Written by Marco Carvajal
I am test driving the new 2021 Cadillac Escalade Sport, a new generation Escalade.
The Escalade is a classic full-size Crossover SUV but Cadillac keeps reinventing this successful car model again and again. The new 2021 Cadillac is part of the 5th generation Escalade.
From music stars to important politicians, from large families to business executives, the Escalade is well known for its elegance, solid construction, high-tech standards, large interior space, and luxury.
The CadillacEscalade is an iconic SUV and a sign of high-level status. The $76,195 starting ticket price for the 2021 Escalade is not cheap, it is more expensive than other SUVs, not everyone can buy an Escalade, but those lucky ones who can afford it, are definitely going to enjoy it
The Cadillac Escalade was introduced for the 1999 car model year to compete with German and Japanese SUVs and to compete with the launch of the Lincoln Navigator. The name “Escalade” refers to a siege warfare tactic of scaling defensive walls or ramparts, with the help of ladders or siege towers.
The new 2021 Cadillac Escalade has been fully redesigned with several enhancements. It is longer than the previous Escalade with increased passenger and cargo room.
New Generation Escalade
We have all have seen Escale SUVs everywhere on the road, but the new 2021 Escalade is not the same Escalade we know. The new Escalade is part of the new 5th generation Escalade. The 2021 Escalade and Escalade ESV are a remake of the classic Escalade. The new Escalade provides an amazing driving experience with a completely revolutionized Cadillac full-size SUV.
Cadillac has made every possible effort to create a new Escalade with better every possible new feature and technology. The new 2021 Escalade not only looks different but also includes some of the best technology available in a full-size SUV. Excepcional and innovative high-tech standards.
Industry-first Curved OLED 38 inches large screen
According to Cadillac, the new Escalade is the most Technologically Advanced Escalade ever with an industry-first curved OLED large screen with 38 inches of total diagonal display.
This high-end technology produces bold image-perfect blacks and the largest color range available on an automotive screen. The OLED screen is very enjoyable using the advanced navigation system with great quality colors and light.
The first curved OLED diagonal display is not only very large, but it also has twice the pixel density of a 4K TV.
420 HorsePower
The new Escalade is powered by a 6.2 Liter V8 Engine producing 420 HorsePower. Enough power for any adventure onboard the Escalade.
AKG 36-Speakers Premium System
AKG Premium super audio with 3 amps, 6 subwoofers, 36-speakers located everywhere inside the Escalade including speakers in the ceiling and the headrest. This advanced audio system is standard in the Escalade Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum
Hands-free driver-assistance Super Cruise
The first master hands-free driver assistance is available in the new Escalade. This advanced hands-free system works with GPS, real-time cameras, and sensors to keep your Escalade in the right path with better maneuvers.
The optional Super Cruise is considered the first truly hands-free driver assistance, it works with compatible highways. It offers several new enhancements, including Lane-Change-on-Demand functionality, it is a luxury feature related to autonomous driving.
“There is something special about driving an Escalade,” said Steve Carlisle, Cadillac president. “It has the bold presence and exclusive technology to elevate the extraordinary and make every drive feel like an occasion.”
For those who like the luxury and comfort of Cadillac vehicles, many will find the Escalade more attractive to the competition because of its distinctive styling, interior space, and high-tech features.
Sport and Luxury Trim Models
There are 2 main styles within the 2021 Escalade models, Luxury and Sport. I am test driving the Sport trim. Both Sport and Sport Platinum trim levels share exterior design features.
The new Escalade offers different design trim levels with shared and unique style, including Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport/Sport Platinum, and Premium Luxury Platinum.
2021 Escalade Trim Levels
- 2021 Escalade Luxury, starting at $76,195 MSRP
- 2021 Escalade Premium Luxury, starting at $83,195 MSRP
- 2021 Escalade Sport, starting at $85,895.195 MSRP, the one I am test driving.
- 2021 Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum, starting at $100.595 MSRP
- 2021 Escalade Sport Platinum, starting at $100.595 MSRP
2021 Escalade Highlights
- 6.2 Liter V8 Engine
- 420 HorsePower
- 460 lb-ft of Torque
- Optional Duramax 3.0 L Turbo Diesel Engine
- Industry-first Curved OLED 38 inches large screen
- Display with twice the pixel density of a 4K TV
- 3 distinct grille styles
- AKG 36-Speakers Premium System
- 2 Distinctive design themes trims, sport, and luxury
- Hands-free driver-assistance with Lane-Change-on-Demand functionality
- Available Night Vision System
- Console Refrigerator with Freezer mode
- Standard 22′ Wheels
- Segment-leading maximum of 142.8 cubic feet of cargo space
- Automatic Seat Belt Tightening
- Automatic Emergency Braking
Engine and transmission
All Escalades include a standard engine with a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower, 460 pound-feet of torque, and rear-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive is optional. It is also available an optional 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo diesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission
Competitors from the Escalade include large SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator and Mercedes-Benz GLS
