20Nov
The 2024 Cadillac Escalade-V is a masterstroke of luxury and performance
The 2024 Cadillac Escalade-V, a daring blend of opulence and power, continues pushing the boundaries of the full-blown luxury SUV segment. Building on the nameplate’s illustrious legacy, the Escalade has transformed over the years from an upgraded GMC Yukon variant to Cadillac's most iconic model. As the current generation steps into its third year, the Escalade continues to hold its ground against formidable rivals like the Lincoln Navigator, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and Lexus LX600, even outperforming them in a recent comparison test.
However, the Escalade heats up the battlefield even further with the Escalade-V variant. It inherits the regular Escalade’s regal and versatile nature but ups the ante with a significant performance boost. A high-horsepower V8 engine roars under its hood, a power mill already hailed all over the place for its sheer robustness. That power is further enriched by the model's enhanced handling capabilities.
Naturally, the quintessential superiority offered by the Escalade-V doesn't come cheap. This single-trim, 7-seater marvel commands a premium price point, but for those seeking the ultimate blend of luxury and performance, it's an investment worth every penny. Let's take a closer look at the features responsible for the 2024 Escalade-V's position as the best large, performance SUV for 2023/2024.
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The Engine And Performance
The Cadillac Escalade-V takes the grandeur of a large luxury vehicle and seamlessly blends it with the dynamism of a performance car. This behemoth from Cadillac's stable comes equipped with a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine, delivering a substantial 420 horsepower.
When cruising, half of the engine's cylinders can be deactivated to extend fuel efficiency. An alternative option is the 3.0-liter diesel inline-six. Paired with both powertrains is a standard 10-speed automatic transmission, with choices of rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations.
Sharing its foundation with the current-generation Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, and GMC Yukon, the Escalade boasts an independent rear suspension. This design increases legroom in the third row, a convenience compromised in the previous version due to its solid rear axle.
The Premium trims further improve ride comfort with air springs and adaptive dampers. When tested, the V8-powered long-wheelbase Escalade ESV clocked a 0 to 60 mph sprint in a swift 5.9 seconds.
If you prioritize fuel economy over raw power, the 277-hp diesel engine offers an appealing compromise, providing a punchy 460 lb-ft of torque at the low end. For gearheads with a need for speed, only the Escalade-V will do. Its beast-like supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, capable of a heart-racing 682 horsepower, propelled the large SUV to 60 mph in a mere 4.3 seconds during an independent test run.
The V8's power and deep, resonant growl thoroughly impressed test drivers. The modifications made to the Escalade-V’s suspension system improved its road manners, though it doesn't quite match the nimble handling of competitors like the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 or the BMW Alpina XB7.
The moment you ignite the Escalade-V, its monstrous supercharged V8 springs to life with a snappy, rattling growl. You’d probably need a solitary road to experience the promised lightning-fast 4.4-second sprint to 60 mph. It's not just about raw power, though.
Even the gear shifts are a part of the drama, with all the vehicle’s systems working harmoniously to deliver a thrilling surge of acceleration. Rather than a mere mechanical necessity, each upshift feels like a power boost, accompanied by a sharp, throaty exhaust note. The gear changes are remarkably swift, mimicking the speed of a dual-clutch automatic transmission rather than a traditional unit.
Ultra-Luxurious Cabin And Hi-Tech Features
The Escalade sets a new standard for in-cabin luxury to represent its position at the top of Cadillac’s lineup. The base Luxury trim features faux leather, while other trims use genuine leather, with Platinum models indulging in extra-soft semi-aniline hides.
The interior exudes sophistication with leather-covered dash and door panels, aluminum speaker grilles, and adjustable ambient lighting. Offering a choice of standard and long-wheelbase ESV models means shoppers can choose an Escalade that meets their space and accommodation needs.
