Overview
Over the past two decades, the Cadillac Escalade has transformed from a modified GMC Yukon into Cadillac's most iconic model. Now in its third year of the current generation, the Escalade stands out even while sharing its platform with the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban. With luxurious features and performance, it competes head-to-head with high-end rivals like the Lincoln Navigator, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and Lexus LX600. Notably, it outperformed these competitors in a recent comparison test and secured a spot on the 2024 Editors' Choice list. The Escalade's appeal lies in its smooth ride, confident handling, and powerful 6.2-liter V-8 engine, with an optional torque-rich turbo-diesel inline-six available. Its cutting-edge interior boasts a curved OLED digital display. The Escalade comes in both standard and extended-length (ESV) versions, with the latter offering extra cargo space behind the third-row seat. Additionally, the new high-performance V-series model, introduced last year, features a supercharged V-8 engine delivering an impressive 682 horsepower.
What has Changed for 2024?
The Cadillac Escalade cruises into 2024 unchanged, with no major or minor updates. It appears Cadillac is focusing its resources on the upcoming electric variant, the Escalade iQ, which is expected to debut later this year.
2024 Cadillac Escalade: Competitors
Competitors to the Escalade include the Lincoln Navigator and Mercedes-Benz GLS. The Navigator, available in both standard- and long-wheelbase versions, boasts an interior that rivals the Cadillac's in luxury. While the Mercedes-Benz GLS falls short in interior space and towing capacity compared to the Escalade, its technology and interior materials are top-notch. Similarly, the BMW X7, though smaller, is packed with tech and offers a more engaging driving experience. The Range Rover, favored by British elites, is another strong contender in this high-end SUV segment.
2024 Cadillac Escalade: Engine and Performance
Cadillac's flagship SUV, the Escalade, comes equipped with a robust 6.2-liter V-8 engine that produces 420 horsepower and features cylinder deactivation for enhanced fuel efficiency during cruising. An alternative 3.0-liter diesel inline-six is also available. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and buyers can opt for either rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive configurations. Like its counterparts—the Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, and GMC Yukon—the Escalade benefits from an independent rear suspension, which significantly improves third-row legroom compared to the previous model with its solid rear axle. Higher-end trims offer air springs with adaptive dampers for a smoother ride. In performance testing, the long-wheelbase Escalade ESV equipped with the V-8 engine accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. While the 277-hp diesel engine doesn't match the V-8 in straight-line speed, it compensates with better fuel economy and a substantial 460 lb-ft of low-end torque. For those seeking peak performance, the Escalade-V, with its supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine generating 682 horsepower, accelerates to 60 mph in a mere 4.3 seconds. The V-8's powerful output and resonant exhaust note are noteworthy, and although the Escalade-V's suspension enhancements improve handling, it still doesn't quite match the agility of rivals like the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 or the BMW Alpina XB7.
2024 Cadillac Escalade: Interior and Comfort
As Cadillac's flagship model, the Escalade sets a high bar for in-cabin luxury. The base Luxury trim features faux leather, while all other trims boast genuine leather, with the Platinum models receiving ultra-soft semi-aniline hides. The interior is further enhanced with leather-covered dash and door panels, aluminum speaker grilles, and adjustable ambient lighting, creating an upscale atmosphere. However, some switchgear is shared with other GM models. The Escalade is available in both standard and long-wheelbase ESV versions, with the ESV offering extra legroom for third-row passengers and additional cargo space.
2024 Cadillac Escalade: Connectivity
Cadillac has outfitted the Escalade with advanced electronics, headlined by a digital dashboard featuring three curved OLED displays that together offer 38 inches of digital space. This setup serves both as the driver's gauge cluster and the CUE infotainment system, delivering an integrated and layered look superior to the single-plane infotainment system of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-class. Other notable tech includes an augmented-reality navigation system and an optional rear-seat entertainment package with two 12.6-inch streaming-capable displays. Standard features include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Cadillac's partnership with the Grammy-award-winning audio company AKG ensures top-tier sound quality across all models. The base Luxury, Sport, and Premium Luxury trims come with a 19-speaker Studio Sound system, while the Platinum trims boast an impressive 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference system, catering to audiophiles.
2024 Cadillac Escalade: Pricing
The 2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV are priced between $83,890 and $154,290, varying based on trim levels and additional options.
Luxury | $83,890 |
Premium Luxury | $95,190 |
Sport | $98,190 |
Premium Luxury Platinum | $112,690 |
Sport Platinum | $112,690 |
V-Series | $154,290 |
Which one to Purchase?
When shopping for the Escalade, it's worth going all out and choosing the Premium Luxury Platinum trim. This top-tier option offers semi-aniline leather, 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, soft-close doors, and an AKG audio system with 36 speakers. It also includes Super Cruise, a head-up display, and a self-parking feature as standard. The Sport Platinum trim provides similar features but with a darker exterior. For those seeking maximum performance, the V-Series is the ultimate choice.
2024 Cadillac Escalade Specifications
Engine | 6.2L V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management (standard), 6.2L Supercharged V8 (V-Series) |
Horsepower | 420 hp (standard), 682 hp (V-Series) |
Torque | 460 lb-ft (standard), 653 lb-ft (V-Series) |
Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
Wheelbase (Escalade) | 120.9 in (3071 mm) |
Wheelbase (Escalade ESV) | 134.1 in (3406 mm) |
Overall Length (Escalade) | 211.9 in (5382 mm) |
Overall Length (Escalade ESV) | 227 in (5766 mm) |
Width | 81.1 in (2059 mm) |
Height | 76.7 in (1948 mm) (Escalade), 76.4 in (1941 mm) (Escalade ESV) |
Standard Features | 22" wheels, Curved OLED display (38" diagonal), 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system, Heated seats (front row), Sunroof, Safety suite including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking |
V-Series Specific Features | Brembo brakes, Magnetic Ride Control, Electronic Limited-Slip Differential, V-Mode drive mode, Unique interior and exterior styling |
2024 Cadillac Escalade Warranty
The 2024 Escalade comes with Cadillac's standard warranty package. While its powertrain warranty is more extensive than those of rivals like the GLS-class and BMW X7, BMW's complimentary scheduled maintenance plan surpasses that of Cadillac.
Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
Cadillac Escalade vs. BMW X7
The Escalade's large size can make maneuvering a challenge, which might lead some shoppers to consider the BMW X7. Although the X7 doesn't offer the same interior or cargo space as the Escalade, it comfortably seats seven and delivers robust performance from its six-cylinder engine or optional V8. The X7 is the sportier option, though the Escalade V boasts impressive muscle in its own right.
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