Redesigned 2015 Cadillac Escalade Aims to Deliver Tailored Luxury
Cadillac has revealed its new 2015 Escalade and Escalade ESV models, and says the new full-size luxury SUVs are better than ever, delivering greater refinement, technology, and comfort in a more fuel-efficient and capable package. In debuting the redesigned 2015 Cadillac Escalade, the automaker emphasized the effort it claims to have made in establishing "new benchmarks for hand-tailored craftsmanship and technology" in order to "once again assume the leadership position among luxury SUVs."
To that end, Cadillac has increased front-seat space, while second-row seat space remains about the same. By the numbers, third-row occupants won't be as happy, but sometimes the numbers don't tell the whole story. Cargo volumes are also reduced, mainly because the third-row seats no longer need to be removed to maximize space. Instead, the second- and third-row seats fold down to ease expansion of cargo capacity.
Cadillac has also quieted the Escalade's interior through the use of triple door seals, Active Noise Cancellation technology, and an inlaid door design that reduces wind noise and makes the SUV more aerodynamic, according to the automaker. Cadillac says it makes extensive use of cut-and-sewn leather and genuine wood trim inside the Escalade's cabin, which has a standard Cadillac User Experience (CUE) touch-sensitive center control panel with proximity sensing and haptic feedback capabilities.
A long list of new safety technologies is also offered for the redesigned Escalade. Highlights include a new front-center air bag for the driver and front passenger, as well as Driver Awareness and Driver Assist option packages that install the latest in collision-warning and -avoidance systems. Cadillac also offers new anti-theft systems that sense if the window glass is breaking, if an intruder has accessed the vehicle, and if an unauthorized person or company is towing the vehicle. As before, the OnStar telematics system includes a Stolen Vehicle Assistance service that can find the Escalade, and then eliminate the SUV's ability to continue moving under its own power.
A new 6.2-liter V-8 engine is standard equipment. It makes 420 horsepower, and is equipped with Active Fuel Management technology that shuts half the cylinders off under certain driving conditions in order to conserve fuel. Official fuel-economy ratings will be available closer to the Escalade's arrival in showrooms. If you need to tow a trailer, the new Escalade can handle up to 8,200 lbs. when properly configured.
The new 2015 Cadillac Escalade goes on sale during the first quarter of 2014, and pricing will be announced closer to that time. For more details about the new Escalade, read our complete preview article.
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