Review: 2021 Cadillac Escalade

The first generation Cadillac Escalade was first introduced for the 1999 model year to compete in the newly created and quickly growing full-size luxury-type SUV truck segment. Because it was built so quickly after the original blueprint design, the Escalade was only available in only one base trim and drive train (4x4) configuration, but it did offer a generous amount of standard equipment, so there wasn't a need for extra options.

Escalade has always made a bold statement that says you've arrived. We have updated that statement for a new era, adding layers of sophistication. The goal was to create a new Escalade that is unmistakable at a glance, and then rewards you with greater details on the second or even third read.

Therese Pinazzo, Exterior Design Manager

First Ever Trim

Today's fifth generation Escalade made its show debut in early 2020 and became available later in the year. It offers a few more trim levels than the original first generation Escalade. You can choose from Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum, and Sport Platinum. A plethora of interior choices consist of eight trim options and for the first-ever Gideon Whisper Beige trim combination. This high-performance, high-fashion interior is designed on a custom-woven fabric that adds a new level of style and ambience to the Escalade's cabin.

Industry-First AKG Audio Technology

The audio system gets an industry-first upgrade with the AKG audio technology system. This audio system is known around the world by leading musicians who use their microphones and headphones for their recording studios and live venues. This system that has been exclusively designed for Cadillac includes 36 speakers powered by three amplifiers that deliver 28 channels of sound that heightens the listening experience for all passengers no matter their location.

Industry-First Display Technology

The Escalade will offer as an industry-first curved dash display. The OLED system is a curved display that will offer 38 inches of total diagonal display area with twice the pixel density of a 4K television. There will be three screens providing bold imagery, perfect blacks, and the largest color range of any dashboard display in production today.

• 7.2-inch-diagonal touch control panel driver information center to the driver's left
• 14.2-inch-diagonal cluster display behind the steering wheel
• 16.9-inch-diagonal Infotainment screen to the driver's right.

This technology will also eliminate the need for the 'hood' that covers most in-vehicle screens from outside glare, thereby creating a brighter and less cluttered environment. The OLED is paper-thin, and its curvature positions the displays for optimal visibility.

Upgraded Platform

The vehicle platform has been upgraded as well to the GMT1XX platform that was released for the 2019 production year Silverado. Because of its strength it will allow the bodies to utilize high strength aluminum in the bodies to lower the weights center of gravity which produces better handling vehicles. It will share the platform with not only the GMC Silverado, but the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL.

New Engines

There will be two new engine types offered for the Escalade. One will be the 3.0L Turbo Duramax, and then the one I had for my test model was the fully aspirated 6.2L V8 that produces 420 horsepower. It has valve timing and Dynamic Fuel Management technologies to balance driving performance with traveling efficiency. Both engines will use a 10-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift control. With the torque both new engines will produce (460 lb-ft) and the upgrade to the GMT1 truck platform, towing weekend adventure toys will be no problem. All Escalades will come standard with a trailering package, but there is also available a Trailering Integration Package that makes the process even more convenient.

The Escalade was already recognized in the top percent of luxury vehicles, but with all the first-in-class additions and technology upgrades, it not only meets current customer's desires and expectations, but possibly sets the pace in the competitive full-size luxury SUV segment. This new Escalade is currently available on dealer lots. The MSRP for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade starts at $76,195 for the Luxury trim. The vehicle pictured is the top-of-the-line Premium Luxury at $99,995.

About Cadillac

The Cadillac Motor Car Division is a division of General Motors Company (GM) that designs and builds luxury vehicles. Cadillac's bold and innovative range of luxury vehicles appeal to those who dare to drive the world forward.