The 2021 Cadillac Escalade review by Mark Elias Media Services
Now in its fifth generation, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade has stepped up its game to the point where it truly is the standard of the world once again. At one time, limousines used to ply their trade, carrying A-list celebrities, politicians, dignitaries and even a bunch of crazed bridal parties before, during and after the nuptials. Now it’s the job of the luxury SUV. While the Escalade was paving the way towards future greatness, it wasn’t all that it could be.
That was the past. In those days, it seemed the Escalade was always a Chevrolet Suburban or a GMC Yukon that had a Cadillac grille slapped on the front of it.
Not anymore.
For 2021, the Crest club has really moved upmarket with an Entirely new Escalade. It could be Cadillac’s last great hope to save the brand. Mark Elias Media Services had a chance to experience the new Escalade for a week. Here’s our report.
What’s new about the 2021 Cadillac Escalade?
- It’s all-new for 2021
- It has been stretched out a tiny bit
- Super Cruise for near-autonomous driving is optional
- Choice of engines including new 3.0-liter Diesel.
- Available air suspension to supplement independent rear suspension.
- Platinum models are pricey (some over $100,000)
- Available in regular and XL sizes!
And just what is it?
The Cadillac Escalade is the fifth-gen luxury SUV from General Motors’ flagship brand. This latest version is a technological tour de force representing a quantum leap over previous models. It now rides on a specially-built ladder frame, which caters to more improved ride and handling. It’s a different arrangement than the tough truck-like box-frame underpinnings of other large luxury vehicles. This includes the outgoing 2020 model.
Power for the Escalade comes from a choice of two engines: the first, a 6.2-liter V8 that makes 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This direct-injection engine features cylinder deactivation that will shut down four cylinders once cruising is achieved to save fuel. The second choice is the 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-6 cylinder engine, which is a no-cost option. This powerhouse makes 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft at a barely-breathing 1,500 rpm. It uses a diesel exhaust fluid reservoir filled with urea to “scrub” the diesel exhaust gas. It needs refilling approximately every oil change or 10,000 miles.
Both engines are mated to a stellar 10-speed automatic transmission. Our tester included the new Cadillac air ride adaptive suspension with magnetic ride control, which works to provide one of the smoothest and most isolated rides we have ever experienced in a luxury truck-based SUV. It is a GM product that has found its way into the new rear-engine Corvette Stingray and is used under licensing agreement in several Ferrari cars.
With all these features, it’s easy to see why some call this new Cadillac Escalade “the new King of the road.”
A jog around the 2021 Cadillac Escalade (as big as a) block.
Still looking every bit like the massive SUV that it is, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade features a newly designed front end with horizontal LED headlamps, vertical front lighting elements, three-dimensional taillights and a rear spoiler.
New 22-inch wheels are standard, while our Escalade 4WD Sport featured a large black mesh grille, and similar black features around the SUV. Our Premium model included a distinctive level of distinguished chrome brightwork both inside and out.
Speaking of inside…
This seven-passenger SUV has been re-engineered thanks to the addition of the independent rear suspension making its debut in the 2021 model. As a result, it has been designed with seats that ride lower and are positioned in a much roomier fashion. That redesign has opened up ten inches of extra legroom for third-row ADULT passengers.
There’s luxury everywhere. The sixteen-way power front seats offer massage and climatizing, depending on your needs and the ambient temperature. Middle-row seats are equipped with captain’s chairs, but if you need to transport up to eight people, the captain’s chairs can be replaced with a bench seat at no charge.
Our Platinum Luxury version included a semi-aniline leather interior and a 36-speaker (!) AKG stereo system. Soft closed doors protected our sensitive ears from the sudden jolt of a door slam, while adaptive cruise control, automatic reverse braking and Magnetic Ride Control with Air Suspension helped to soften the ride and protect the passengers inside.
Magic Carpet Ride!
That’s exactly what it feels like in the 2021 Cadillac Escalade 4WD Sport Platinum model. We can’t get that Steppenwolf song out of our head now, damn it! But crank up the 36 speakers from the AKG audio system. It will be good for you!
Behind the wheel, you’ll feel like you are in the cab of a big rig because in all actuality, you are. Thankfully this feels nicer than a Peterbilt or a Kenworth. Power from the big 6.2-liter V8 is satisfying, especially when you consider the Escalade is tipping the scales at over 5,600 pounds. That’s almost three-tons of fun!
The Escalade’s new infotainment system with the 38-inch display is certainly impressive, with its directions that overlay on a live camera feed of the road ahead. It’s just the thing to keep you heading in the right direction. Which, after all, is the goal of life in the first place.
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is on sale now.
Our sincere thanks to Paul Barth and Camera Copters for the assistance in making these photos. He is the best in the business for Aerial Cinematography piloting a variety of platforms. You’ve seen his work on Television and in Film. You just might not have realized it!
Let’s call it a 20-footer. From 20 feet away the Cadillac CTS-V RWD sedan looks like the unassuming young executive’s Cadillac CTS. You know, the one with possibly the 2.0-Liter turbocharged four-cylinder or even the 3.6-liter V6. But then you would come closer to notice the carbon fiber spoilers, inserts and side skirts, not to mention the hood that has been “pimpled-up” (not pimped, but Pimpled) to offer clearance for the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine.
The interior is a little too dark for our taste because of the black on black appearance of the faux suede seating. There are carbon fiber inserts throughout to give some of that boy racer appeal that is verging on being dated, albeit in a more sophisticated manner. The continual improvement of the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system has rendered an in-car entertainment system with eight-inch display, that is actually easier to use than ever before and manages to pump out the jam nicely through the Bose Surround Sound system. The TFT gauge screen is totally configurable depending on which drive mode you desire. That doesn’t mean all is perfect. Too many tiny buttons tend to crowd up the steering wheel for our taste. But a Presidential-sized hand would probably appreciate it more.
The concept behind the CTS-V is to build a sedan that overpowers its competition whether domestic or foreign or even a coupe (we’re looking at you, SRT Challengers). In this, it succeeds and does so in spades. In a phrase, it’s a ballsy sedan that manages to do everything right. Except turn heads. Driving in car-loving South Florida, we were surprised at how little attention the CTS-V actually drew. I guess that despite the authoritative rumble from the twin stainless steel trumpets out back, the only way you would attract attention in SUV and Pickup-loving Palm Beach county, would be if this was a Cadillac Escalade-V, or GMC Sierra-V pick-em-up truck.
