2021 Cadillac Escalade: New Look, Interior, Tech, and Specs
New Inside, Outside and Under the Hood
And this full-size luxury SUV has adopted a new independent rear suspension setup for improved ride and handling and additional interior space.
Cadillac has redesigned the Escalade for 2021 with an attractive new exterior, an interior that takes a step up thanks to more luxurious materials and a large OLED infotainment screen. And this full-size luxury SUV has adopted a new independent rear suspension setup for improved ride and handling and additional interior space. More about all that below.
Photo Source: cadillac.com
GM has refined this Diesel engine enough to provide the Escalade with a smooth, discreet ride.
Powering the new Escalade is GM’s trusty 6.2-liter V8 or the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six — both are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. GM has refined this Diesel engine enough to provide the Escalade with a smooth, discreet ride.
The 2021 Escalade features available Super Cruise, the first true hands-free driving-assistance feature, including lane change on demand functionality. Trailering will also be easier and safer with the new Escalade; you’ll have nine different camera views to monitor.
Thanks to some innovative design and engineering, the 2021 Escalade also gives you an extra 10.4 inches of rear legroom in the third row and an additional 10.3 cu-ft more cargo space behind that third row.
All the Trimming
All the fancy Cadillac chrome has been discarded in favor of black painted trim, giving the Escalade a much more sinister look, and the Platinum Luxury has a cross-bar grille design that most resembles that of the previous generation Escalade.
The specific trim you choose, Luxury, Premium Luxury or Sport, will dictate the exterior styling. However, now exclusively for the Escalade there are also Platinum Luxury and Platinum Sport trims, and these are the most distinctive of the collection. All the fancy Cadillac chrome has been discarded in favor of black painted trim, giving the Escalade a much more sinister look, and the Platinum Luxury has a cross-bar grille design that most resembles that of the previous generation Escalade.
Even the Features Have Features
You’ll get twice the pixel density of a 4K TV and, believe me, it’s not a gimmick. It’s gorgeous!
Maybe the most important aspect of this Escalade is the new interior. The huge infotainment system is the car's centerpiece. The main screen is nearly 17 diagonal inches; the digital instrument cluster is 14.2 inches, and the third screen off to the left of the cluster measures over 7 inches. The screens themselves are unique because Cadillac is using curved OLED displays. You’ve seen this kind of tech implemented in TVs, phones and other devices, but never for a car’s infotainment system before. You’ll get twice the pixel density of a 4K TV and, believe me, it’s not a gimmick. It’s gorgeous!
Another feature I particularly like is having different “sound zones,” meaning passengers will be able to sleep in quiet while the driver enjoys some tunes.
The sound system is the first time that AKG has engineered an automotive audio system, and it’s fabulous. The base setup is a 19-speaker system, but an optional 36-speaker system (whoa!) appropriately called “Studio Reference” is the most exciting. There are speakers throughout the cabin at different height levels and locations for an immersive 360-degree listening experience. Another feature I particularly like is having different “sound zones,” meaning passengers will be able to sleep in quiet while the driver enjoys some tunes.
Photo Source: cadillac.com
The Escalade takes a sumptuous approach with finely-tailored interior design. There are a number of rich leather colors, quilting and perforations to choose from, including one called “Gideon Whisper Beige” that features woven fabric integrated with leather for a luxurious look and feel throughout. None of these are ordinary; no matter what you choose, you’ll be in plush, sophisticated surroundings. The entire interior is trimmed in real wood and leather with intricate quilting and piping.
Take Wally Wallet with You
The Escalade will go on sale in late 2020. The expected base price will be about $77,000. If you want to outfit your vehicle with Super Cruise, the hands-free driving system, or any of the Escalade's luxury interior fittings, expect to pay more.
For more information, visit: www.cadillac.com