And by luxury, we mean a ton of technology… 55 inches of it.
The Cadillac Escalade, the preferred mode of transport for wealthy parents and rappers alike, is gearing up for a refresh in the 2024 model year. GM Authority reports the facelifted SUV will arrive with the full-width infotainment screen first seen in the Celestiq, the brand's ultra-exclusive $300,000 electric sedan.
Citing unnamed sources, the publication claims the revised Escalade will receive the 55-inch screen from the company's range-topper. In the Celestiq, the advanced HD display comprises two separate screens housed under a single pane of glass.
The driver's display previews vehicle information and has a claimed pixel density comparable to that of an 8K screen, says Cadillac. There's also a screen for the passenger side, allowing the front occupant to control the media functions, use the internet, and more. It's unclear whether the Escalade will borrow all the Celestiq's technology, but the expansive screen will certainly appeal to luxury buyers.
The current Escalade uses a still-impressive setup comprising three screens: a 7.2-inch touch control with driver information, a 14.2-inch cluster behind the wheel, and a 16.9-inch infotainment display. The curved OLED display is useful and attractive and doesn't overwhelm the cabin like other luxury vehicles.
It's safe to assume Cadillac will tailor the screen to the Escalade instead of lifting it directly from the Celestiq. After all, the Celestiq is the company's answer to Rolls-Royce and Bentley, and parts sharing will dilute the exclusivity and prestige of the company's halo vehicle.
However, a screen inspired by the Celestiq would give the Escalade a more premium feel inside. Aside from that, we can expect a revised fascia, restyled center console, and, perhaps, plusher materials.
The addition of a new screen is particularly important, as Cadillac plans to reveal the all-electric Escalade IQ. Expected to arrive later this year, the battery-powered brute will go up against technological tour de forces such as the Mercedes EQS SUV, the BMW iX, and the Tesla Model X.
All the aforementioned vehicles are suitably upmarket and boast impressive technology. The Mercedes, in particular, has an expansive screen that appeals to tech-loving consumers. Cadillac will have to compete with these brands in an unchartered territory (unless you count the smaller Lyriq), and having strong in-car tech is a good place to start.
It will be interesting to see if the Escalade borrows anything else from the Celestiq as, up till now, it has served as the range-topping model. All we know is that Cadillac's iconic SUV will be better than ever before.
Keyword: 2024 Cadillac Escalade Getting Celestiq-Level Luxury