The Cadillac Escalade is a luxury SUV and rival to the Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and Range Rover. It's been around since 1998 as the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon's more upmarket sibling – the three share many components.

For 2021, GM and Cadillac have introduced the all-new, fifth-generation model. This new version aims to be the best one yet, which begs the question: has it succeeded? We believe so, and here are ten features of the 2021 Escalade that prove it.

10 The New Exterior Styling Is Sharp And Modern

A white Escalade.
Via: Cadillac

The Escalade evolved as an SUV that has always been known for having a large amount of presence on the road. Not only were they big in size, but they've also tended to feature a muscular, brooding, somewhat intimidating look.

A white 2021 Escalade.
Via: Cadlillac

The 2021 car retains those attributes, however, wraps them in a more modern, sharp and stylish package compared with previous models. While looks are subjective, we believe the new Escalade looks effortlessly cool and sophisticated, from its handsome front facia to its lavish rear lights.

9 Its Interior Feels Luxurious And Features An Elegant Design

The 2021 Escalade interior.
Via: Cadillac

While the fourth-generation Escalade has a rather luxurious interior, the fifth is on a new level. The materials and switchgear all feel that bit more premium and classy. Now more than ever, the cabin is plush enough to give German competitors such as Mercedes, BMW, and Audi a good run for their money.

The seats of the 2021 Escalade.
Via: Cadillac

The design of the new Escalade's interior is also lovely to look at. It's simple, yet everything has an elegant flow to it – from the dashboard to the doors. Plus, the seats appear as if they've been taken from the first-class cabin of an airplane.

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8 Advanced Technology Is Present Throughout The Cabin

2021 Escalade screens.
Via: Cadillac

Sticking with the car's interior, let's talk tech; starting with the digital dashboard comprised of three OLED displays. These layer on top of one another to create 38 inches of screen. Some of it acts as part of your infotainment setup and the other your digital gauge cluster: an augmented reality navigation system is able to be displayed here.

Rear-seat entertainment in the 2021 Escalade.
Via: Cadillac

Cadillac also partnered with Grammy-award winning audio and acoustics company AKG to develop the Escalade's standard and optional sound systems – the former includes 19 speakers and the latter 36. Both sound awesome.

In addition, a rear-seat entertainment package is available with the 2021 Escalade. This optional extra includes two 12.6-inch displays with steaming capabilities: that'll keep passengers happy on a long trip.

7 A Powerful Petrol Or Diesel Engine Can Be Opted For

Two 2021 Escalades.
Via: Cadillac

On the petrol side, you have one engine option and it's a 6.2-liter V8 – the same eight-cylinder available in the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon. This motor is able to produce a hefty 420bhp and 460lb-ft of torque, meaning this Caddy is no slouch – in fact, it's got quite a lot of get up and go. The Escalade's engine note sounds amazing, too.

Two 2021 Escalades.
Via: Cadillac

However, there's also a new turbocharged diesel engine offered with 2021 Escalade. This 3.0-liter inline-six motor is down on power compared to the petrol V8, with a total output of 277bhp, though torque is essentially identical at 460lb-ft. In short, go for the eight-cylinder for power and the six-cylinder for fuel economy, as well as low-end torque.

RELATED: Diesel Delight! 2021 Escalade Nets Up To 27 MPG

6 The Automatic Gearbox Is Smooth And Quick-Shifting

Interior of the 2021 Escalade.
Via: Cadillac

The new Escalade features a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard. With ten gears to choose from, this gearbox could have turned out indecisive, subpar and perhaps even a deal-breaker. Fortunately, it's really rather good.

The shifter of the 2021 Escalade.
Via: Cadillac

The 10-speed is smooth in its transitions, making them almost unnoticeable. It also shifts so fast you will barely feel it. This sort of excellent gearbox is truly appreciated in a luxury SUV where comfort and ease is a top priority.

5 Effortless Performance And A Great Driving Experience

A 2021 Escalade driving.
Via: Cadillac

With 460bhp, the 6.2-liter V8 will offer you the most performance out of your 2021 Escalade. It's able to achieve a 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds, which is faster than some hot hatchbacks. The 3.0-liter inline-six (diesel), on the other hand, will do the same sprint in the mid-seven-second range.

2021 Escalade driving.
Via: Cadillac

No matter which engine you go for, power delivery is smooth and the new Escalade, overall, drives well. It's very poised on the road, is able to deal with less than ideal road conditions and handles pretty great for what is a large, heavy SUV.

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4 Rear- And All-Wheel-Drive Setups Are Available

The 2021 Escalade driving.
Via: Cadillac

The new Escalade gives buyers the option of either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations, meaning people can go for the setup that best suits them and their individual needs. Not every SUV offers this choice, so it's cool to see the Escalade does.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade driving.
Via: Cadillac

Both configurations are available across all five trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum. This means you won't have to worry about needing to opt for a higher trim to spec all- or rear-wheel-drive.

3 Its All-New Platform And Suspension Make For A Subtle Ride

A 2021 Escalade wheel.
Via: Cadillac

The 2021 Escalade, along with the latest Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon, sit on GM's new truck and large SUV platform, which first arrived in 2018. This improved platform was not used as the basis for the previous Escalade, as that car began production in 2015.

A 2021 Escalade with its lights.
Via: Cadillac

This new platform, along with new independent rear suspension (a first for the Escalade and big departure from previous solid-axle setups), allow this 2021 model to ride better than it ever has in the past. It's comfortable, refined and capable.

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2 Vast Interior Space And Cargo Room Make It Immensely Practical

A 2021 Escalade with the trunk open.
Via: Cadillac

Cadillac offers the Escalade in standard and long-wheelbase form: both offer plenty of space, although the latter gives third-row passengers some more leg-room and expands the already large cargo area.

The trunk of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade.
Via: Cadillac

That's right, the Escalade can fit (up to) eight people. It's also roomier than ever, with the 2021 (standard) Escalade's third-row receiving 10 inches of extra space over the previous model. In regards to the new version of the popular Caddy, the long-wheelbase car gets 1.7 inches of additional room over its standard counterpart.

RELATED: 2021 Lincoln Navigator: Costs, Facts, And Figures

1 Safety And Driver-Assistance Feature Are Intuitive

A man driving a 2021 Escalade.
Via: Cadillac

As with the rest of the car's technology, the 2021 Escalade's safety features are top-notch. For example, the model comes with automated emergency braking with front and rear pedestrian detection, as well as lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, as standard.

The cabin of the 2021 Escalade.
Via: Cadillac

The new Escalade is also available with various driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control. Furthermore, Cadillac has stated it will offer its "Super Cruise" semi-autonomous drive mode as an available feature.

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