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Beyond its high-performance capabilities, the 2024 Cadillac Escalade-V remains a versatile and comfortable family vehicle. The air suspension system plays a significant role in maintaining comfort, alleviating the impact of the SUV's hefty price tag and fuel economy challenges.
The exterior design received tasteful updates that show restraint and a bold character. The V’s unique wheels and styling treatments enhance the sporty appearance, complementing features like the mesh grille and quad exhaust.
The interior, while familiar, incorporates distinct elements such as the V-Mode button and a V badge. The 2024 Escalade-V’s 36-speaker AKG premium sound system belches out an exceptional audio experience, a standout feature among its competitors. Cadillac's partnership with AKG ensures top-notch audio quality across the lineup.
The Escalade's electronics department impresses with a digital dashboard comprising three curved OLED displays and 38 inches of combined digital real estate. Tech enthusiasts will appreciate features like augmented-reality navigation, rear-seat entertainment with streaming capability, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
The Escalade's tech package includes driver awareness features like the Cadillac Smart System™, HD Surround Vision, Surround Vision Recorder, Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Head-Up Display, and Night Vision.
2024 Cadillac Escalade-V 20Th Anniversary
Following its January 2022 debut for the 2023 model year, the Cadillac Escalade-V variant is turning two years old with the 2024 model. The 2024 MY also brings exciting 20th-anniversary features to celebrate two decades of Cadillac V-Series excellence.
Like its 2024 CT4- and CT5-V counterparts, the Escalade-V offers a special 20th Anniversary V-Series package. This distinctive package includes a custom grille header and puddle lamp projections, accompanied by a unique wake-up animation when you fire up the engine.
As part of the 20th Anniversary V-Series package, the Escalade-V showcases a Black Diamond Tricoat exterior. Originating from the second-generation CTS-V in 2011, this heritage color features "aluminum flakes encapsulated in a glass-like substance, enhancing the richness of the black base by bouncing sunlight off it."
Naturally, the Black Diamond Tricoat’s availability will be limited for the 2024 Escalade-V, echoing a similar tradition with the CT4-V, CT4-V Blackwing, CT5-V, and CT5-V Blackwing models.
Summarily, the 2024 Cadillac Escalade-V 20th Anniversary celebrates the brand’s performance legacy with fresh cosmetic upgrades. Riding on the GM T1 platform, the Escalade-V is crafted exclusively at the GM Arlington plant in Texas, emphasizing its American-made excellence.
2024 Cadillac Escalade-V: The Best Large Performance SUV vs. The Competition
Comparing Escalade-V to the Mercedes-Benz G 63, both models rock robust V8 engines with sub-5-second zero-to-60-mph times. The G 63 excels off-road, a capability not shared by the Escalade-V.
However, the Escalade-V's lower price point, enhanced standard features, modern infotainment controls, spacious cargo area, and an additional row of seats make it an immediate preference for those less interested in off-road performance.
In contrast, the Alpina XB7 shares many features with the Escalade-V, including three rows of seats and well-crafted cabins. Yet, differences emerge as the XB7 outshines in the handling department, houses a powerful 631-horsepower V8 for a quicker 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds (versus Escalade-V's 4.4 seconds), and delivers superior fuel efficiency.
Conversely, the Escalade-V boasts more opulent cabin materials, a larger cargo area, and added third-row space. Ultimately, the customer's heart wants it wants.
It's not hard to see why multiple sources crowned the Cadillac Escalade-V the top full-size performance SUV for 2023/24. It did an exemplary job of seamlessly blending potent engine performance, balanced driving dynamics for its substantial size, luxurious cabin, and extensive array of desirable features.
While its handling may be outmatched by some competitors, its current #1 ranking in the Large Performance SUVs category attests to its overall excellence. It earned a US News score of 8.7 out of 10, based on a thorough evaluation of "8 pieces of research and data elements from various sources."
US News says its ranking comes from eight professional critiques with concrete performance specs, fuel economy estimates, and safety ratings.
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