About the 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade needs no introduction, but we won’t allow that fact to stop us. Introduced in 1999, the Escalade soon established itself as the “bling” champion of SUVs. Based on GM’s truck platform, the Escalade has evolved to become arguably the fanciest model in its class. For 2023, the most powerful version of this SUV joins the model line.

What’s New for 2023

The most significant news for 2023 is the introduction of the Escalade-V. The V appellation represents the brand’s most powerful vehicles and is also used on two sedans – the CTS-4 and the CTS-5. The Escalade-V comes with a supercharged V8 engine and standard all-wheel drive.

Standard or Stretched Wheelbase

The Escalade is a tale of two lengths – standard and stretched wheelbase. The latter benefits from more than 13 inches added between the wheels and 15 inches overall. The second model is known as the Escalade ESV and adds about $3,000 to the price.

Supersized Interior

As expected, the Cadillac Escalade seats up to eight in comfort. This means eight adults, not just children, can sit comfortably inside. Few SUV models truly offer this along with all their gear. In any case, we recommend the ESV for families needing all the cargo space to go with it. Leather is found everywhere – on the seats, across the dashboard, and the door inlays. Wood trim pieces and metal embellishments, ambient lighting, and quilted seating are other features of note.

Supercharged V8

Cadillac took GM’s 6.2-liter V8 engine and supercharged it. That’s nothing new as both the Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette feature this engine. But sticking it under the hood of the Escalade is a bold move, one that the marque felt was possible. The result is an SUV with 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque, for one of the most powerful utility vehicles in the world. That’s a lot of power, but then there are also three tons of metal to move.

Connect This

You’d expect Cadillac to lead in all this technology. The Escalade certainly does not disappoint, beginning with its 38 inches diagonal display area. This includes a 16.9-inch center touchscreen with navigation and Augment Reality. Further, a pair of AKG audio systems are available. Customers will find either a 19-speaker system or one with 36 speakers.

Advanced Driver Assist Tech

On the safety front, the Escalade comes with forward collision alert, front pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Further, Cadillac includes rear park assist, an HD rear vision camera, a rear seat minder, and a safety alert seat. Move up through the model rank and features such as enhanced automatic parking assist, head-up display, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Cadillac Escalade Considerations

Recent price increases have pushed the cost of the Escalade above $80,000. Most models, though, cost far more. Indeed, six-figure pricing is the norm, not the exception. At $150,000, the Escalade-V is pricey, but not beyond the reach of individuals who value performance and scarcity.

2023 Cadillac Escalade Specifications

Specifications supplied by the manufacturer. Compiled by Tom Keegan.

See Also — Cadillac Seeks to Regain Lost “Standard of the World” Moniker with Celestiq EV

Photos copyright GM Corp.