Shereen Shabnam
This year has been all about product enhancement in the motoring sector and we had a few days testing the all-new 2021 Cadillac Escalade, which is completely redesigned with pioneering new technologies that add new dimension to the iconic luxury SUV. The 2021 Escalade has a bold presence and has been completely redesigned to deliver improved driving dynamics and significantly greater passenger and cargo capacities. We get you some insights into the vehicle.
Exterior
The new Escalade maintains Cadillac’s signature vertical lighting element, but the new interpretation adds a sleek, horizontal headlamp to reinforce a broad, confident stance. The tall, vertical, rear light signature continues but adds deep three-dimensional layers and finishes with detailed etching.
The added layers of detail extend to unique trim elements and grille textures. Escalade will offer Cadillac’s Sport trim for the first time, featuring a black mesh grille and black trim across the exterior. Twenty-two-inch wheels are standard and strengthen Escalade’s bold appearance.
Interior
Escalade’s new interior design is centered on a custom-woven fabric that adds a new level of style and ambience to the Escalade’s cabin. The new curved OLED display is the centerpiece of the interior and includes touch-screen control for the center display, while the interior also includes a full-feature rotary dial controller and steering wheel controls.
The result is a completely fresh, integrated cabin look that seamlessly blends technology with handcrafted details. A mix of electronic controls and physical switches offer intuitive operation of vehicle features.
Additional touches include stainless-steel speaker grilles, intricate piping on the door panels and ambient lighting with a wide range of color choices. For sound that heightens experiences, AKG brings its audio technology for the first time in cars, exclusively for Cadillac. The interior offers eight color and trim choices, which include unique seat designs, with custom perforation and quilting patterns.
Drive Assist Elements
The Escalade incorporates several advanced, vision-oriented features, including such as the Augmented Reality-enabled navigation, and Surround Vision, a standard feature that employs four exterior cameras to provide a 2-megapixel bird’s eye view of the scene around the vehicle. The Trailering Integration Package offers up to nine camera views while the Rear Camera Mirror streams a rear-facing camera view. Night Vision helps detect pedestrians and large animals. Other features include high-precision GPS, a state-of-the-art driver attention system, a network of cameras and radar sensors and automated lane change.
Engine & Performance
Confidence-inspiring performance remains a hallmark of the 2021 Escalade, with a new 6.2L V-8 engine offered as standard. With variable valve timing, stop/start and
kW) — with comparative efficiency. For the first time ever, the Escalade is also offered with a 3.0L turbo-diesel engine, designed to produce strong torque across the power band for confident performance and trailering capability. The 460 lb-ft (623 Nm) of peak torque matches the 6.2L V-8 and a 10-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift control.
Verdict
Confident performance with advanced chassis technologies, a more spacious interior and leading driver-assistance technologies in the Escalade offer an enhanced driving experience. In addition, the increased passenger space, expanded cargo carrying capability, the enhanced ride quality and handling performance adds value to the drive experience.
