2023 Cadillac Escalade-V goes large in each manner

The numbers inform the story of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V. As the most costly, largest, and strongest Cadillac, it’s no shock that a lot of its numbers are excessive. Listed here are a number of of probably the most related: 682, 6,217, 14.2, and 149,990.

682 hp

The primary distinction between the Escalade-V and different Escalades lurks underneath the hood. Fairly than a 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8, the V boasts a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. It’s a model of the engine that makes 668 hp within the CT5-V Blackwing, nevertheless it’s upgraded to deal with the additional measurement and weight of a full-size body-on-frame SUV. The primary distinction is a 2.65-liter supercharger as a substitute of the Blackwing’s 1.7-liter model. The bigger supercharger, which spins up 10 psi of increase, accounts for the rise to 682 hp. Torque maxes out at 653 lb-ft, and 80% of that’s out there at 2,000 rpm, which groups with normal all-wheel drive to make sure arduous launches. The V-8 would make much more energy, however the exhaust routing within the Escalade is extra restrictive than it’s within the CT5-V’s mid-size sedan physique.

GM calls the engine an LT4, nevertheless it has the supercharger from the 755-hp LT5 final used on the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Motor Authority’s Finest Automotive to Purchase 2019. The supercharger and energy improve make this engine a tweener, so possibly it’s higher known as an LT4.5. Regardless of the title, each Escalade-V engine is hand constructed and contains a plaque with a reputation of the builder.

The Escalade-V’s V-8 sounds its barbaric yawp on each startup, and the motive force can set it to be tame or to wake the neighborhood. A flap within the exhaust allows three sound settings: Stealth, Tour, and Sport. The exhaust defaults to Tour mode, however drivers can use the programmable MyMode, enabled by way of a button to the left of the steering wheel, to dial it right down to Stealth or crank it as much as Sport. Shutting off the Escalade-V when utilizing MyMode makes your chosen exhaust setting the default the following time you begin the automobile.

Educating your V-8 to bark could also be enjoyable, however the actual enjoyable comes when pinning the throttle. The Escalade-V’s engine word rise a number of decibels, the rear finish squats barely because the entrance finish lifts, and the usual 275/50R22 all-season tires dig into the pavement to rocket this large, heavy SUV from 0-60 mph in simply 4.4 seconds. It’s an exciting, throw-you-back-into-your-seat sensation that appears practically unimaginable in such a giant automobile. Launch it on a dragstrip, and the beast will cowl the quarter mile in 12.74 seconds at 110 mph. There’s not a lot left after that, although, as the highest pace is proscribed to 124 mph.

Alongside the best way up the mph ladder, the V’s 10-speed computerized transmission cracks off surprisingly fast shifts in Sport mode, and the blat between gears is one of the best sound this rumbling, grumbling, snarling SUV makes. It’s the identical transmission utilized in different Escalades, however its internals have been beefed as much as deal with a lot energy and torque. It really works splendidly within the Escalade-V.

6,217 lb

Talking of beef, the Escalade-V weighs in at a cruiserweight 6,217 lb and the long-wheelbase ESV model provides a number of slabs of meat to tip the scales at 6,407 lb.

Cadillac did some work on the suspension to assist tame all that high-set weight. Whereas a lot of it was to deal with the squat and dive that may end result from shifting a lot weight ahead and again, the modifications additionally improved dealing with. GM engineers stiffened the rear air springs and retuned the usual Magnetic Trip Management dampers for higher physique management in all instructions.

Whereas the suspension modifications are mere sandbags within the dam that’s the Escalade-V’s monstrous weight, additionally they make it one of the best dealing with Escalade. Get on the brakes heading right into a nook and the three tons of V-8 enjoyable desires to proceed ahead. Brake arduous sufficient to get the load and pace underneath management, steer it into the nook, and it desires to lean. Nevertheless, it doesn’t flop backward and forward as anticipated, and it doesn’t wobble to disrupt passengers with undue head toss. From behind the wheel, it feels such as you’re coaxing a plow horse by means of an impediment course moderately than an Andalusian, however at the least it’s not an ox. Regardless of the suspension setting, the magnetic dampers mix with substantial sidewalls on the 50-series tires to create a cushty trip.

