The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV engineered and manufactured by General Motors and marketed under the Cadillac brand. It was Cadillac's first major entry into the popular SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to German and Japanese competitors and to Ford's 1998 release of the Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade project went into production only ten months after it was approved. The Escalade is built in Arlington, Texas. The name Escalade refers to a siege warfare tactic of scaling defensive walls or ramparts with the aid of ladders or siege towers.
The 1999 Escalade was identical to the 1999 GMC Denali, but was redesigned for the 2002 model year to make its appearance fall more in line with Cadillac's "art and science" design theme. Escalade production went on hiatus for the 2001 model year. The Escalade ESV (based on the Chevrolet Suburban) and its former sibling the Escalade EXT (based on the Avalanche sport utility truck) were made inSilao, Mexico, before the 2006 redesign; the new Escalade ESV is sourced from Arlington, Texas. The Escalade competes with the Infiniti QX56, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, Lexus LX, and Lincoln Navigator.
| Cadillac Escalade | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Production | 1999–present 2001-present (ESV) 2002-2013 (EXT) |
| Model years | 1999-2000, 2002–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size luxury sport utility vehicle |
| Layout | |
| Related | GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe |
First generation (1999–2000)[edit]
| GMT 400 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon |
| Production | 1999–2000 |
| Model years | 1999–2000 |
| Assembly | Arlington, Texas, U.S. (Arlington Assembly) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 5-door SUV |
| Layout | F4 (Front-engine, four-wheel drive) |
| Platform | GMT435 |
| Related | Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon Denali |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 4-speed 4L60-E automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 117.5 in (2,984 mm) |
| Length | 201.2 in (5,110 mm) |
| Width | 77.0 in (1,956 mm) |
| Height | 74.3 in (1,887 mm) |
The introduction of the Lincoln Navigator in the 1998 model year necessitated that General Motors be able to compete in the burgeoning American market for full-size luxury-type trucks. This generation was only a five-seat SUV. Fearing the growing hegemony of the Lincoln Navigator, the Escalade was rushed through the design process to reach dealers quickly. Essentially little more than a badge-engineeredGMC Yukon Denali, the SUV's aesthetics were similar to the Denali and the final vehicle was smaller than the Navigator. The Escalade's underpinnings were borrowed from the Yukon Denali line, with the GMC logos on the center caps replaced with Cadillac's crest. The Escalade also used the same 5.7 L Vortec 5700 V8 at 255 hp (190 kW), which was underpowered compared to the Navigator's 300 hp (220 kW) and 365 lb·ft (495 N·m) 5.4 Liter InTech V-8. All first-generation Escalades featured Autotrac selectable 4x4. The 1999-2000 Escalade achieves 11 mpg-US (21 L/100 km) city and 15 mpg-US (16 L/100 km) highway based on U.S. EPA test protocols.[3][4]
The interior featured leather seats. The Escalade also included a Bose surround system; a first for an SUV. The Escalade gauge cluster differed slightly from the cluster used in the Tahoe and Yukon. The Escalade gauges features white needles instead of orange and the speedometer reads to 120 mph (190 km/h).
According to information from the Highway Loss Data Institute, the Cadillac Escalade is the second most stolen vehicle in the U.S.[5]
Second generation (2002–2006)[edit]
| GMT800 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2001–2006 |
| Model years | 2002–2006 |
| Assembly |
|
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 5-door SUV 4-door sport utility truck |
| Layout | |
| Platform | GMT820 GMT830 (Escalade ESV) GMT806 (Escalade EXT) |
| Related | Chevrolet Avalanche Chevrolet Suburban Hummer H2 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission |
|
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 116.0 in (2,946 mm) 130.0 in (3,302 mm) (ESV/EXT) |
| Length | 198.9 in (5,052 mm) 221.4 in (5,624 mm) (ESV/EXT) |
| Width | 78.9 in (2,004 mm) 79.5 in (2,019 mm) (ESV/EXT) |
| Height | 76.5 in (1,943 mm) 75.7 in (1,923 mm) (ESV/EXT) 75.0 in (1,905 mm) (ESV Platinum) |
| Curb weight | 5,800 lbs (ESV/EXT) |
Cadillac did not market a 2001 model year Escalade. Cadillac introduced the 2002 model year Escalade in December 2001 while continuing to sell the 2000 model year truck. Rear-wheel drive was standard, as was a 5.3 L V8, with all-wheel drive and the special high-output Vortec 6.0 L V8 engine as options. All models (except for the EXT) offered seating for up to 8 people.
