There are sprinter-quick cars that get from 0-60 mph in under 4.4 seconds. And there are sumo-wrestler-big SUVs that can carry seven adults with space to spare. But an SUV that carries seven adults and all their gear and gets from a standstill to highway speed in less than 4.4-seconds?
There are very few of those.
The Escalade Gets the V Treatment
Cadillac has now introduced the world to the improbable 2023 Escalade-V. V-Series cars are high-performance versions of Cadillacs. The company has put the designation on plenty of sports sedans. But this is the first time it’s shown up on something half the size of a bus.
The price of a Cadillac Escalade-V? Caddy’s big mover has an MSRP of $149,900.
Supercharged V8, Sporty Suspension
The Escalade-V is available in standard length or a stretched ESV body. It uses a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 making 682 horsepower. It “shares architectural similarities” with the engine in the CT5-V Blackwing, Cadillac says. But this one uses a larger supercharger to answer the Escalade’s bulk.
It sends power through a 10-speed automatic transmission to a full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that varies the torque split to match driving conditions.
To make the heavy body dance like something smaller, Cadillac retuned its famous Magnetic Ride Control and adaptive air suspension. Version 4.0 of the system uses stiffer rear springs than any other Caddy. An electronic limited-slip differential is a necessity.
Drivers can set the suspension in Tour or Sport modes. They can set the steering in Tour or Sport modes. Brake pedal feel? That offers Tour and Sport modes. AWD and Engine performance are also adjustable, with a Snow/Ice setting or…you guessed the other two. Engine sound? Tour, Sport, and Stealth.
Cadillac built in a launch control setting. Yes, on a full-size SUV.
Distinctive Look, Lots of Luxe Appointments
The Escalade-V wears unique front and rear fascias to distinguish it from normal Escalades. A sport mesh grille is the most obvious change. Exclusive 22-inch wheels show red Brembo brake calipers.
Inside, the V is based on the Escalade’s top-level Platinum trim. Buyers can choose black or dark auburn semi-aniline upholstery. Both come with zebra wood trim. Power-adjustable massaging front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard.
A huge curved bezel houses the central touchscreen and driver’s instrument display – together offering 38 inches of diagonal screen display with, Cadillac says, twice the pixel density of a 4K TV. A 36-speaker surround-sound system from AKG Studio keeps every passenger entertained.
GM’s Super Cruise driver assistance technology will be available eventually but is not offered at launch thanks to the current microchip shortage. When it arrives, it will add $2,500 to the price tag.
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V is set to go on sale late this summer.
