2021 Cadillac Escalade
BASE PRICE $77,500-$102,000 (est)
VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine,
RWD/4WD, 7-8-pass,
4-door SUV
ENGINES 6.2L/420-hp/460-lb-
ft OHV 16-valve V-8;
3.0L/277-hp/460-lb-ft
DOHC 24-valve
turbodiesel I-6
TRANSMISSION 10-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT 5,650-6,350 lb (est)
WHEELBASE 120.9-134.1 in
LENGTH X WIDTH
X HEIGHT211.0 x 81.0-81.1 x
76.4-76.6 in
0-60 MPH 5.5-8.0 sec (MT est)
EPA CITY/HWY/
COMB FUEL ECONNot yet ratedON SALE IN U.S. Summer 2020Only the windshield, roof panels, and
doors are shared with sister SUVs from
GMC and Chevrolet, and virtually no parts
carry over from the previous model.
There will be more than one power-
train, but the Escalade will launch with
an updated version of the 6.2-liter V-8,
which already generates 420 hp and 460
lb-ft. The active fuel management system
is replaced by the more efficient Dynamic
Fuel Management. It also has variable
valve timing and engine stop/start.
The 277-hp, 460-lb-ft 3.0-liter Duramax
I-6 turbodiesel will be added later in the
2021 model year. Early plans to give the
Escalade the 4.2-liter twin-turbocharged
Blackwing V-8 engine were shelved.
Performance or V versions are expected
to use a version of GM’s 6.2-liter super-
charged small-block V-8.
All engines are paired with GM’s
10-speed automatic transmission with
paddles for manual gear selection and the
smarts to downshift automatically when
going downhill.
The 2021 Escalade will offer enhanced
Super Cruise soon after launch. The
hands-free driver assist system works on
200,000 miles of mapped highways. It
views its surroundings with a new sensor
set, front camera module and 360-degree
cameras, and long- and short-range radar,
all reacting to lidar map data—as well as
a camera that monitors drivers to ensure
their readiness to take control of the
vehicle if it becomes necessary suddenly.
Better sensors, map info, and software are
designed to make the steering and speed
control feel more natural. It has been
further enhanced with lane change on
demand. Flip on the turn signal to initiate,
and the system will check the surround-
ings and change lanes when it’s safe.
Over many, many years, we’ve bled far
too much ink criticizing GM’s interior
materials and design choices. The Esca-
lade restores some faith with the choice
of eight wood trims, as well as intricate
cut-and-sew stitching and piping, ambient
lighting, soft-closing doors, an air cleaner,
refrigerator/freezer, and the introduction
of the industry’s first curved OLED screen
(see sidebar). The interior was highly
influenced by the Escala sedan concept
shown at Pebble Beach in 2016.
The infotainment screen can be oper-
ated by touch or via a controller in the
center console, for which the team worked
hard to get the right weight, shape, and
feel. It feels robust and easy to use. When
you use the touchscreen, the presentation
of the icons is horizontal, but when you
use the knobs, the presentation changes to
a carousel to mimic the controller.
Rear passengers enjoy 12.6-inch indi-
vidually controlled touchscreens mounted
on the backs of the front seats. These can
share entertainment with other screens
or play unique content, and USB outlets
provide audio and video connections.
Passengers have an option to track the
trip, so no more “Are we there yet?” ques-
tions. Conversely, passengers can find info
such as the nearest rest stop and send the
info to the driver to accept or decline.Another first: an AKG audio surround
sound system exclusive to Cadillac in the
automotive space. The standard Studio
system has 19 speakers; the Studio Refer-
ence package upgrades to 36 speakers
and surround 3-D audio. Speakers can be
found in doors, the headliner, instrument
panel, center console, headrests, and even
in the A-pillar with the airbags.
A cool feature is the ability to crank the
tunes for the driver but turn down the
volume for passengers. The speakers and
microphones can also be used to enhance
conversations between rows.FIRST LOOK
50 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020