The 2021 Cadillac Escalade SUV is finally here: reach out and touch all the luxury
The Cadillac Escalade is finally ready to grow up and live up to its hefty price tag.
On Tuesday in Beverly Hills, California, the Detroit-based automaker unveiled the 2021 Cadillac Escalade with more technology, independent rear suspension, and a luxurious interior.
Inside, the 2021 Escalade's design is a departure from the Escala concept. Soft leather and textile materials are used on the doors and lower dashboard. The dashboard consists of a 7.2-inch touchscreen to the left of the instrument cluster displaying vehicle information, a 14.2-inch digital meter cluster, and a 16.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the center of the dash, consisting of a thin, curved, 38+ inch The center of the dash is occupied by a 16.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Key functions such as phone and navigation can also be controlled via a rotary controller and hard buttons on the center console. For the first time in Escalade history, the truck-style column gear selector has been replaced by an electronic gear selector located in the console.
Technophiles will be enamored with the Escalade's options list. The navigation system features augmented reality that allows street views with directional overlay arrows, which can be transferred to the 14.2-inch digital meter cluster; standard support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; and a navigation system with a navigation system that allows the driver to navigate the car using the navigation system. The rear-seat entertainment system will feature a 12.6-inch screen mounted on the front seat backrests. Rear seat passengers will be able to stream video, play games, music, and videos via HDMI and USB inputs. The screen will also project an Android-based smartphone. Rear seat passengers will also be able to make destination suggestions to the driver via the rear screen, taking backseat driving to a whole new level.
The 2021 Escalade comes standard with an AKG Studio 19-speaker surround sound system, while the AKG Studio Reference 36-speaker 3D surround sound system is standard on the Platinum trim and available on the Premium Luxury and Sport models.
A carryover 6.2-liter V8 engine (maximum output 420 hp and maximum torque 460 hp) will be the standard engine. Those seeking better fuel economy will want to choose the 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder turbo diesel with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Whichever engine is chosen, power is delivered to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive with low-range gearing and an electronically controlled limited slip differential is also available.
For those planning to tow, Cadillac will offer up to nine camera views, along with the ability to expand the blind-spot monitoring system. The Escalade will also be able to monitor trailer tire pressure.
Riding on a new platform shared with the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and 2021 GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, the 2021 Escalade will feature independent rear suspension for the first time. Passive suspension will be standard, but adaptive dampers and a four-corner air suspension system with up to four inches of adjustment will also be available.
The 2021 Escalade's wheelbase has been extended by 4 inches, nearly 7 inches larger than its predecessor; third-row passengers will benefit the most with over 10 inches more legroom, while second-row passengers will enjoy seats that slide back and forth. The Escalade's third-row rear cargo capacity has increased by more than 68% and can carry up to 25.5 cubic feet of cargo with all seats in place, expanding to 109.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. An independent rear suspension allows the third row to fold flat.
The Escalade's exterior is more evolution than revolution. The front is still blunt and upright with an imposing grille. The vertical daytime running lights and horizontal headlights resemble those of the XT6 crossover SUV. The vertical taillights are largely unchanged from their predecessors, except for more intricate detailing. Luxury models will have platinum silver exterior accents, while Sport models will have everything blacked out in glossy black plastic. All 2021 Escalades will have 22-inch wheels regardless of trim.
The Escalade will be available in five different trim levels: luxury, premium luxury, sport, platinum sport, and platinum luxury.
The 2021 Escalade will be equipped with automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and active lane control. A night vision system, blind spot monitor, heads-up display, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert with lane change warning are also available.
Cadillac's Level 2 hands-free driver assistance system, Super Cruise, has been added to the option list, and a new array of sensors adds lane change capability.
The options list for the 2021 Escalade will be huge. Everything from refrigerators and freezers to a 36-speaker AKG sound system and a heads-up display will be optional.
Cadillac has not revealed pricing for the 2021 Escalade, which will go on sale in the third quarter of 2020, but confirmed to Motor Authority that it will start at about $76,500, the same as the current model, with fully optioned versions priced .
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