The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size, three-row SUV that provides high-end comfort in the cabin and immense power under the hood. But while the standard Escalade models are hugely satisfying to drive, Cadillac has a new variant up its sleeve that’s set to make a splash in the high-end SUV market. The 2023 Cadillac Escalade V-Series has just been announced, and here’s why the model is already attracting a huge amount of attention.
Cadillac models with a ‘V’ added to their name form an ever-growing selection of high-performance cars that take the base models to new levels. The V label has so far been applied mainly to the sports sedan and cabriolet models in the Cadillac lineup, offering highly tuned engines and other enhancements to vastly improve performance. With the Escalade V-Series, the company has applied the formula to its flagship luxury SUV, and the results are spectacular.
It takes only a single glance to see that the Escalade V-Series is a high-status vehicle that’s made for the most demanding drivers. The outline follows a classic, upright SUV shape, with an imposing front grille, outsize 22″ wheels, and a quad exhaust outlet combining to give a genuinely commanding road presence.
But the Escalade V’s power is much more than skin deep. Each model is supplied with a hand-built 6.2L supercharged V8 engine, cranking out an extreme 682 horsepower and 653lb-ft of torque. This level of output is more commonly seen on the race track than the suburban driveway, but the Escalade V handles it beautifully, with a smooth ride and searing acceleration of 0-100km/h in just 4.4 seconds.
The powertrain is completed by a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, with full-time all-wheel drive as standard. However, that’s not the end of the engineering story. This Escalade also features a high-performance V-Mode, which gives the driver complete control over suspension settings, brake pedal feel, steering sensitivity, and even the volume of engine noise passed through the exhaust. Whether you want your drive smooth and silky or edgy and exhilarating, with the V-Mode the Escalade is more than happy to deliver.
With all the power available under the hood, it’s reassuring that Cadillac has chosen to fit high-performance Brembo brakes in the Escalade V, providing stopping power to match the acceleration. And lastly, for the mechanical aspects, adaptive air suspension provides a smooth and refined ride in all driving scenarios, from low-speed turning to tear down the highway.
The Escalade V’s interior is based on the Platinum trim of the regular Escalade model and offers the high level of luxury you’d expect from a flagship Cadillac. All three rows of seating are kitted out in aniline leather, with the front row also including heating, ventilation, and a power massage feature. Zebrawood accents add an extra dimension of an upscale feel, while the leather-clad steering wheel also has a heating function to complete the high-end experience.
The Escalade V’s interior is dominated by a curved OLED digital instrument cluster that spans fully 38″ across the diagonal. Cadillac says that this primary display has twice the definition of a 4K TV, ensuring crystal clear conveyance of essential driving information. Infotainment is accessed through a 16.9″ display in the centre of the dash, with standard features including advanced navigation and wireless smartphone integration through the latest versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Equally impressive is the standard audio system, built by AKG and creating reference-quality 3D sound throughout the cabin. The system’s 36 speakers are strategically placed to deliver a fully immersive experience, whether you’re listening to orchestral concerts or the latest urban beats. A rear-seat entertainment system adds to the media options, while the head-up display and high-definition rearview camera round out the in-cabin feature list.
The high level of tech continues with the suite of active safety systems supplied as standard. Key highlights include:
1) Lane departure warnings with active lane keep assist.
2)Front and rear pedestrian alerts.
3) Automatic emergency braking.
4) Blind zone monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts.
5)Front and rear parking sensors with enhanced automatic parking assist.
6) Adaptive cruise control.
What’s more, the GM Super Cruise system will also be made available on the Escalade V, adding semi-autonomous driving abilities on compatible highway routes, with the system optionally handling automatic lane changing, lane centring, vehicle distancing, and much more.
The Escalade V will arrive in Canada’s dealerships in the summer of 2022 and looks set to revolutionize the high-end SUV market like no other model. Book a test drive now, and be the first in line to experience its huge power and luxurious comfort as soon as it hits the streets.
You might also be interested in these blogs: 2023 Cadillac XT5 | City Cadillac in Toronto | INTRODUCING THE 2020 CADILLAC CT5 | City Cadillac in Toronto | Comparing the 2023 Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator | City Cadillac in Toronto
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