The usual all-wheel-drive system also can help dealing with. It comes with a typical digital limited-slip differential that helps type out the facility for greatest traction. The system can be set to a Sport mode that units the entrance/rear torque break up at 30/70 to offer the sportier really feel of rear-drive dealing with.

In any type of driving, the V’s steering is one of the best in school. It combines a shocking quantity of really feel with direct responses and a reassuring weight build-up off middle, particularly at pace. Cadillac tweaked the Escalade’s already distinctive steering for added weight build-up because the wheel turns. In addition they swapped out the entrance brake calipers for 6-piston Brembo items. Cadillac gives Tour and Sport settings for the brake really feel. Each get the job executed, however I choose the faster brake-pressure enhance of Sport mode.

Drivers can faucet into the entire Escalade-V’s efficiency potential by hitting the V mode button in entrance of the gearshift. V mode units six automobile methods to their sportiest settings. They embrace the engine and transmission, steering effort, AWD system, brake really feel, suspension, and exhaust sound. V mode additionally unlocks launch management to allow these 4.4-second 0-60 mph runs. The Escalade-V will get loud and feels high-strung in V mode, so I like to recommend choosing your favourite MyMode settings and utilizing them anytime you don’t actually need to unleash the beast.

$149,990

The Escalade-V joins the lineup because the model’s costliest mannequin. It carries a $149,990 base value (together with $1,795 for vacation spot) within the short-wheelbase physique model, and the long-wheelbase ESV mannequin runs the rating as much as $152,900. That’s excessive pricing for an SUV.

Along with the V engineering and gear (digital limited-slip differential, Brembo entrance brakes, inside trim, V mode, and many others.), it’s outfitted like the previous top-of-the-line Sport Platinum mannequin, which begins at $106,465. The transfer to the V is a whopping $43,525 premium. Oddly, neither contains GM’s Tremendous Cruise hands-free driver-assistance system, which implies consumers should spend one other $2,500 to get it (even at $150K, actually?).

The inside’s Platinum-level facilities embrace a 36-speaker AKG sound system, augmented actuality for the navigation system, semi-aniline leather-based, and heated, cooled, and massaging entrance seats. The V extras encompass Zebra Wooden trim and V badges.

On the surface, the V could be noticed by its entrance fascia with a bigger decrease consumption, purple brake calipers, distinctive 22-inch wheels, a rear fascia that makes room for quad exhaust suggestions, and V badges on the entrance doorways and tailgate.

14.2 mpg

The EPA has but to find out gasoline economic system rankings for the Escalade-V, however they’re sure to make consumers cringe. They’ll very possible be decrease than the 14 mpg metropolis, 19 freeway, 16 mixed of the Escalade’s naturally aspirated 6.2-lier V-8 with all-wheel drive. Throughout my drive of an ESV mannequin, I averaged 14.2 mpg over largely freeway driving, in response to the journey odometer. If the rankings are available optimistically at 14 mpg mixed, it should price nearly $160 to fill the ESV mannequin’s 28.3-gallon gasoline tank at $5.64 per gallon for premium. Ouch.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V does issues no three-ton SUV ought to do. It has supercar energy, it’s as quick as a Nissan Z in a straight line, and it carries its weight higher than different full-size body-on-frame SUVs, all whereas providing state-of-the-art expertise and exemplary luxurious. Nevertheless, Cadillac makes you pay dearly for its capabilities. Its pricing approaches supercar territory and its thirst might embarrass a rail-riding wino. It’s a story of extremes for consumers who need all of it, with an excessive value to pay for its excessive efficiency.

Cadillac paid for airfare and lodging for Motor Authority to drive the Escalade-V in 107-degree Arizona warmth to convey you this firsthand report.