The "StabiliTrak" electronic stability control system was upgraded to a four-wheel version for 2003 and power-adjustable pedals were added. For 2004, XM Satellite Radio, second-row bucket seats, and a tire pressure monitoring system were made standard on all Escalades except the EXT. Also in 2004, the Platinum edition was introduced at the price of $71,025; It featured the luxury utility segment's first factory-installed 20-inch chrome wheels, a slightly lowered stance, heated and cooled seats (front and back), heated and cooled cup holders, moon roof, 2nd and 3rd row monitors, a premium interior that included an ebony and shale dashboard, shale leather upholstery and pleated door panel bolsters and a chrome grille. The 5.3 L engine was dropped for 2005 and the OnStar system was upgraded.
Engines[edit]
- 2002–2003 5.3L LM7 Vortec V8, 285 horsepower (213 kW)
- 2004–2006 5.3L LM7 Vortec V8, 295 horsepower (220 kW)
- 2002–2006 6.0L LQ9 HO Vortec V8, 345 horsepower (257 kW)
Specification levels[edit]
- 2002–2006 Cadillac Escalade
- 2002–2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT
- 2003–2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV
- 2004–2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum
Third generation (2006–2014)[edit]
| GMT 900 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | November 2006–present |
| Model years | 2007–2014 |
| Assembly | China: Shanghai (Shanghai GM) Mexico: Silao (Silao Assembly) Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor)[6][7] United States: Arlington, Texas(Arlington Assembly) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 5-door SUV 4-door sport utility truck |
| Layout | |
| Platform | GMT926 GMT936 (Escalade ESV) GMT946 (Escalade EXT, 2006-2013 MY) |
| Related | Chevrolet Tahoe Chevrolet Avalanche Chevrolet Suburban GMC Yukon GMC Yukon XL Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 116.0 in (2,946 mm) 130.0 in (3,302 mm) (ESV/EXT) |
| Length | 202.5 in (5,144 mm) 222.9 in (5,662 mm) (ESV) 222.0 in (5,639 mm) (EXT) |
| Width | 79.0 in (2,007 mm) 79.1 in (2,009 mm) (EXT only) |
| Height | 74.7 in (1,897 mm) (2007–09 2WD) 74.5 in (1,892 mm) (EXT & 2007–09 ESV) 74.3 in (1,887 mm) (2007–09 4WD) 2010–11 SWB: 75.9 in (1,928 mm) 2010–2013 ESV: 73.1 in (1,857 mm) 2012-2013 SWB: 75.9 in (1,928 mm) 2012-2013 EXT: 74.5 in (1,892 mm) |
The Escalade moved to the new GMT900 platform for the 2007 model year. Its introduction was accelerated as sales began slipping. The regular Escalade was again joined by a stretchedESV version as well as a newEXT sport utility truck. The 2006 Escalade was the official vehicle of Super Bowl XL, with MVPHines Ward being awarded one of the first Escalades produced.
Production of the redesigned Escalade began at Arlington Assembly in January 2006. It is priced from US$57,280, though the rear-wheel drive version at this price was not produced until August. The more expensive all-wheel drive version was produced first, followed by the long wheelbase ESVand EXT pickup (the latter sourced from the Silao, Mexico, plant) in June.
