Cadillac offers the full-size Escalade in three models: Escalade, Escalade EXT, and Escalade ESV. The EXT model offers a pickup truck bed. The ESV offers more Escalade — the ESV is an extended variant of the already full-size Escalade SUV, and offers a full 45.8 cubic feet of space behind the 3nd row of seats. Yes, that is about the same as 3 trunks in addition to 3 rows of seats. Need the maximum Escalade? The Escalade ESV may just be your perfect vehicle.
Summary Information
Models: | Cadillac Escalade; Cadillac Escalade ESV; Cadillac EXT |
Body style / driveline: | Escalade: full-size, 4-door luxury SUV, front-engine, 2WD & AWD (7 to 8 passengers);
Escalade ESV: full-size, 4-door extended wheelbase luxury SUV, front-engine, 2WD & AWD (7 to 8 passengers); Escalade EXT: full-size, 4-door luxury sport-utility truck, front-engine, AWD (2 to 5 passengers) |
Construction: | body-on-frame, all-welded, fully-boxed, ladder-type channel design, with hydroformed front and rear sections |
EPA vehicle class: | full-size, 4-door luxury sport utility |
Manufacturing location: | Escalade and Escalade ESV: Arlington, Texas; Escalade EXT, Silao, Mexico |
Key competitors: | Lincoln Navigator, Lexus LX 470, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Infiniti QX56; Lincoln Mark LT |
The Escalade ESV comes with 3 rows of seats; you can either get dual bucket seats on the 2nd row, or an optional 3-seat bench. With the 3-seat bench the ESV will seat a full 8 passengers, and with the extended length can carry their luggage too.
The Escalade L94 engine is almost perfect in this application. With 403 hp, the V8 has plenty of power for almost any situation, even given the mass of the Escalade ESV. New for 2010 is Active Fuel Management, which allows the V8 to run as a V4 under low load conditions such as steady state cruise.
Cadillac offers the Platinum Variant of certain models as the Maximum Luxury version. For the Escalade, the Platinum package adds:
Platinum Includes unique front fascia with upper and lower grilles, LED headlamps, 22-inch multi-spoke chromed aluminum wheels, exclusive Light Linen/Cocoa interior, TEHAMA first- and second-row leather seating surfaces, embroidered Cadillac insignias and unique door sills, genuine olive ash and burled walnut wood trim, Rear-Seat Entertainment System with two 7-inch-diagonal screens integrated into the back of the front head restraints, remote, 2-channel headphones and heated and cooled front console cup holders.
Tahama Leather is a particularly delicate, soft, supple leather. In this process, the leather is tinted all the way through, but in a way that does not hide any imperfections in the leather. Therefore only the highest quality leather can be used. Full-grain leathers are used, as found in the finest of leather goods. Full-grain leathers have not been sanded or refinished in any way to remove imperfections; again, so only the best, highest quality leathers can be used, but allowing for the best fiber strength and durability. Over time the Tahama leather will develop a patina rather than wear out.
Advantages of the Escalade ESV:
- Seats 7 (or 8 with center bench)
- Extended space for luggage or items behind the 3rd row of seats
- Luxurious appointments throughout
- Up-high seating allows excellent view in traffic
Disadvantages of the Escalade ESV:
- People may assume you bought it for the bling factor (Do we care?)
- Size — this is a large vehicle, which has to be taken into consideration when parking and similar situations