In the old days nothing said big money like a
Cadillac. Well, those days are back by the truckload. A
Cadillac Escalade can often be seen around big money. Indeed, from its intimidating size to its sharp, chiseled styling to its massive grille, it makes a strong statement. And it backs that statement up with the
Cadillac traditions of big horsepower and the very latest GM technology.
The Escalade nameplate includes three dramatically different though distinctly similar models: The standard Escalade is a full-size sport utility, the same size as the Chevrolet Tahoe. The Escalade ESV is a Suburban-sized model. The Escalade EXT is Cadillac's interpretation of the Chevrolet Avalanche, a brilliantly executed sport utility truck that quickly converts from a pickup truck with an eight-foot bed to a five-passenger luxury vehicle. All three feature a high-performance 6.0-liter V8 and all-wheel drive.
Built on GM's superb full-size truck platform, the Escalade, ESV, and EXT are fine trucks and make excellent tow cars. At the same time, they're roomy, luxuriously appointed cars that can haul family or friends or business associates in comfort. The 6.0-liter V8 supplies serious power for quick acceleration when needed along with strong torque for towing. On the road, all three Escalades are smooth and stable, nicer in ride than a Tahoe or Suburban but taut and well-controlled by full-size SUV standards for surprisingly good handling.
For 2005, Escalade features even richer interior appointments and a redesigned satellite-navigation option; while new dual electric cooling fans and an upgraded (to 160 amps) alternator promise better air-conditioner performance.
The standard Escalade is available with two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The high-output 6.0-liter V8 engine comes standard on all-wheel drive Escalade models ($55,535), and is becoming the standard powerplant for all Escalade models, including 2WD. However, early 2005 Escalade 2WD models can be found with the 5.3-liter V8 ($52,635).
Escalade ESV ($57,935) and Escalade EXT ($52,815) come standard with the 6.0-liter V8 and all-wheel drive. Though the Escalade, ESV, and EXT differ in appearance and packaging, they share interiors and are mechanically the same.
Cadillac is usually the first to get GM's cutting-edge technology and all the Escalade models come loaded with the latest: StabiliTrak electronic stability control, computer-controlled road-sensing suspension (RSS), and Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (a warning beeper).
The list of standard equipment is as long as the Escalade itself: Nuance leather seats with burl walnut interior trim; power heated 14-way adjustable front seats; Bose Acoustimass audio system with six-disc CD changer; XM Satellite Radio; rear seat audio controls with earphones; removable lightweight third-row seats; Heavy Duty Trailering Package. Also standard is the OnStar communications system with Personal Calling, which allows drivers to make hands-free, voice-activated personal calls; and Virtual Advisor, which provides headlines, scores, weather, and personalized stock quotes. For 2005, OnStar's latest (Gen 6) technology enhances hands-free capabilities.
The list of options is short and includes a rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($1295), touch-screen navigation integrated into the audio system ($1995), and a power glass sunroof ($1550).
Though they differ in body style, the
Cadillac Escalade, ESV, and EXT share drivetrains, chassis architecture and styling cues. All are built on GM's full-size truck platform and share much in common with their counterparts from
Chevrolet and
GMC.
These are big cars. Stretching 221.4 inches, the EXT and ESV are 2 inches longer than a Suburban, placing them among the longest cars on the road. Likewise, the Escalade is 2 inches longer than the Tahoe, the former measuring 198.9. In terms of length, a Lincoln Navigator falls between Escalade and ESV (measuring 207.5 inches).
If their size gives them presence, their bold styling pushes the Escalades over the top. When it debuted in 2002, the Escalade was the first production vehicle to embody Cadillac's progressive new styling, with sharp, chiseled, vertical lines, and a grille inspired by the Evoq concept car. It was the first new vehicle to reflect Cadillac's "art and science" philosophy, aimed at blending forward-thinking technology with expressive design. Now, Cadillac has a full stable of edgy new designs, including the CTS, STS, and XLR, exciting cars that represent nothing less than a renaissance at Cadillac.
Escalade's front end is massive and looks it, with a big satin-nickel plastic grille and vertical halogen headlight clusters that measure 16 by 12 inches. High intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with chrome bezels reflect a jewel-like appearance, and are integrated with rectangular parking lamps and turn signals. The vehicle's front fascia incorporates recessed tow hooks and rectangular fog lamps.
A recently simplified wreath-and-crest insignia designed to symbolize the all new Cadillac appears on the grille and liftgate. Chrome trim emblazons the nameplate, running boards and roof rack. Big 17-inch forged alloy wheels with seven short, wide spokes carry P265/70R17 Goodyear all-season radials. These standard wheels are attractive, but are less dynamic than the rest of the styling.
Somehow the sheer size of the Escalade ESV makes it look less intimidating than the Escalade. Perhaps that's because it's essentially a Suburban with the Escalade's bold styling and more standard luxuries (including the big 6.0-liter V8 and all-wheel drive). There's something familiar and friendly about a Suburban. But there's still no doubt that the Escalade ESV represents the ultimate in SUV excess. Pulling up in one of these makes a strong statement.
Buyers who want to make an even stronger statement can now opt for 20-inch rims, with P275/55R20 tires, though we don't recommend such low-profile tires on a truck. For ultimate eye-popping power, choose the ESV Platinum Edition ($69,305), which rides about an inch lower than the standard ESV. A chrome grille and chromed 20-inch wheels add to the flash, along with Platinum lettering on the liftgate.
The EXT is the most unusual of the line, with its open pickup truck bed. In its standard configuration, the EXT offers a roomy, luxurious, comfortable five-passenger cab and a 5-foot, 3-inch long open cargo box. When more cargo room is needed, the driver can easily extend the bed to 8 feet. To accomplish this, the rear seats and Midgate fold into the interior of the cab to create a 4-by-8-foot cargo area. Items can be protected from the elements and theft with a well-designed three-piece cargo cover and lockable tailgate, both of which come standard. The sides of the cargo box, along with the Midgate and tailgate, are constructed of Pro-Tec, an extremely strong composite material. The rear window is removable to allow for additional cargo space or for added air circulation. The window is easily stowed on board and works in conjunction with the Midgate. It's an innovative and brilliantly executed solution to the problem of needing both passenger and cargo space at different times. In the morning it's a full-size work truck, in the afternoon it's a luxury crew cab. The system can be configured many different ways according to the needs of the moment. The hardware is intelligently designed and of high quality. It's slick.
Getting into any of the Escalade models is easy enough, though requires more climbing up than in, say, the all new STS. The exterior door handles are easy to grab. The liftgate on the Escalade and ESV raises with a surprisingly light touch.
