The 2021 Escalade Finally Delivers What We All Expect From A Cadillac

In 1998, Ford released the Lincoln Navigator to satisfy the growing demand for big, luxurious SUVs. As a response, GM hastily slapped some Cadillac badges and a new face on a GMC Yukon Denali, giving birth to the Escalade.

In the following years, the model slowly improved, and although it quickly became popular in North America, every new generation seemed to fall short of expectations everywhere else.

It was always bigger, more powerful, and sufficiently opulent, yet never managed to rise to the same heights in terms of luxury and technology as the likes of Mercedes, BMW, or Porsche.

Potential customers looking for a luxurious SUV would sacrifice size for higher quality, well-balanced performance, better tech, and superior craftsmanship, even if it meant paying more.

Things have drastically changed with the all-new fifth-generation, which finally blossoms into a truly exquisite vehicle, showcasing what can be done if GM puts enough time and money into the development process.

It still shares its platform with the Yukon, Suburban, and Tahoe but distinguishes itself in every other conceivable way.

Borrowing design cues from the beautiful 2016 Escala concept, the massive Escalade manages to please the eye from every angle and unlike previous models, there is nothing out of place or hastily designed.

It now comes with two available engine options, the familiar 420 hp 6.2-liter V8 and the first diesel in model history, a 3.0-liter Duramax turbocharged inline-six, which might only produce 277 hp but provides the same amount of torque as the V8.

In either case, the new Escalade is equipped as standard with the proven ten-speed Hydra-Matic 10L80 gearbox, and potential customers can choose between rear-or all-wheel-drive.

Ride comfort has been dramatically improved thanks to the new T1XX platform, which uses an independent rear suspension. Higher-end trims come with Magnetic Ride Control, Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, and an eLSD to further improve driving dynamics.

Like I mentioned before, everything about the fifth generation seems to be better, but what stands out the most is the interior, a major weak point of the previous models.

To say that it’s a major improvement would be an understatement. Cadillac designers finally grew tired of obsessively using those awful V-shapes, and the new materials are clearly of superior quality and craftsmanship; plus, the improved ergonomics make everything easier to use.

In terms of tech, the enormous 38-inch curved OLED display is mind-blowing. Divided into three panels, it offers twice the pixel density of a 4K TV and incorporates a variety of advanced features like AR-enabled navigation, surround vision, night vision, and the full suite of Super Cruise assists.

It also controls the available 36-speaker AKG Studio audio system with 3D Surround capabilities, conversation enhancement, and advanced audio rendering for navigation instructions.

Using a completely new chassis design led to an increase in cargo and cabin space. According to Cadillac, the new full-size SUV offers 40% more third-row legroom and 68% more cargo space behind it, on the standard-length model.

Overall, the 2021 Escalade looks and feels like what it actually is: a completely new vehicle and not just a redesigned version of a previous model. It deservedly earns its place among the best luxury SUVs on the market, offering everything you would expect and more.

It is available in five trim levels with prices starting around $77,000 for the Luxury model and going all the way up to $101,300 for the Sport Platinum version.