For 2015 the top of the line Cadillac Escalade like its General Motors stablemates Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon is all-new. While they are a curiosity to many, I like big SUV’s. I admit it. They are having your cake and eating it too.
Having owned a couple of Chevrolet Tahoes and a Hummer H2, the new 2015 Cadillac Escalade pushes all my hot buttons and is of fervent interest inside and out.
Granted, the Escalade is not a vehicle all that visually unique. Even in its third-generation Cadillac hardly separated it from the down-market Chevrolet in terms of sheet-metal which still remains a mystery given it can cost nearly twice as much.
That said, it does have a unique front fascia, grille, headlights and rear tail lamps along with a few additional trims on the exterior to set it apart visually. Though from a distance, you’d hardly differentiate it from a Chevrolet or GMC.
Inside, the Escalade thankfully gets its own dash design, door panels, seats and feature content. Not only is the design more top-drawer but you get top grain hides, genuine woods, and the Cadillac treatment when it comes to infotainment.
The latter of course is less than loveable at times. The CUE or Cadillac User Experience center stack controls and touch-screen is a system much like the ill-fated MyFord Touch. It’s ghastly to use and needs its touch-sensitive capacitive touch buttons replaced with something that works for humans.
Outside of this, the cabin is filled with all the creature comforts you would expect at this price and then some. At least from behind the wheel, you feel like you own a Cadillac in word and deed.
Under the hood is a 420 horsepower aluminum-block 6.2 liter V8 now mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission which came to the Escalade mid-year. It does a reasonably good job of moving the admittedly heavy 5,800 lb plus SUV along.
Fuel-economy is a don’t ask equation. As if! And know, this same engine is available in the GMC Yukon Denali, but not the Chevrolet Tahoe.
Handling is also reasonably good with GM’s patented Magnetic ride control. It soaks up bumps when cruising and adjusts when the going gets heated, providing an all-around satisfying ride.
Standard are 20-inch wheels with 22-inch wheels optional. We had the 22’s on our tester and while they look good, they do add a more staccato feel to the ride over bumps and expansion joints.
Its $72,000 price of entry is steep, but Escalade isn’t a purchase you make because it makes financial sense. No, this is a rich piece of chocolate cake you eat because it tastes good.
