Blog / Almighty Cadillac Escalade-V Redefines Excess

Almighty Cadillac Escalade-V Redefines Excess

At a time when gas prices are soaring to unimaginable heights, who wants to drive around in a massive and heavy SUV with an immensely powerful and inefficient engine under the hood? General Motors believes there are enough potential customers to launch a limited-production, 682-horsepower variant of the Cadillac Escalade for 2023.

Say hello to the all-new Cadillac Escalade-V!

With the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat now retired, you’re looking at the industry’s most powerful and explosive large SUV, one that uses a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine that shares many similarities with that of the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing and also generates 653 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough to sprint from 0-100 km/h in about 4.5 seconds, or quicker than a Volkswagen Golf R.

Ironically, GM says the Escalade-V is not really designed for drivers who want to have fun on a race track (hence the Bridgestone all-season tires), but more as a daily driver for families that crave more power and character. Think about this, though: the new engine delivers 262 horsepower more than the naturally aspirated V8 that’s currently available with the Escalade—a remarkable increase of 62 percent. Meanwhile, peak torque is up 42 percent, two thirds of which can be sent to the rear wheels.

The Escalade-V certainly doesn’t seem to lack performance goodies. The list includes a specially tuned 10-speed automatic transmission, fully active all-wheel drive system with limited-slip differential, six-piston Brembo front brakes, unique Air Ride adaptive suspension paired with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 technology and more. Let’s not forget the new V-Mode button which automatically lowers the ride height by 20 mm and activates Launch Control.

The most reasonable feature on this unreasonable machine is arguably the active exhaust system offering Sport, Tour and Stealth settings, the last one a must for those who want to maintain a good relationship with their neighbours.

As for styling, the front grille and fascia boast a unique treatment, while the rear fascia incorporates a body-coloured diffuser and quad tailpipes. Check out those 22-inch wheels, too. The interior, meanwhile, combines Zebra Wood inserts with semi-aniline leather in all three rows. The front seats have a massage function, because of course.

Oh, and for customers who need more space, the Escalade-V can also come in long-wheelbase ESV configuration. Talk about making a big and loud statement on the road.