The Escalade uses an all-aluminum 6.2 L Vortec V8. This pushrod engineincludes variable valve timing, a first in a mass-produced non-overhead camengine. The system adjusts both intake and exhaust timing between two settings. The engine produces 403 hp (301 kW) (23 hp more than its sister competitor, the GMC Yukon Denali) and 417 lb·ft (565 N·m) of torque. A new six-speed 6L80 automatic transmission is used. The new body completes a 0.363 drag coefficient. In 2010, the Cadillac Escalade's base price was $62,500 for a RWD model, and $65,200 for an AWD model. The northeast accounts for 60 percent of Escalade sales. 2013 model(Cadillac Escalade 2WD 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Automatic 6-spd,) have official government measured fuel economy of 14 mpg-US (17 L/100 km), combined 16 mpg-US (15 L/100 km) and highway 18 mpg-US (13 L/100 km).
Production of the redesigned Escalade began at Arlington Assembly in January 2006. It is priced from US$57,280, though the rear-wheel drive version at this price was not produced until August. The more expensive all-wheel drive version was produced first, followed by the long wheelbase ESVand EXT pickup (the latter sourced from the Silao, Mexico, plant) in June.
The Escalade uses an all-aluminum 6.2 L Vortec V8. This pushrod engineincludes variable valve timing, a first in a mass-produced non-overhead camengine. The system adjusts both intake and exhaust timing between two settings. The engine produces 403 hp (301 kW) (23 hp more than its sister competitor, the GMC Yukon Denali) and 417 lb·ft (565 N·m) of torque. A new six-speed 6L80 automatic transmission is used. The new body completes a 0.363 drag coefficient. In 2010, the Cadillac Escalade's base price was $62,500 for a RWD model, and $65,200 for an AWD model. The northeast accounts for 60 percent of Escalade sales. 2013 model(Cadillac Escalade 2WD 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Automatic 6-spd,) have official government measured fuel economy of 14 mpg-US (17 L/100 km), combined 16 mpg-US (15 L/100 km) and highway 18 mpg-US (13 L/100 km).
Engines[edit]
- 2006–2014 — 6.2 L Vortec 6200 V8, 403 horsepower (301 kW)
Hybrid[edit]
A Hybrid version of the luxury vehicle debuted at the 2008 South Florida International Auto Show in Miami, and went on sale in 2008 as a 2009 model at a starting price of $74,085[9] for a two-wheel drive model. In August, 20% of Cadillac Escalade sales were hybrids.
The Escalade Hybrid takes 8.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h). Power is from a 6 liter V8 engine that makes 332 hp (248 kW) at 5,100 rpm and 367 lb·ft (498 N·m) at 4,100 rpm.
Eli Manning received an Escalade Hybrid for being the 2007 Super Bowl MVP.
The Hybrid models were discontinued after the 2013 model year.
Standard features[edit]
Standard features of the Cadillac Escalade include air conditioning with tri-zone climate controls, tilt faux wood & real leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front seats and heated 2nd-row seats, 14-way power front seats, memory system, remote engine start, premium sound system, 6-disc CD changer, rear radio controls, compass, power lift-gate, and outside-temperature indicator. The Platinum adds on a DVD entertainment system, navigation system, heated and cooled cupholders, rearview camera, cooled front seats, upgraded leather upholstery, and power-retractable running boards.
Updates[edit]
MY08
- On the automatic trunk button, the "off" signal was changed from the Number "0" (Zero) to the word "off."
- Escalade badging on the trunk lid was moved from the left side to the right.
- Seating capacity was increased to 8 passengers
- A newly redesigned remote for keyless entry was introduced to further distinguish it from the Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Denali siblings.
MY09
- The gauges were updated
- Bluetooth hands-free interface was made standard.
- A power tilt steering wheel was made standard.
- The Satellite Navigation System (optional) now added instant traffic updates and rerouting options.
- Side Zone Blind Spot Alert was made standard.
- GM's Magnetic Ride Control (MRC, or "MagneRide") was made standard on all models.
MY10
- General Motors badges were dropped on the doors.[10]
MY12
- GM facelifted the Cadillac Escalade lineup with a new set of taillights.
MY13
- Silver Coast Metallic and Sapphire Blue Metallic were added as new color trims, along with a revised grade braking performance.
