Before the V model, the company considered making Escalades that were performance-oriented.
The launch of the V model has finally given Cadillac Escalade a performance-oriented version after five generations. The brand had been thinking about a sporty version of its big SUV for some time. One of the models would even have a huge engine.
“At one time we even discussed a 16-cylinder Escalade,” Escalade product manager David Schiavone said to GM Authority. Schiavone did not provide any details about the project, such as when it was being considered and how far it had advanced before giving up.
Cadillac’s source of the 16-cylinder engine is not known. One option could have been to adapt the 13.6-liter V16 engine from the 2003 Sixteen concept (pictured above), which had a claimed output 1,000 horsepower (746kilowatts).
Cadillac also produced a V16-powered car in the 1930s. This was Cadillac’s flagship product, and it was available in a variety of body styles.
Schiavone said that Cadillac had considered offering a performance version for the SUV’s 16-cylinder Escalade. He said, “I would lie if I said that we never discussed it or considered it back then.”
The 2023 Escalade V packs a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 682 horsepower (509 kW) and 653 pound feet (885 Newton-meters). The power is sent to an all-wheel drive system via a 10-speed, recalibrated automatic transmission. Cadillac claims that the SUV can travel 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.4 seconds. It can also cover the quarter-mile in 12.74 secs. The maximum speed is 124 mph (200 km/h).
Escalade V has an air-ride suspension that uses the Magnetic Ride Control technology. The Sport mode lowers the vehicle by one inch. To slow down the large machine, the front axle features six-piston Brembo brakes.
There’s plenty of luxury inside. The seats are covered in semi-aniline leather, while the interior has wood trim. Augmented reality navigation and the Super Cruise advanced driver assist system are standard features.
The Escalade V starts at $149,990. The Escalade-V will also be offered in the ESV version for $152,990.