There is no other SUV that plays 'big-time' better than the Cadillac Escalade. Since its inception in 1999, the Escalade is one of the most recognized cars in Hollywood. The sheer size and all of the comfort and power that comes with it is what has given the Cadillac Escalade its fame.
2021 marks a very important turn for the Escalade nameplate, as Cadillac has given its brawny SUV, the most intensive upgrade ever. The 2021 Cadillac Escalade starts its 5th Generation run, and it is a lot more than just a chin-up job, and added comfort features. Cadillac has extensively modernized the Escalade with an all-new sharp design language. technology features, performance, and luxury. General Motors has really worked out here to bring Cadillac back on the map when it comes to SUVs.
This brings about a whole new level of versatility for the Caddy and jumps this big boy right back into the game. The 2021 Cadillac Escalade locks horns with the likes of BMW X7, Audi Q7, and its arch-rival - Lincoln Navigator. We give you an insight into the various segment-leading features that makes the 2021 Escalade, the best Cadillac ever made.
Sharper styling, versatile powertrain options, and advanced technology and safety features make the 2021 Escalade, the best Caddy yet.
An All-New Economical 3.0L Diesel Engine Adds To This Caddy's Flexibility
Cadillac has always been synonymous with big brawny V8 engines. It has always helped the beefed-up SUVs to stay in character. But for the all-new 5th Generation 2021 Cadillac Escalade, things are going the practical route. Cadillac has added an all-new 3.0-liter Inline-6 diesel motor for the first time, in an Escalade. This Duramax motor pumps out 277 HP and an impressive 460 lb-ft.
The original 6.2-liter Naturally Aspirated V8 motor is still present with 420 HP and 460 lb-ft. The new Duramax diesel motor has added up notably to the efficiency factor with an impressive 23 MPG. This is shockingly better as compared to the V8 that returns a mere 16 MPG even in its 2WD configuration.
With The New GMT1XX Platform: This Is The Best Handling Escalade Yet
The next important feat that makes the 2021 Escalade the best iteration ever is its impressive new GMT1XX platform. This is the same platform that underpins the all-new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and the GMC Yukon. Driving dynamics have been the focus here and oh boy! Cadillac has really worked around here.
The 2021 Escalade also comes with the first-ever rear independent suspension. Higher trims also offer the luxury of having an adaptable air suspension that has numerous settings that work instantaneously to adapt to the driving conditions. The result? A truck-sized SUV that rides around with the conviction of a sedan. It has sharp handling characteristics that sync well with the new cool look.
2021 Escalade Interior Packs A Lot Of Industry-First Technology Features
The 2021 Escalade's interior has to be the most banana-conversion ever. The insane level of shift in terms of luxury, comfort, and sheer level of technology packed in, is unreal. It is clear from the detail-oriented cabin layout, that Cadillac has spent some serious time and funding for the interior. The most impressive part is the slew of segment-first features that this Caddy packs.
And most of it is laid out on the dashboard! The dash is adorned with 38-inches of curved OLED screens that comprise the instrument cluster, infotainment screen, and an additional cut-out screen onto the left of the driver. It is complemented with an industry-first AKG audio system with a whopping 36-speaker layout. It also packs Conversation Enhancement using microphones and AKG speakers for the front and rear passengers.
Another cool feature is its available Augmented Reality-enabled navigation system which uses live street views for enhanced driving directions. Entertainment is lit for the rear seats as well with a pair of 12.6-inch independent touch screens for the second-row passengers.
The 2021 Escalade Is The Sharpest-Looking Cadillac SUV To Date
Sharpness has been a key attribute for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade and makes a major shift as compared to all past generations of this big bulky SUV. Cadillac hasn't fiddled with the iconic form fact which is good. What they have transformed are mostly confined to the front and rear fascia where sleek sharp-looking LED lighting brings about quite the transformation. Most of the cues have been taken from the 2016 Cadillac Escala Concept. And Cadillac has also inculcated the 'fang' bits that are unique to all new Caddys; in the fog-lamp layout.
Intense Safety And Technology Upgrades Including Segment-First Super Cruise Feature
Driving comfort and safety have also seen some of the most insane upgrades when it comes to this Caddy. The plethora of driver-assist and active and passive safety features put the 2021 Escalade in a whole different league. It comes with standard Surround Vision which projects the surround-view using 4 exterior cameras, for a bird's eye view.
It also packs available Night Vision that uses infrared technology to enhance visibility for what lies ahead. But the coolest is the new Super Cruise Driver Assistance technology feature. This is a driver assist feature that allows for hands-free driving on more than 200,000 miles of compatible highways in the US and Canada.
It is more of a ballsy autonomous driving tech, using LiDAR map data, GPS, and driver attention system with a network of cameras, and radar sensors. The cherry on top of all this sweet cake is that Cadillac has managed to keep the price jump sane, despite being steep. With a cleaned-up 5 trim-level layout and a starting MSRP of $77,490; the 2021 Cadillac Escalade packs the most brawn, comfort, luxury, technology, and sharpness that money can buy.
Sources: Media.cadillac.com