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2015 Cadillac Escalade Updated with 8L90 8-Speed Automatic and More Tech

Ever since General Motors announced that the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will be the first GM vehicle to get the all-new 8L90 eight-speed automatic, voices in the industry and even General Motors hinted that the new trannsmission will be fitted to all models propelled by the LT1 6.2-liter V8 engine. Only recently that speculation has been confirmed with the mildly updated 2015 Cadillac Escalade full-size luxury SUV.
2015 Cadillac Escalade 10 photos
Photo: Cadillac
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All Escalade SUVs from the standard Collection through the Platinum models have been upgraded mid-year with the previously mentioned eight-speed auto which is said to shift faster than the PDK dual-clutch gearbox fitted to the Porsche 911 Turbo S. In addition to that, the fourth-gen Escalade also benefits from available Surround View camera system and OnStar 4G LTE, a wireless charging feature similar to the one on the 2015 Cadillac ATS sedan, as well as the new, wreathless Cadillac logo.

“Since the launch just a few months ago, the next-generation Escalade has proved exceptionally desirable among luxury SUV buyers,” declared Uwe Ellinghaus, Cadillac's chief marketing officer. “Now, within the same year we are able to elevate the Escalade line with the Platinum Collection, as well as deliver enhancements through the entire Escalade range.” Mind you, the Escalade Platinum is quite the showstopper in terms of goodies.

This top-of-the-range trim level extends and upgrades the use of premium materials within the luxury SUV's cut and sewn interior. First and second-row seats are wrapped in Nappa semi-aniline leather, while the dashboard, upper door panels and center console are clad in hand-stitched and hand-wrapped leather. Customers can choose between two distinct interior environments, each paired with sueded microfiber headliner trim and unique exotic wood accents. What else is offered?

Riding on 22-inch wheels and distinguished by chrome accents, a unique mesh grille and special exterior badging, the Platinum also provides passengers with a lot of comfort and convenience. Heated and cooled 18-way power front seats are standard, and include a massaging function on the driver’s seat. A pair of 7-inch LCD screens, embedded in the front head rests, supplement the overhead 9-inch screen, while a cooled center console compartment can keep chilled beverages handy. This model also includes premium floor mats and Platinum-branded door sill plates. Pricing?

Well, while the aforementioned gizmos add $1,275 to the 2015 Cadillac Escalade’s starting price in the United States for a total of $73,965 including destination, the luxurious Platinum will set you back a hefty $90,270 including $995 in destination. If you're thinking about getting the latter bells and whistles model, the American automobile manufacturer informs that it'll hit U.S. dealers starting this winter.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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