The 2023 Cadillac Escalade V is the very definition of American excess. It’s for the person who doesn’t give a rat’s ass about fuel economy or personal carbon footprint. The new SUV weighs over 3 tons and is powered by a 6.2 liter supercharged V8 that can rocket the hippo from zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. All for a starting price of $149,990 (add $3000 for the ESV model).
At the heart of the Escalade-V is a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine rated at 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. Standard performance elements include a 10-speed automatic transmission calibrated for Escalade-V, full-time active all-wheel-drive system and exclusive suspension hardware and software calibrations. Other features include.
- Unique V-Series front and rear fascias
- Quad exhaust outlets
- Exclusive Six-Piston Brembo front brakes
- Edge Red brake calipers
- Unique 22-inch aluminum wheels
- Standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension
- Selectable V-Mode with driver-customizable performance driving settings, lowered suspension and active exhaust valves that control the throaty V-8 growl
- V-Series badging on the driver and front passenger doors, liftgate and throughout the interior, including the steering wheel
- Platinum trim interior featuring Zebra Wood decor with semi-aniline leather on all three rows, and heated/ventilated and massaging1 front seats
- Escalade’s signature curved OLED with 38 inches of total diagonal display
- AKG Studio Reference 36-speaker audio system
- Available Super Cruise2 hands-free driver-assistance technology
With the full-time active all-wheel drive system to enhance traction, along with the supercharged engine, Cadillac expects the Escalade-V to be capable of 0-60 mph sprints in under 4.4 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.74 seconds at 110 mph based on initial GM testing.
The Escalade-V’s engine shares architectural similarities with the CT5-V Blackwing’s supercharged V-8, but features a larger, 2.65L R2650 TVS supercharger that helps overcome the higher inlet and exhaust restrictions on the full-size SUV application. It spins at up to 13,500 rpm to produce approximately 10 pounds of boost and has an electronically controlled bypass valve for optimal drivability. The supercharger’s unique four-lobe rotors are designed to broaden the engine’s power band, with great low-end torque production and strong high-rpm power.
Unlike the old Cadillacs that were conservative and quiet, the Escalade-V is super loud and proud with its thundering quad tip exhaust system. This car is as in your face as you’re going to get.
Drivers can personalize their experience behind the wheel through the exclusive V-Mode, which drivers access via a button on the center console ahead of the transmission shifter. It lets drivers tailor their preferred performance-driving mode and it also automatically lowers the ride height by 0.8 inch.
Additionally, a Launch Control function is available via V-Mode that lets the Escalade-V perform optimal acceleration runs from a stop. Drivers access this feature when in V-Mode by holding down the brake pedal and then applying the accelerator pedal fully, and when the Traction Control Lamp begins to flash, releasing the brake pedal. The resulting acceleration is sure to have the kids in the back seat screaming for joy.
In a time where climate awareness and $6 a gallon gas is the norm, you would think a 3 ton carbon emitting SUV that drinks gas faster than you can drink water wouldn’t sell. But you would be wrong! Cadillac expects to sell every single Escalade-V they make. Hopefully, their dealers don’t go crazy with the “market adjustment” pricing.
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