When Cadillac unleashed the Escalade-V, it didn’t just create another high-performance SUV—it redefined what American luxury vehicles could achieve. This 682-horsepower leviathan blends the Escalade’s legendary presence with track-bred engineering, resulting in a machine that dominates both Rodeo Drive and canyon roads with equal authority. More than just a faster Escalade, the V represents Cadillac’s unapologetic vision for performance luxury in the 21st century.
A Design That Commands Respect
The Escalade-V immediately announces its intentions with an aggressive makeover of Cadillac’s iconic design language. Up front, a gloss black mesh grille—nearly 30% larger than the standard Escalade’s—houses the illuminated Cadillac crest, flanked by darkened LED matrix headlights. Functional air intakes feed the intercoolers for the supercharged V8, while a lowered front splitter enhances high-speed stability.
Along the sides, massive 22-inch forged aluminum wheels fill the extended wheel arches, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires developed specifically for this application. Black chrome accents replace standard brightwork, and subtle V-Series badging reminds onlookers this isn’t just any Escalade. Out back, a performance rear diffuser houses quad exhaust tips that bellow with authority when the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 comes alive.
Heart of a Supercar
The Escalade-V’s party piece lies under its sculpted hood—a hand-built 6.2-liter supercharged V8 shared with the track-focused CT5-V Blackwing sedan. This forced-fed powerhouse delivers 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful production SUV ever built by General Motors. Power routes through a 10-speed automatic transmission to a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that can send up to 100% of torque rearward when conditions allow.
Performance numbers border on surreal for a 6,200-pound SUV:
- 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds
- Quarter-mile in 12.74 seconds at 110 mph
- Top speed electronically limited to 120 mph
What makes these figures remarkable isn’t just their outright impressiveness, but how accessible the power feels. The supercharger’s instant response means explosive acceleration from any speed, while the 10-speed transmission executes lightning-fast upshifts and perfectly timed downshifts. An active exhaust system allows drivers to toggle between subdued and full-bore modes, the latter delivering a NASCAR-inspired bellow under hard acceleration.
Engineering That Defies Physics
Cadillac’s performance engineers worked miracles to make the Escalade-V handle like a much smaller vehicle. The fourth-generation Magnetic Ride Control system scans the road 1,000 times per second, continuously adjusting damping forces to keep this heavyweight composed. An electronic limited-slip differential maximizes traction when powering out of corners, while massive six-piston Brembo front brakes (with 15.7-inch rotors) provide fade-resistant stopping power.
Perhaps the most impressive trick is the rear-wheel steering system, which can turn the rear wheels up to 3.5 degrees in either direction. At low speeds, this sharpens the turning circle, making parking lot maneuvers surprisingly manageable. At highway velocities, it enhances stability by subtly counter-steering during lane changes. The result is an SUV that feels far more agile than its 211-inch length suggests.
Luxury That Matches the Performance
Inside, the Escalade-V surrounds occupants with a blend of performance cues and Cadillac’s finest luxury appointments. Standard 16-way power-adjustable front seats feature aggressive bolsters to keep drivers planted during spirited driving, yet remain sumptuously comfortable on long journeys. Semi-aniline leather covers nearly every surface, with microfiber suede accents on the headliner and pillars.
The cabin’s technological centerpiece remains the 38-inch curved OLED display—combining the instrument cluster, infotainment, and front passenger entertainment into one seamless interface. A 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system delivers astonishing clarity, while active noise cancellation keeps the cabin serene when cruising.
Despite its performance focus, practicality remains intact. With 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row (expanding to 121 cubic feet with seats folded), the Escalade-V can still handle family duties with ease. Towing capacity stands at 8,200 pounds—enough for a sizable boat or trailer.
Technology That Enhances the Experience
Cadillac equipped the Escalade-V with an arsenal of cutting-edge tech:
- Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance for compatible highways
- Augmented Reality Navigation that overlays directions onto real-time camera views
- Night Vision with pedestrian and animal detection
- Performance Data Recorder that captures driving metrics and video
The V-Mode performance pages display real-time telemetry including horsepower output, lateral G-forces, and lap times—features typically reserved for dedicated sports cars.
The Ultimate American Performance Statement
Starting at $149,990, the Escalade-V competes with European rivals like the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 and BMW X7 M60i. Yet none offer the same combination of unapologetic American swagger, supercharged V8 character, and Cadillac’s unique approach to luxury.
For buyers who demand the ultimate expression of American performance luxury, the Escalade-V stands alone. It’s a vehicle that scoffs at compromise, delivering heart-pounding acceleration and handling that defy physics, all wrapped in Cadillac’s most luxurious package. In doing so, it cements Cadillac’s place at the pinnacle of performance SUVs—a rolling statement of power, prestige, and American engineering excellence.
As the automotive world marches toward electrification, the Escalade-V may represent the last great supercharged V8 luxury SUV. And what a glorious sendoff it is.
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