2023 Cadillac Escalade-V: power and money

Cadillac made for Escalades what he should have done almost two decades ago: give his full-size SUV a V finish. Admittedly, the spirit of the American luxury brand in recent years has been somewhat confusing because the V line is now divided between more restrained V-models and full-fledged high-performance V Blackwing variants such as 10 Best CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing. But in the new Escalade-V 2023 there is nothing embarrassing. Its mission is power and prestige.

We certainly won’t call the Escalade-V manual, as it has a power output of 682 hp. from the 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 – a homemade mill that is closely related to the 668-liter supercharged V-8. CT5-V Blackwingalthough the engine in the SUV replaces the 1.7-liter Roots sedan fan with a larger 2.7-liter unit. With standard all-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission, this supercharged V-8 accelerates the Escalade-V with a standard wheelbase of up to 60 mph in a stated 4.4 seconds. Choosing a heavier version of the ESV with a longer wheelbase still adds 0.1 seconds. If Cadillac’s acceleration figures remain in our tests, then the V should cut more than 1.5 seconds from the usual Escalade 60 miles per hour. A recent test a 6270 lbs Escalade ESV with a 6.2-liter V-8 with 420 hp. by default it reached that mark in 5.9 seconds.

Set the stopwatch aside, and the Escalade-V feels properly fast out of the driver’s seat. Pressing the V-mode button of the model in front of the shift lever activates the highest dynamic settings of this beast and turns on its start control function, which keeps the engine speed at about 1500 rpm when the driver presses both pedals to the floor. Raise the left pedal and the immediate acceleration provided by the V-8’s rich torque – Cadillac claims 80 percent of the Escalade-V’s 653 lb-ft of torque is available at 2,000 rpm – similar to the initial surge of a moderately powerful electric car.

However, unlike the EV, the slim whine of the Escalade-V supercharger and the hoarse howl of its active exhaust system bring symphonic quality to its rectilinear acceleration. Even in idle mode V emits a threatening roar (Stealth mode allows you to calm everyone in the lane of the school pickup). At speed the system exhales with a loud bang and burst when you abruptly pull off the gas.

Cadillac has also changed the Escalade’s suspension and braking systems for V-function. Changes in air springs and adaptive shock absorbers reduce the body movements of this elephant SUV without compromising its ride quality. And Brembo’s six-piston front brake calipers give the V a firmer and more responsive brake pedal, though its initial bite seems too exciting to our liking.

Although the handling of the V makes the Escalade better manageable – which in standard form, we recognize, is already one of the most sporty examples of its kind – the pleasure that comes from being behind the wheel of this body on a Caddy frame. still falls short of what Unibody’s competitors offer, such as Mercedes-AMG GLS63 and BMW Alpina XB7. Both of these faster and more agile Germans can reach a mile mark in less than four seconds and be equipped with sticky summer tires from the factory. The Escalade-V, on the other hand, rides exclusively on all-season tires. While the 22-inch Bridgestone Alenza A / S 02 tires from Escalade-V ESV, which we drove in Arizona, provided enough traction to handle the wide angles around Lake Theodore Roosevelt without protest, their less aggressive lineup seems unsuitable for transportation. means with such power.

Again, Cadillac does not single out the Escalade-V as an alternative to the SUV with its sports sedan. Given that most high-performance SUVs spend much more time driving around town than on tearing winding roads, the brand’s decision to harden the Escalade-V’s maximum handling with comfortable driving and three-season tires seems like a smart move for the real world. .

However, this approach limits the appeal of the Escalade-V to $ 149,990 (add $ 3,000 for the ESV model) when less powerful but equipped in the same way the Escalade Sport Platinum costs more than $ 40,000 cheaper. Sure, the Sport Platinum lacks traction and a supercharged V sound, but those qualities pretty much don’t matter if you let General Motors Super cruise The hands-free driving aid, which is standard on both Escalade-V models, takes control of the steering, brakes and accelerator on some separate highways.

Also, the style of the Escalade-V does not transmit its greater power, because its bumpers, wheels, badges and red-painted brake calipers do not allow to make it look noticeably different from other models of Escalade. In practice, the Model V is a berth, which, frankly, is not typical for a car whose commercial success is largely due to its ostentatious design. It took Cadillac nearly 20 years to handle the Escalade V. Hopefully, the brand won’t take that long to produce an extra option (or two) that will look and feel as stunning as the 682-horsepower V-8 under the hood of the Escalade. -V.

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