MY14
- A new color, Midnight Plum Metallic, will be added. This will be first time that the Escalade will only be available in both standard and ESV brands, as the EXT and Hybrid models were discontinued.[11]
Fourth generation (2015–)[edit]
| GMT K2XL | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Model years | 2015 |
| Assembly | Arlington, Texas, U.S. |
| Designer | Bob Boniface (exterior design director)[12] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door SUV |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Platform | GMTK2XX |
| Related | Chevrolet Suburban Chevrolet Tahoe GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/GMC Yukon Denali and Yukon Denali XL (2015) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 FlexFuel |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 116.0 in (2,946 mm) 130.0 in (3,302 mm) (ESV) |
| Length | 202.5 in (5,144 mm) 224.3 in (5,697 mm) (ESV) |
| Width | 80.5 in (2,045 mm) |
| Height | SWB: 74.4 in (1,890 mm) ESV:74.0 in (1,880 mm) |
On October 7, 2013, Cadillac unveiled the fourth generation Escalade and Escalade ESV at a star-studded event in New York City, just nearly a month after GM unveiled their next-generation SUVs from Chevrolet and GMC. Cadillac began its campaign to promote the Escalade on August 14, 2013,[13] and started posting teasers online on September 23, 2013, with help from photographer Autumn de Wilde, who helped revealed more images ahead of the unveiling.[14] A YouTubpage called "Escalade Reveal" was set up to showcase the videos along with the countdown to unveiling. On November 25, 2013, Cadillac began spreading the word of mouth about the 2015 Escalade by placing a front facsimile cutout of the vehicle on display at Sak's Fifth Avenue's New York City flagship store during its annual Christmas promotional campaign, which shows the SUV being frozen in wraps.[15]
The Escalade will be built at GM's Arlington, Texas assembly plant in January 2014 and will go sale in Spring 2014 as a 2015 model, with international sales to start in the Summer of 2014.[16] They are assigned to the GMT K2XX platform as K2XL.
Details and features[edit]
On February 13, 2010, according to a report on Autoblog.com, GM had reissued a redesign on the GM fullsize SUV lineup, including the Escalade, for a 2014 release due to increased SUV sales, and was working on its fullsize SUV replacements, which would see a possible change in the Escalade's SUV platform.[17] But in July 2013, a series of spy shots revealed that GM will keep the Escalade a body-on-frame SUV.[18] However, GM is looking at expanding the Escalade brand to the large CUV segment, which would see a vehicle using the Escalade badge sharing the same platform as the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, which is in the planning stages.[19]
For the fourth generation Escalade, the SUVs share the same interior and exterior DNA as the Suburban/Tahoe and Yukon/XL/Denali. The only difference is that the front fascia has been completely redesigned featuring the same Cadillac signature frontal design, while the LED taillamps that are located in the back now extend from the bumper all the way up to the top of the tailgate. The cargo space has also been reduced from 109.8 in (2,789 mm) to 94.2 in (2,393 mm) on the standard base and from 137.5 in (3,492 mm) to 120.5 in (3,061 mm) on the ESV in order to allow an additional 1.7 inches of headroom and 45.3 inches of legroom in the front while reduces the third-row legroom space to 24.8 inches from 25.6 inches. GM's 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8, good for 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, will be the only engine offered, along with a new coil-over front suspension and five-link rear setup, a wider track, variable-assist electric power steering and Cadillac's Magnetic Ride Control system with Tour and Sport modes. The interior now boast a hand-crafted design that features cut-and-sewn and wrapped materials, with wood trim options chosen for elegance and authenticity. The dashboard is also updated, and the Cadillac CUE system is added as a standard feature, along with an updated security system.
On December 23, 2013, Cadillac unveiled seven color palettes for the exterior trims on the Escalade: Dark Granite Metallic, Radiant Silver Metallic, Black Raven, White Diamond Tricoat, Silver Coast Metallic, Crystal Red Tintcoat and Majestic Plum Metallic, and three colors for the interior: Jet Black with Jet Black Accents, Kona Brown with Jet Black Accents, and Shale with Cocoa Accents.
