For over 18 years, Cadillac’s full-size Escalade has made big, bold statements. Yet for all its bling and glitz, it’s remained a popular choice with buyers for its ability to transport seven or eight passengers while simultaneously towing as much as a half-ton pickup. But as big as the Escalade it is, for certain customers, it simply isn't big enough. Enter the Escalade ESV.
The ESV has been a part of the Escalade family since 2003 and shares its underpinnings with the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL. Its longer wheelbase offers more second-row and third-row legroom than the standard Escalade, and considerably more cargo space (683 L more behind the third row, and 710 L more behind the second row). Compared to its stable mates, it's set apart by its distinctive Art & Science styling, lavishly trimmed interior, and top-tier powertrain. At nearly two feet longer than the standard Escalade, the ESV casts a shadow that swallows most full-size luxury SUVs like the Range Rover, Benz GLS, and Infiniti QX80. Its only real competitor is the Lincoln Navigator L, which guns for the same target audience.
For 2017, the Escalade is mostly unchanged, though it comes equipped with a handful of new technology features.
Aimed at family-oriented customers, the Escalade ESV gains both the Rear Seat reminder function from the new GMC Acadia and the Teen Driver system that debuted in the 2016 Chevy Malibu. The former sends an audible warning to alert the driver that something - or someone - has been left behind in the vehicle, while the latter limits the usage of the vehicle's entertainment features, and provides the owner with a report card outlining the number of times active safety features were triggered.
Other changes for this year include new head-up display graphics, while all vehicles receive a revised all-digital instrument cluster. Platinum level vehicles receive standard power-retractable running boards, plus a rear-seat entertainment system with new four-channel headphones. A new 22-inch wheel design is available on Luxury and Premium Luxury trim levels, while two new colours are available on all models - Dark Adriatic Blue and Bronze Dune. Oddly, the ESV is not available with the new rear-view camera system; it's offered on the regular-length Escalade and would certainly benefit rearward visibility from the driver's seat.
The Escalade receives the latest generation of the Cadillac User Interface (CUE) system, complete with slick graphics, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it can be somewhat confusing to operate. Heated and ventilated first row seats are standard, as are heated second-row seats. The Platinum level trim also features massaging front seats for additional comfort.
All Escalade ESVs feature the latest-generation GM small block V8 engine, which, at 6.2 litres is anything but small. Featuring cylinder deactivation and direct injection, the Escalade's engine produces a healthy 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. While this may sound like a lot of power, the Escalade ESV tips the scales at nearly 6,000 lbs (2,715 kg). An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment, as is an electronically controlled all-wheel drive system. Thanks to a standard towing package, the Escalade can tow up to 7,900 lbs (3,583 kg).
While the Escalade ESV's magnetic dampers provide a more controlled ride than models of the past, it still feels like a large, truck-based vehicle. That said, re-tuned selectable drive modes, with tweaks to the suspension's firmness and shift points should further refine its road manners.
Depending on trim level, the Escalade comes equipped with varying degrees of active safety equipment. The Standard trim features front and rear parking sensors with a 360-degree parking camera; the Luxury trim adds blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, safety seat, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision alert. Premium and Platinum trims feature automatic forward and reverse emergency autonomous braking. Automatic Park Assist, a new feature for 2017 should help to make parking this vehicle a bit easier.
