2015 Cadillac Escalade
February 2014
Jim Prueter
Cadillac readily admits they already are having a problem with the completely redesigned Escalade. No, it isn’t the recalls that have recently plagued parent company General Motors. Rather, consumer demand has been so strong for the hulking SUV (which starts at $72,970 and runs past $97,940 for the high-end ESV Platinum model) that buyers are waiting up to two months to get one.
The Escalade comes in four trim levels: Standard, Luxury, Premium, and Platinum, with an optional extended wheelbase version (ESV) for each of these trim levels. I tested the base Luxury four-wheel drive with finely tailored, hand-sewn Nappa Semi-Aniline leather saddlery, beautiful wood trim finish, sophisticated electronics, power everything, and all the luxurious cabin amenities one would hope for in a luxury vehicle.
Up front, there’s ample storage room, including an extra large bin in the center console (with a cooler area to chill beverages), and a lockable compartment concealed behind the center touch-screen. The touch-screen controls many of the vehicle’s operational functions like the audio and climate control systems, which would benefit from redundant dials and buttons. I thought Cadillac’s voice recognition was excellent, but the touch-screen generally was slow to respond.
All Escalade models now come standard with OnStar 4G LTE connectivity plus a WiFi hotspot, a new 360-degree Surround Vision camera system, and hands-free power opening and closing tailgate.
Powerful Look and Feel
The new exterior design is boxier and more chiseled than the outgoing model, with sharper angles both front and rear. The bold grille is brushed rather than chrome. Signature vertical LED headlamps make an immediate impression, as do the tall, thin LED taillights.
Power comes from GM’s 6.2-liter, V-8 engine that generates 420 horsepower and 460 foot-pounds of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission is smooth with quick shifts, but 8-speed automatic transmissions are generally the standard in large luxury vehicles.
Fuel economy compares well with other full-size luxury SUVs, and unlike most competitors, the Escalade doesn’t require premium fuel. However, performance can suffer somewhat using regular unleaded fuel.
On the road, power from the large V-8 stays smooth, even when the gas-saving cylinder deactivation comes on and drops to four cylinders.
The new Escalade gets the third generation of GM’s outstanding Magnetic Ride Control suspension system, with sport and touring modes available with a button on the dash. These two modes change the suspension settings and give the driver and occupants a different ride and handling experience. The sport setting affords better handling, but comes with a firm ride, while the touring setting provides a softer, more comfortable ride.
Overall the new Escalade is large and prestigious with a domineering presence that’s likely to turn heads with its visual authority.
The Escalade comes in four trim levels: Standard, Luxury, Premium, and Platinum, with an optional extended wheelbase version (ESV) for each of these trim levels. I tested the base Luxury four-wheel drive with finely tailored, hand-sewn Nappa Semi-Aniline leather saddlery, beautiful wood trim finish, sophisticated electronics, power everything, and all the luxurious cabin amenities one would hope for in a luxury vehicle.
Up front, there’s ample storage room, including an extra large bin in the center console (with a cooler area to chill beverages), and a lockable compartment concealed behind the center touch-screen. The touch-screen controls many of the vehicle’s operational functions like the audio and climate control systems, which would benefit from redundant dials and buttons. I thought Cadillac’s voice recognition was excellent, but the touch-screen generally was slow to respond.
All Escalade models now come standard with OnStar 4G LTE connectivity plus a WiFi hotspot, a new 360-degree Surround Vision camera system, and hands-free power opening and closing tailgate.
Powerful Look and Feel
The new exterior design is boxier and more chiseled than the outgoing model, with sharper angles both front and rear. The bold grille is brushed rather than chrome. Signature vertical LED headlamps make an immediate impression, as do the tall, thin LED taillights.
Power comes from GM’s 6.2-liter, V-8 engine that generates 420 horsepower and 460 foot-pounds of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission is smooth with quick shifts, but 8-speed automatic transmissions are generally the standard in large luxury vehicles.
Fuel economy compares well with other full-size luxury SUVs, and unlike most competitors, the Escalade doesn’t require premium fuel. However, performance can suffer somewhat using regular unleaded fuel.
On the road, power from the large V-8 stays smooth, even when the gas-saving cylinder deactivation comes on and drops to four cylinders.
The new Escalade gets the third generation of GM’s outstanding Magnetic Ride Control suspension system, with sport and touring modes available with a button on the dash. These two modes change the suspension settings and give the driver and occupants a different ride and handling experience. The sport setting affords better handling, but comes with a firm ride, while the touring setting provides a softer, more comfortable ride.
Overall the new Escalade is large and prestigious with a domineering presence that’s likely to turn heads with its visual authority.
JIM PRUETER, an automotive writer based in Phoenix, has provided reviews and advice about cars for more than 20 years.
Details
Fuel Economy
- 14 MPG City
- 21 MPG Highway
The Good
- New, bold styling
- Magnetic Ride Control
- Seating for up to eight
The Bad
- Slow, fussy touch-screen operating controls
- Dismal fuel economy
- Small cargo area behind rear seats
Vehicle Type:
SUV
Base Price:
$72,790
As Tested:
$78,295