Art and Technology of the All-New 2015 Escalade

Since 1999, the Cadillac Escalade has set SUV standards for creative design, powerful performance and constant comfort. The fourth-generation 2015 Escalade further elevates Cadillac's signature SUV.

Production began in January and sales in April 2014 as a 2015 model with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of about $71,000. The all-new exterior design draws inspiration from Cadillac's heritage of vertical exterior lamps. The interior is now a hand-crafted design with cut, sewn, and wrapped materials and wood trim options. The dashboard is a redesign, and the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system is now standard with updated security.

The Escalade ESV stretch version, with a wheelbase 14-inches longer than that of the standard Escalade, expands space for third-row passengers and nearly doubles the cargo area behind their seat. Base, Luxury and Premium trim models all have two- and four-wheel drivetrains, and a new eight-cylinder, 6,200-cubic centimeter engine is powerful and efficient enough to go from zero to 60 mph in under six seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg on the highway, outstanding for such a heavy vehicle. This rates about 17 percent better than the Mercedes-Benz GL550 and nearly 24 percent better than the Lexus LX 570.

The new engine features direct fuel injection, cylinder deactivation, continuously variable valve timing, and an advanced combustion system to make the most efficient use of power at all engine performance levels. Precise combustion control allows a consistently high compression ratio for maximum power and efficiency. The engine drives a six-speed automatic transmission enhanced for convenient driver control of gear selection.

The Escalade is an SUV with full-size truck towing capacity of more than four tons, more than that of the Mercedes-Benz GL550 (7,800 pounds), Lexus LX 570 (7,000 pounds) or Land Rover/Range Rover (7,716 pounds).

In August 2014, Cadillac announced that the Escalade will receive an eight-speed transmission, a surround-view camera, and fourth-generation long-term evolution (4G LTE) connectivity as components of a mid-year upgrade. In April 2014, Hennessey Performance Engineering announced for fourth-generation Escalade customers a belt-driven supercharger upgrade, an air-to-water intercooler, recalibrated engine management software, an increase in engine performance to 557 horsepower and a three-year/36,000-mile powertrain warranty. These upgrades will cost customers $15,950.

The Escalade's new 2015 styling combines sculpted surfaces with high-tech accents for a distinctive and memorable appearance. At first glance, it is unmistakably an Escalade, impressive in size, powerful in presence, and with technology that propels it toward the future.

A prominent chrome grille enhances dynamic front styling accented by light-emitting diode (LED) lamps front and rear to create eye-catching vertical light signals. LEDs are for steady and flashing illumination that lasts longer and uses much less energy than do conventional filament lamps.

Newly inlaid doors significantly decrease cabin noise and improve aerodynamics to help Escalades cruise down the highway with minimal drag and maximum efficiency. Lightweight aluminum hood and tailgate panels have similar efficiency-increasing and drag-reducing effects.

Chrome-accented side assist steps are standard as are heated, powered outside mirrors, hands-free powered tailgates, tailgate spoilers housing rear window wipers, and Cadillac capless refueling that keeps paint and hands unsoiled by spilled gasoline.

Craftsmen designed the 2015 Escalade passenger space to be the industry's most comfortable cabin. Exceptional craftsmanship centers on the premium, layered materials produced like fine furniture in a beauty of contrast between bold SUV character and traditional Cadillac refinement.

Real wood veneer with premium materials and golden-toned ambient lighting give the interior an elegant atmosphere. Tight panel tolerances, precision controls and triple-sealed doors reinforce a feeling of solidity.

Standard are keyless entry; push-button start; an electrically telescoping or tilting steering column; a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel; concealed center-stack storage; tri-zone climate control; and powered, folding second- and third-row seats.

CUE connectivity and controls by voice recognition and by touch like that of the best tablets and mobile devices are standard. Proximity sensors activate options and controls when user's hands approach. Complementing CUE to enhance connectivity is the new OnStar with 4G LTE and a standard built-in wireless local area network for a mobile hub on which occupants can stay connected.

Standard third-generation Magnetic Ride Control, the most superbly responsive automotive suspension system, is standard for precise control. Chassis and suspension benefit from a widened rear track for more stability, body frame mounts for more structural strength, a cross-axis ball joint on the frame side of the rear suspension lateral link for more precise steering and a new electric variable-assist power steering system tailored to vehicle speed. In addition, there's a new all-wheel disc brake system with twice the service life of other brands, a standard automatically-locking rear differential for intense traction when needed, and a new four-wheel-drive system with automatic activation when it senses conditions that call for added traction.

Escalade safety features protect occupants before, during and after collisions. Front and rear automatic braking rely on short-range radar and ultrasonic sensors to avoid low-speed collisions. A front center airbag inflates between the driver and front passenger to protect both in side-impact crashes.

For driver awareness, the Escalade has forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and a patented safety alert by which front seat cushion bolsters vibrate to warn of dangerous situations. Standard on Luxury and Premium models are side blind zone, rear cross traffic and lane change alerts.

For security, the new Escalade has motion detectors and an inclination sensor that sounds an alarm in response to attempts to steal wheels, tow the vehicle or lift it onto a flatbed truck. Additional theft deterrents are a steering column lock and door shields that can protect against Slim Jim unlocking tools.

With seating for up to eight passengers and the ability to tow up to 8,300 pounds, the powerful, versatile Escalade is now the last word in elegant design and advanced technology.

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