Critical reception
The reviews for the fourth generation Escalade's redesign has been met with positive results from automotive critics. USA Today's James R. Healey and Fred Meier noted that "The once-unthinkable big Cadillac SUV has become indispensable."[22] CNET's Antuan Goodwin notes that "Fans of the Escalade will appreciate the automaker's sticking with the original message and not "ruining" its former flagship, but if you already think the giant luxury SUV is a relic of the past, there's nothing in the 2015 Escalade that will convince you that it's anything but an old dog that's learned a few cool new tricks."[23] Carscoops noted that "It may have impressed us more if a) it had shown the Escalade first instead of last, after the Chevrolet and GMC models or b) if the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL simply did not exist…" and added that Cadillac has won their attention with the resdesign.[24] Scott Burgess of Motor Trend summed up the redesign in its headline, saying its "It's bigger, it's bolder and it's more beautiful."[25] Bill Visnic of Edmunds concluded in his review that "With subtle, new sheet metal refreshingly free of styling gimmicks, Cadillac's looking to the 2015 Escalade's all-new and upgraded interior to help it retain its role as the benchmark of bling SUVs."[26]
Escalade EXT[edit]
The Escalade EXT sport utility truck (released alongside its twin, the Chevrolet Avalanche) was introduced in 2002 from the Cadillac division of General Motors. It features a "Convert-a-Cab" composite pickup bed that can be expanded into the truck's cab through a bottom-hinged door. Like the Avalanche, the EXT has four full-size doors and seating for five. The EXT was only offered with the 6.0 LV8 High Output engine. High-intensity discharge headlights were offered for 2003. The Escalade EXT also appears in the movie, The Matrix Reloaded along with the CTS in product placement ads. All Escalade EXTs are built in Mexico.
The Escalade EXT (based on the Cadillac Escalade) was created as a direct competitor to the failed Lincoln Blackwood, a pickup truck based on the Ford F-150. It had competed with the Lincoln Mark LT (now discontinued in the United States and Canada), another F-150-based pickup truck that made its debut in 2005. It now competes with the Ford F-150 Platinum, which is still known as the Lincoln Mark LT in Mexico.
The EXT models were discontinued after the 2013 model year along with the Avalanche.
Platinum[edit]
In 2004, Cadillac released its first version of the Platinum Escalade. It was only available in the ESV model. It had such features as heated and ventilated Seats (front and back), heated and ventilated cup holders, special 20" wheels, special leathers and interior design, extra labeling and HID headlamps.
In 2008, Cadillac offered the Platinum Edition on its redesigned Escalade and Escalade ESV models. It includes such features as a unique front fascia and grille, heated and cooled cup holders, limited edition 22" wheels, additional chrome pieces and accents, 2 additional DVD monitors- located in the headrests of each front seat, special hand stitched leathers, real aluminum interior accents, Advanced Magnetic Ride Control system, genuine olive ash and burled walnut wood interior trim, and LED headlamps.
For 2009, a hybrid model was added as well.
U.S. sales[edit]
| Calendar Year | Escalade | EXT | ESV | Total U.S. sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998[27] | 3,089 | – | – | 3,089 |
| 1999 | 23,897 | – | – | 23,897 |
| 2000[28] | 23,346 | – | – | 23,346 |
| 2001 | 31,270 | 546 | – | 31,816 |
| 2002[29] | 36,114 | 13,494 | 36 | 49,644 |
| 2003 | 35,621 | 11,256 | 12,866 | 59,743 |
| 2004[30] | 36,994 | 9,638 | 15,618 | 62,250 |
| 2005 | 29,876 | 7,766 | 13,502 | 51,144 |
| 2006[31] | 39,017 | 7,019 | 16,170 | 62,206 |
| 2007 | 36,654 | 7,967 | 16,370 | 60,991 |
| 2008[32] | 23,947 | 4,709 | 11,054 | 39,710 |
| 2009[33] | 16,873 | 2,423 | 6,588 | 25,884 |
| 2010[34] | 16,118 | 2,082 | 8,674 | 26,874 |
| 2011[35] | 15,079 | 2,036 | 8,388 | 25,503 |
| 2012[36] | 12,615 | 1,934 | 8,083 | 22,632 |
| 2013[37] | 12,592 | 1,972 | 7,950 | 22,514 |
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