The Cadillac Escalade has consistently been chosen by the rich, and in particular by rappers, as their everyday car. Most of the times they just put enormous wheels, darken the windows, and paint the car black, so it is with no surprise that the introduction of a new version is entitled to a lot of attention.
This luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) made by Cadillac features an entirely new design, both outside and inside, but it follows the same design language used in other vehicles from the North-American car manufacturer.
Like the previous models, the 2015 version will also be available with a regular version and the extended-length ESV edition. The ESV has a 355mm (14 inch) longer wheelbase and the overall length is increased by 508mm (20 inches). In addition to providing more space for passengers, the size of the trunk also increased by 60% over the standard model.
Inside, we see a very luxurious and quiet space. This is achieved thanks to the use of real wood, premium cut-and-sewn materials, sueded accents and ambient lighting. The silence is achieved through the use of a stronger new body structure, new and enhanced acoustic material, and Bose Active Noise Cancellation technology. The redesigned seats are also more comfortable.
Technologically, the new Escalade has also undergone some improvements. It features, for the first time, the CUE (Cadillac User Experience) system. It includes a 8-inch touch-screen with gesture recognition. It also has a 12.3-inch digital driver information center display as an instrument cluster and a full-color head-up display.
I usually do not comment on the appearance of a vehicle, is something subjective, and it depends on the beholder, but this new generation has undergone tremendous improvement. It has a new interpretation of Cadillac’s vertical light signature with LED lighting that incorporates the Total Internal Reflection LED high-beam function, which consists of four vertically stacked crystal lenses and LEDs.
Cadillac also added active air shutters that close at higher speeds to improve aerodynamics for greater efficiency. The hood and liftgate panels are made from aluminum to help reduce the weight of the SUV, which still weighs more than 2500kg (5512lbs).
It is available with two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 petrol engine that generates 426PS (313kW or 420bhp) and 623Nm (460lb/ft). This engine is mated to the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission. It also is available with 20, 21 and 22-inch wheels, and the third-generation magnetic ride control.
Production starts in January.
Production starts in January.
Source: Cadillac
