It will reach 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, regardless of whether you choose the standard or stretched ESV.
Cadillac launched 2022 with the unveiling of the Escalade V, the long-awaited high performance version of its luxury SUV. At first, we were only shown exterior upgrades, but all the details are now revealed, and it packs serious supercharged V8 power. You can choose from either a standard or extended ESV version. It is extremely costly, as we’ll soon explain.
Everything About The Power
Let’s begin under the hood. This is where you will find the same 6.2-liter force fed V8 as in the HTML5-V Blackwing. The Escalade-V receives a more powerful supercharger, with a four-lobe design. This gives the engine an extra 10 pounds of boost and a wider powerband. It produces 682 horsepower, which is 14 more than the CT5V Blackwing. The engine also peaks at 6,000 rpm. This sedan has 653 pound-feet of torque, while the sedan has 682 hp. It hits at 4,400 revs. You can either hear the power through the active exhaust system, which has quad tips, or you can set it to quiet mode for tranquil luxury motoring.
The Escalade’s 10-speed automatic transmission handles shifting, which is calibrated to handle the additional power. The all-wheel drive system splits power 50/50 in normal operation and up to 66% in Sport mode. It is not possible to use the rear-wheel-drive setting. This is good news for Escalade-V burnouts, but is not great for acceleration. Cadillac claims the SUV, weighing three tons, can reach 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. It can also complete the quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds. It will hit 110 mph during the process. The maximum speed is 124 mph.
It’s not too hard, but it’s not too soft
Engineers did more than infuse the Escalade’s engine with power. The front is equipped with six-piston Brembo brakes, while the Caddy’s standard-issue air suspension with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 gains stiffer springs at its back. The Escalade V’s Damper Hardware tuning and calibration are unique. In Sport mode, it is almost an inch lower.
Drivers can adjust everything, from suspension firmness and all wheel-drive system to steering feel, brake pressure and engine sound, through various modes. There is even a V mode that maximizes all performance settings. Escalade V also has launch control, which allows passengers to be pounded in the back by Escalade V.
The Escalade V is a full-size luxury SUV that remains at its core. The suspension upgrades give you a little more, but they still offer comfort and isolation. The interior is Platinum-spec and does not feature any race-inspired or red trim. V-specific, the digital dash has a little more pizzaz but there won’t be any lap timers. Semi-aniline leather is the standard, and features such as augmented reality navigation are included as standard equipment. Bridgestone all-season tires are used on V-specific wheels. Super Cruise is an option. The Escalade V can tow 7,000 pounds, should the need arise.
$149,990
Let’s now get to the elephant in the digital room. The Escalade V’s MSRP starts at $149,990. This includes destination charges. The difference in price between an Escalade-V and a Platinum ESV is essentially the cost of a sedan. But Cadillac Escalade Product manager David Schiavone proudly claims that the V is “the most powerful, exclusive, and most expensive Escalade ever.” It will therefore be a low volume vehicle. Cadillac has not shared any sales projections.
Mercedes Maybach GLS buyers will step in HTML2_ Escalade territory to purchase the V. Representatives from Cadillac point out that research suggests potential V customers are mostly the same as standard Escaladebuyers. We also know the automaker cannot keep up with demand to the Platinum trim level. Cadillac claims that Escalade buyers are more interested in the most expensive models and will pay more for it. The Escalade V should be around for at least a few more years. Time will show if this research is correct.
In late summer, the Cadillac Escalade-V 2023 will be available at dealerships.