escalade-V in either the standard or extended wheelbase ESV; our standard-length tester weighs in at 6,200-lbs. And, while not quite a one-trick-pony, acceleration is clearly the star of this rig’s show. Both magnetic ride control and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension are standard with upgraded programming. But, the actual suspension hardware is upgraded too. Plus, customizable performance settings are available at the touch of the console-mounted V-button.

Excellent steering feel, and GM seems to have dialed back the eagerness of this platform’s stability control system; all without having to pay a harsh ride penalty. There are new 6-piston Brembo calipers on the front wheels, and it only took 107-feet to stop us from 60.

We think Cadillac did a great job making this V looking unique with upgraded front and rear fascias, 22-inch rims, quad exhaust tips, and of course multiple V-logos outside and in; without being too over the top. It’s not quite a sleeper, but pretty close. Sitting at the top of the Escalade’s heap means Platinum trim is the starting point, with Zebra wood trim, 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio, and leather seating for all 3-rows. As in all Escalades, a 38-inch curved display sits atop the dash, segmented into sections for the gauges, infotainment, and a small control panel.

There are acres of space for each of the 3-rows of passengers. However, this is still a body-on-frame truck. So, there’s not quite the user-friendliness buyers have gotten used to in crossovers. But of course, no unibody can haul as much cargo, with 25.5 cubic-ft. of space behind the 3rd row, 72.9 behind the 2nd, and a max of 121; while matching the Escalade-V’s 7,000-lbs. tow rating.

2023 cadillac escalade v
Everything inside looks great, and all of the tech is certainly up to date; but the Escalade still doesn’t have that upper-class feel that you get in many European performance utilities. Still, as for the actual driving, daily comfort, and the great V8 sounds this thing puts out, nothing from across the pond comes close.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings for our standard-length V are 11-City, 16-Highway, and 13-Combined. As awesome as the Escalade-V is, it’s hard not to be a little disconnected when you see the price, $150,990 to start; $153,990 for the Suburban-sized ESV.

Would we spend that much for a GM truck-based utility vehicle, even one as amazingly monstrous as this 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V? Good question. Probably not. But, it might just be the future collectible of the year! So, we wouldn’t blame anyone for grabbing one, and might even ask to borrow the keys every once in a while.

Vital Statistics

Engine: 6.2L Supercharged V8

Horsepower: 682

Torque: 653 lb-ft

0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds

1/4 Mile: 12.7 seconds at 111 mph

60-0 Braking: 107 feet (avg)

EPA: 11 City / 16 Highway / 13 Combined

Keyword: 2023 Cadillac Escalade V

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Cadillac Eldorado History 1996

Cadillac Eldorado Models & History 1996 The 1996 Eldorado, Cadillac’s personal luxury coupe, shared many features with the Seville. Its closest competitor is the Lincoln Mark VIII, but the Lexus SC 300 and SC 400 fight Eldo for sales, too. The Eldorado Touring Coupe (ETC) offers an even more ...

View more: Cadillac Eldorado History 1996

General Motors Set to Produce F1 Power Units for Cadillac Andretti in 2028

General Motors (GM) has taken the world of Formula 1 by surprise, announcing that it will be producing F1 power units from the 2028 season, potentially for the Andretti Cadillac team if they secure a deal with the FIA and F1 management. GM says that it has already begun the ...

View more: General Motors Set to Produce F1 Power Units for Cadillac Andretti in 2028

General Motors registers as F1 power unit manufacturer in 2028

General Motors will plan to enter Formula 1 as the latest power unit manufacturer in 2028 after having its interest registered with the FIA. The engine, which would be branded as a Cadillac, would be used by the prospective Andretti entry, which was finally accepted by the FIA at ...

View more: General Motors registers as F1 power unit manufacturer in 2028

Verdict: Does Cadillac engine make Andretti F1 snub impossible?

The latest twist in Andretti’s bid to join the Formula 1 grid in the face of continuing resistance is a works engine deal with General Motors’ Cadillac brand. The FIA has already given Andretti’s bid the green light, but F1 is yet to. How much should this news change things ...

View more: Verdict: Does Cadillac engine make Andretti F1 snub impossible?

Cadillac Will Build Engines For Andretti In Formula 1

Cadillac confirmed Tuesday it has registered with the FIA to be an official Formula 1 power unit manufacturer starting in the 2028 season.

View more: Cadillac Will Build Engines For Andretti In Formula 1

Cadillac Will Build A Formula 1 Power Unit For Andretti If It Makes It To The Grid

Image: General Motors General Motors has announced that it will be developing and building a Formula 1 power unit for the potential Andretti Cadillac entry. The automaker has formally registered this status with the FIA, F1’s governing body. Several F1 team bosses had previously stated that GM’s participation would ...

View more: Cadillac Will Build A Formula 1 Power Unit For Andretti If It Makes It To The Grid

Cadillac Cimarron 1987

Cadillac Cimarron Moels & History 1987 The 2.8-liter V-6 and MG 582 five-speed manual transmission were standard on the 1987 Cimarron. Design revisions raised the engine’s compression ratio to 8.9:1 from 8.5:1. Driving characteristics were enhanced through changes in the Cimarron’s front suspension bushings and stabilizer bar. Lower engine ...

View more: Cadillac Cimarron 1987

Eldorado Cadillac History 1964

Eldorado Cadillac Models & History  1964 Theoff-again/on-again rear fender skirts were gone again for 1964. Otherwise, this year’s Fleetwood Eldorado convertible looked very much like the ’63 Biarritz. Price went up by a paltry $22, but performance went up in a big way as both bore and stroke were increased ...

View more: Eldorado Cadillac History 1964

GM’s Cadillac and Buick are first to gain access to Tesla’s EV charging network in China

Honda CRX Si, Toyota Cresta, Cadillac CTS-V: The Dopest Cars I Found For Sale Online

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible

1966 Cadillac

Are these the 23 ugliest cars ever made?

Deville Cadillac History 1986

John Hennessey Owns A Cadillac CTS-V Wagon And Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4

Lynn fastest during final practice in Bahrain

Spoil A Loved One By Buying A $975K Cadillac Celestiq As A Christmas Present

Treat Yourself This Christmas With A $975,000 Cadillac Celestiq From Neiman Marcus

1940 Cadillac Series 40-90 Model 9029 Five-Passenger Convertible Sedan

1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel