The All-New 2025 Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac's future is undeniably electric, yet the present success of the brand is firmly anchored by the Escalade. This iconic, full-sized luxury SUV, known for its roaring V-8 engine, continues to dominate the market even as the 2025 Escalade IQ, an electric luxury SUV, garners significant attention. However, Cadillac ensures the conventional Escalade remains a strong contender with a mid-cycle refresh for the 2025 model year, incorporating aspects of the IQ’s aesthetics and technology.
Legacy of Luxury
The Escalade has ruled the full-size luxury SUV segment since its debut in 1999, maintaining its lead since 2014. While General Motors (GM) channels considerable resources into electric vehicles, they also focus on keeping legacy models like the Escalade fresh and relevant.
Cadillac unveiled the fifth-generation Escalade in 2021, marking a significant upgrade with a mature design, improved materials, Super Cruise hands-free driving assist, and an independent rear suspension for increased interior space. The 2025 refresh continues on the T1 platform, maintaining similar dimensions and powertrains, but with enhanced tech and design cues inspired by the Escalade IQ.
Design Enhancements
The 2025 Escalade receives design updates inspired by Cadillac's electric flagships, the Celestiq and Lyriq. New vertical lighting technology and a redesigned front end impart a more muscular look, especially on the V-Series, which boasts a unique fascia and a powerful bumper. Trim-specific grilles range from chrome-laden to a menacing black for the V-Series.
The larger Cadillac crest, introduced in 2021, now features illumination on top trims. Familiar vertical taillights and a redesigned lower rear section create a broader visual impression. Standard 22-inch wheels can be upgraded to optional 24-inchers, a first for the Escalade. Additionally, three new colors join the palette.
Power and Performance
The powertrain lineup remains largely unchanged, continuing with the 6.2-liter V-8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V offers a supercharged version of this engine, delivering 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission featuring manual gear selection and automatic downshifting on descents. The 3.0-liter turbodiesel I-6 is discontinued due to low demand.
While fuel economy figures are pending, the powertrains still utilize GM's Dynamic Fuel Management system, variable valve timing, and automatic start/stop. The Escalade offers rear- and all-wheel drive options, with Super Cruise as a standard feature for the first three years.
Ride and Handling
The shift to an independent rear suspension in the fifth generation has significantly improved the Escalade's ride and handling. Suspension options range from base coil springs with passive dampers to an air-sprung adaptive system with magnetorheological dampers, offering an adjustable ride height for added comfort and versatility.
Cutting-Edge Infotainment
The 2021 Escalade's 38-inch OLED screen was groundbreaking, but the 2025 model takes it further with a 55-inch curved screen spanning the entire dashboard, similar to the Escalade IQ. Beneath a single pane of glass, this display includes a 35-inch driver’s screen and a 20-inch passenger touchscreen, the latter polarized to prevent driver distraction. Additional knobs, including one for volume control, complement the sleek design.
The 2025 Escalade retains wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google-enabled services, and vastly improved voice commands. The AKG Studio sound system with 19 speakers is standard, while a 36-speaker system and an Executive Second Row package with four headrest speakers are optional.
Interior Innovations
New interior features include an updated steering wheel, a column-mounted gearshift, and increased center console space. Among the ten interior options are two new color schemes: Renaissance Red with quilted and perforated leather seats, and Jet Black and Sheer Gray with heathered gray quilted seats. The V-Series offers a carbon fiber-oriented interior with black leather seats and a suede headliner.
Power open and close doors are now an option, with seating for up to eight passengers. The second row offers bench seats or captain’s chairs, while the third row features power-folding seats. The Executive Second Row package adds luxury with heated, cooled, and massaging seats, stowable tray tables, and enhanced tech features.
Availability and Pricing
The gas-powered Escalade, including the V-Series and Escalade ESV, will enter production in Arlington, Texas, later this year, with deliveries beginning by year-end. Official pricing will be announced soon, with ordering opening in the third quarter of 2024. The Escalade will be available in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, Japan, Israel, and Korea.
The Escalade IQ might be the future, but the traditional Escalade remains an enduring icon and a vital contributor to Cadillac's success. GM's careful balancing act ensures that this cash cow continues to thrive, maintaining its status as the best-selling full-size luxury SUV.
