Cadillac Escalade ESV Luxury Vehicles

For 2016, the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV full-size SUVs can be equipped with Lane Keep Assist. The CUE audio and infotainment system has been improved for faster response and more intuitive operation, plus given the ability to interface with Apple CarPlay.

All-new for 2015, the Escalade boasts a redesigned interior and exterior, while fuel-economy figures climb slightly over the model it replaces. Versions built later in the 2015 model year have already been updated with an 8-speed automatic transmission, surround-view camera system and 4G LTE connectivity. The top-line Platinum edition also joins the collection.

Cadillac is winnowing its Escalade offerings to just two versions for 2014, the regular model and the even longer ESV version. No longer available are the Escalade Hybrid or pickup-like Escalade EXT. The only thing new for the 2014 Escalade lineup is an exterior color: Midnight Plum Metallic.

Other than some enhancements to the Escalade's brakes and two new colors, there are no major changes to the 2013 Escalade SUV.

Cadillac Escalade models receive a few modest updates for 2012, highlights of which include two new exterior colors for Escalade SUV models (Radiant Silver Metallic and Crystal Red Tintcoat), a new center console design, and navigation system enhancements.

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV gets Cadillac's Premium Care Maintenance Program that covers scheduled maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles. Physical upgrades include enhanced noise-reduction measures, available cocoa carpet color for the Platinum Edition and the ninth-generation OnStar with enhanced voice recognition software.

For 2010, Cadillac adds Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) to its 6.2-liter V8 engine. Other new features include a console mounted USB port, a locking steering column and seat-mounted front side thorax airbags.

New features include HID headlamps on Platinum models, while a power tilt steering wheel and enhanced OnStar navigation tools are added to all Escalade models. A new safety option is Cadillac's Side Blind Zone Alert system that alerts the driver to vehicles not in the side mirror's field of view.

The Platinum Series makes a comeback, while a two-wheel drive model joins the ESV lineup.

The 2007 Escalade ESV raises the bar on luxury SUVs. It may be in a shrinking segment, due to high fuel prices, but for those who need full-size truck capabilities and want luxury-level appointments, features and image, the stretched ESV is the ultimate aspiration.