It’s more than just cramming a massive V8 under the hood
This is the first SUV in Cadillac's lineup to wear the high-performance V badge. PHOTO FROM CADILLAC
We already knew that Cadillac would be delivering a high-performance version of its popular Escalade full-size SUV a few months ago. We were given a quick peek at what appeared to be a slightly more aggressive variant of the luxury barge, but details were few and far between at the time.
Now, the premium automaker has fully taken the wraps off the Escalade-V, and it’s just as bonkers as you think it is.
GM should stick this engine in a Silverado to have a Raptor and TRX fighter. PHOTO FROM CADILLAC
We’ll hop right into the performance figures. It’s powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8. You might think this is a tuned version of the standard Escalade’s 6.2-liter V8, but this has more in common with the CT5-V Blackwing’s LT4 V8. Except this time, there’s a massive 2.65-liter supercharger bolted on to produce a mighty power output of 682hp and 885Nm.
A 10-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels (which can be split depending on conditions), but some torque will always be sent to the front wheels. Cadillac claims that the car can hit 0-60mph (or 96km/h) in under 4.4 seconds.
The stopping power here is more than warranted. PHOTO FROM CADILLAC
In the handling department, it has GM’s Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, which has the dampers and the air suspension tuned specifically for the Escalade-V, with stiffened rear air springs and an electronic limited-slip differential. It rides on 22-inch aluminum wheels, where you can see the big Brembo front brakes with six-piston calipers, which is kind of needed with this vehicle’s girth.
The suspension, steering and brake-pedal feel; the engine sound and performance; and the AWD system can be configured via the “V-Mode” menu. Depending on the drive mode you’re in, the ride height can be lowered by about 20mm, and launch control can be found within this menu as well.
All things considered, it looks tame for a performance trim. PHOTO FROM CADILLAC
The exterior has been given sportier touches (obviously) with more aggressive front and rear fascias, a massive mesh grille, blacked-out brightwork, and a faux rear diffuser with a quad exhaust peeking out. It’ll be pretty obvious to tell this apart from a regular Escalade if a hot-red one pulls up next to you.
Expect nothing but the peak of American luxury in this cabin. PHOTO FROM CADILLAC
The inside is your usual Cadillac luxury affair—black or dark Auburn semi-aniline leather upholstery with Zebra Wood accents, heated and ventilated massaging front-row seats, an enormous curved OLED display that totals up to 38 inches of screen real estate on the dashboard, and an AKG Studio reference 36-speaker sound system. GM’s excellent Super Cruise driver-assistance tech is optional, but it will be available later on because of the ongoing chip shortage.
All of this starts at $149,990 (P7,800,000), and customers see this super-SUV hit US dealerships later this summer.
Keyword: The Cadillac Escalade-V is a full-size performance SUV with 682hp