Cadillac Escalade 2021: A Overview
The Cadillac Escalade 2021 marks the model’s fifth generation and this brand new one seems to be head-and-shoulders above the original in terms of style, technology and luxury. Borrowing features from the Escala concept car from 2016, the new Escalade comes with a visual panache that is totally worth its price tag. Two engines are offered—a familiar 6.2-liter V-8 and a new turbo-diesel inline-six—both of which are hooked up to a 10-speed automated transmission. A series of clever curved OLED displays inside takes the Escalade’s dashboard to the digital realm, doubling as the infotainment display and the gauge cluster in one slick assembly.
Features to look out for in 2021
The 2021 Escalade has undergone an extensive remodelling, complete with a redesigned independent rear suspension, a new optional diesel-powered engine, a much savvier interior technology anda grander styling.
Pricing
The Cadillac Escalade 2021 models are priced as follows:
Luxury – $77,490
Premium Luxury – $84,290
Sport – $86,890
Premium Luxury Platinum – $101,290
Sport Platinum – $101,290
Engine, transmission and performance
This biggest SUV of Cadillac is powered by either a 6.2-liter V-8 engine that yields 420 horsepower and is capable to deactivate half of its cylinders while cruising to save fuel, or a turbo-diesel 3.0-liter inline-six. The standard will be a 10-speed automatic transmission with both engines, and buyers will be able to pick from rearor all-wheel-drive options based on their individual needs. Along with its siblings, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and the GMC Yukon, the all-new 2021 Escalade now rides on an advanced platform with an independent rear suspension that helps providing a smoother ride. Models of higher-endalso come with an air suspension with adaptive dampers using computer-controlled shock absorbers.
Interior, comfort and cargo
The 2021 Escalade, being the flagship of the Cadillac line-up, is expected to up the ante on in-cabin luxury. Faux leather is used in the base Luxury trim, but Platinum models get soft semi-aniline hides. An upscale appearance is provided by leather-covered dash and door panels, adjustable interior ambient lighting and aluminium speaker grilles.Just like the outgoing model, both a standard and long-wheelbase model will be available, the latter of which yields more legroom for third-row riders and extra cargo space.
Infotainment and connectivity
Additional to the extra luxury features in the cabin, Cadillac has totally tricked out the Escalade in the electronics department. The main attraction is the digital dashboard, comprised of three curved OLED displays layered on top of one another that create an advanced 38-inch combined digital real estate, some of which serve as the driver’s gauge cluster, while the rest showcases the CUE infotainment system for both the driver and passenger. Other tech features include an augmented-reality navigation system and an available rear-seat entertainment package with two 12.6-inch displays and streaming capability. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration along with a Wi-Fi hotspot are expected to be standard. No matter which Escalade model they pick, audiophiles will be in for a treat. To develop the Escalade’s standard and optional sound systems,Cadillac has collaborated with Grammy-award winning audio and acoustics company AKG. A 19-speaker Studio Sound system will be standard on the Luxury, Sport, and Premium Luxury models, while Platinum trims get the AKG Studio Reference system with a whopping 36 speakers.
Safety and driver-assistance features
The crash-test results are yet to be released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the new Escalade. Cadillac is all-set on making its flagship SUV a showcase for driver-assistance technology,and in addition to making many of the most popular active-safety features standard.The company claims to offer its Super Cruise semi-autonomous drive mode as an available feature. The key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with front and rear pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and maintenance coverage
The 2021 Escalade is expected to offer the same standard warranty package as the 2020 model. The powertrain warranty of Cadillac is stretched for longer than rivals like the GLS-class and the BMW X7, but the latter’s complimentary scheduled maintenance plan is far better than that of Caddy.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit