2023 Cadillac Escalade V First Drive Review: Pure, Unadulterated Excess

You’re feeling a good quantity of guilt whereas driving a full-size SUV with a 682-horsepower supercharged V8 at a time when gasoline costs are by way of the freakin’ roof. However this form of rampant overindulgence is precisely what the brand new Cadillac Escalade V is all about.

So as an alternative of asking, “Why now?” Maybe the higher query is, “What took ’em so lengthy?” The Escalade’s been extra synonymous with Cadillac than any CT-whatever sedan will ever be, but it is solely now being invited into the hi-po V-Sequence membership. Chief engineer Mike Symons chalks it as much as previous Escalades relying too closely on inventory full-size pickup truck platforms, whereas the brand new SUV has subtle underpinnings like an air suspension, Magnetic Trip Management dampers and an impartial rear axle. It is true; these attributes pay dividends in direction of making the Escalade V nice to drive. After all, having a bazooka of an engine actually helps, too.

I am after all speaking about Cadillac’s 6.2-liter supercharged V8, the identical one you may discover within the superior CT5-V Blackwing. Along with 682 hp, this V8 pushes out 653 pound-feet of torque by way of a 10-speed automated transmission. That is sufficient motivation to maneuver this roughly 6,000-pound behemoth to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, or 4.5 seconds for those who go for the long-wheelbase Escalade V ESV examined right here.

Cadillac spent loads of time tuning the Escalade V’s exhaust. The equal-length pipes exit by way of quad ideas, and the aural high quality is downright impolite. There’s an nearly extreme quantity of burble on overrun that you would be able to hear all through the cabin, and neither the engine or exhaust are artificially ‘enhanced’ by way of the audio system. When one thing sounds this good, there is not any want for amplification.

The ten-speed automated transmission is completely tuned to take advantage of the Escalade V’s energy. Toddle round city in Tour mode and the gearbox shifts easily and quietly, befitting of a full-size luxurious SUV. Put the Escalade in its most aggressive V mode, nevertheless, and you may take pleasure in rapid-fire upshifts and downshifts which can be delightfully violent, the sort that kick you thru the again of the seat. Even the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are fulfilling to make use of. That is one thing I do not usually say, and I actually did not count on it in an Escalade.

I additionally did not count on this factor to deal with in addition to it does, although I suppose I should not actually be shocked. Cadillac’s fourth-generation Magnetic Trip Management system is about pretty much as good as fashionable suspension tech will get, and mixed with the usual air setup, it really works wonders. Physique roll is quelled sufficient to maintain the Escalade V largely flat whereas cornering, however not a lot to make you overlook you are driving a fully huge SUV. The steering is appropriately weighty with loads of suggestions from the highway, and the usual Brembo six-piston entrance brakes do an admirable job dealing with the brunt of the stopping pressure.

These improved highway manners do not kill day-to-day consolation, both. There is a wealth of energy below your proper foot, nevertheless it’s simple to handle and by no means rears its head unexpectedly.

My one grievance with the experience high quality is not truly distinctive to the V, it is one thing I’ve skilled in different Escalades, as nicely. On the usual 22-inch wheels, the experience is sort of chatty over minor pavement imperfections, regardless of the superb suspension tuning and thickly sidewalled 275/50 all-season tires. A smaller wheel/tire package deal would possibly mitigate this considerably, however Cadillac does not supply one from the manufacturing facility, although an engineer tells me 20-inch wheels will nonetheless clear the brake rotors.

Nice because the Escalade V is to drive, it is simply as beautiful if you let the driver-assistance know-how do the heavy lifting. Whereas it will not be out there at launch, Cadillac will supply the Escalade V with its wonderful Tremendous Cruise system, which permits for legit hands-free operation on an entire bunch of pre-mapped highways all through North America. Even on a steep and windy part of two-lane freeway by way of Arizona, Tremendous Cruise retains the Escalade V easily buzzing alongside, executing automated lane adjustments when protected to take action.

There is a ton of nice tech packed into the Escalade, and all of it carries over to the V. Cadillac’s curved OLED dashboard show affords 38 inches of diagonal digital actual property, with fairly colours and crisp graphics, in addition to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring, each of which join wirelessly.

The V builds off of the Escalade’s highest Platinum trim stage, so the inside is as loaded because it will get. The soft entrance seats are trimmed in delicate leather-based, and have heating, cooling and therapeutic massage performance. Second- and third-row passengers have ample head- and legroom, in addition to charging ports and storage cubbies for days. And do not forget, the Escalade V is big; the long-wheelbase ESV can accommodate as a lot as 142.8 cubic toes of cargo behind the entrance chairs.

That makes the Escalade V roomier than its closest opponents, the brand new Land Rover Vary Rover and Mercedes-AMG GLS63. It additionally makes the Escalade’s $149,990 base value (together with vacation spot) appear to be a relative discount. Add $3,000 for the long-wheelbase ESV and $2,500 for Tremendous Cruise and also you’re taking a look at $155,490 for an Escalade V geared up like my take a look at automotive. Nobody ever mentioned indulgence is reasonable.

Editors’ observe: Journey prices associated to this story had been lined by the producer, which is frequent within the auto trade. The judgments and opinions of CNET’s workers are our personal and we don’t settle for paid editorial content material.