Cadillac revealed full details surrounding the 2023 Escalade-V – the industry’s most powerful full-size SUV. It is the first-ever Cadillac V-Series SUV – an elevation of design, performance and technology and the purest expression of the passion that exists at the core of Cadillac. At the heart of the Cadillac Escalade-V is a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine rated at 682 horsepower (508 kilowatts) and 653 lb-ft of torque (885 Nm). Standard performance elements include a 10-speed automatic transmission calibrated for Escalade-V, full-time active all-wheel-drive system and exclusive suspension hardware and software calibrations. An Escalade-V ESV version is also available. Boasting a potent blend of refinement, power and technology, Escalade-V features performance-inspired styling and an unmistakable sound that combine for a head-turning street presence. With these distinctive attributes, the Escalade-V expands the V-Series lineup, now in its fourth generation, which offers more levels of performance while preserving the lineage of the original lineup introduced in 2004. With the full-time active all-wheel drive system to enhance traction, along with the supercharged engine, Cadillac expects the Escalade-V to be capable of 0-60 mph sprints in under 4.4 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.74 seconds at 110 mph based on initial GM testing.
Rated at a GM-estimated 682 horsepower at 6,000 engine rpm and 653 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 engine rpm, the Escalade-V’s 6.2L hand-built supercharged and intercooled engine builds on a legacy of supercharged V-8 engines offered in Cadillac V-Series models, those being the second- and third-generation CTS-V models, the XLR-V, and most recently, the CT5-V Blackwing. The Cadillac Escalade-V’s engine shares architectural similarities with the CT5-V Blackwing’s supercharged V-8, but features a larger, 2.65L R2650 TVS supercharger that helps overcome the higher inlet and exhaust restrictions on the full-size SUV application. It spins at up to 13,500 rpm to produce approximately 10 pounds of boost and has an electronically controlled bypass valve for optimal drivability. The supercharger’s unique four-lobe rotors are designed to broaden the engine’s power band, with great low-end torque production and strong high-rpm power. A 10-speed automatic transmission pairs with the engine and features calibration for the unique powerband characteristics of its supercharging system. The rest of the engine is designed to support the high output and the greater cylinder pressures that come with forced induction, including a durable forged-steel crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods and forged aluminum pistons. The aluminum cylinder heads are stronger and handle heat better than conventional castings.
The Escalade further earns its V-Series designation with:
Unique V-Series front and rear fascias
Quad exhaust outlets
Exclusive Six-Piston Brembo® front brakes
Edge Red brake calipers
Unique 22-inch aluminum wheels
Standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, with uniquely tuned rear air springs and damper hardware, as well as V-Series specific software calibrations
Selectable V-Mode with driver-customizable performance driving settings, lowered suspension and active exhaust valves that control the throaty V-8 growl
V-Series badging on the driver and front passenger doors, liftgate and throughout the interior, including the steering wheel
Platinum trim interior featuring Zebra Wood decor with semi-aniline leather on all three rows, and heated/ventilated and massaging front seats
Escalade’s signature curved OLED with 38 inches of total diagonal display
AKG Studio Reference 36-speaker audio system
Available Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance technology, including trailering and automatic lane change capabilities (late availability).
Along with the full-time active all-wheel-drive system, standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, Air Ride Adaptive Suspension and exclusive Escalade-V suspension hardware complement the Escalade-V’s responsive driving experience. Together, they form the foundation of a heightened feeling of driver control, without sacrificing the isolated precision ride comfort for which the Escalade is renowned. Drivers can personalize their experience behind the wheel through the exclusive V-Mode, which drivers access via a button on the center console ahead of the transmission shifter. It lets drivers tailor their preferred performance-driving mode and it also automatically lowers the ride height by nearly 0.8 inches (20 mm). With this new V-Series SUV, the Air Ride Adaptive Suspension four-corner air springs feature specific, stiff rear air springs. The electronically controlled system also features unique damper hardware tuning and software calibrations, which help make the most of the Escalade-V’s four-wheel independent suspension. The electronic limited-slip differential improves handling and helps to maximize traction. Drivers can personalize their experience behind the wheel through the exclusive V-Mode, which drivers access via a button on the center console ahead of the transmission shifter. It lets drivers tailor their preferred performance-driving mode and it also automatically lowers the ride height by nearly 0.8 inches (20 mm).
Inside and out, the new Escalade-V builds on Escalade’s bold, layered design statement and sophisticated, technology-infused passenger environment. The cabin’s appointments build on the Escalade’s Platinum trim interior, offered in Black or Dark Auburn, with Zebra Wood accents. Standard features include semi-aniline leather on all three rows, with front seats featuring power massage1 and a heated steering wheel. On the exterior, unique front and rear fascias cast a distinctive pose, along with Cadillac’s signature Sport mesh grille. The rear fascia incorporates openings for a quad exhaust outlet. Uniquely styled 22-inch wheels are also part of the V-Series content. They help showcase the performance brake system behind them, which includes exclusive Brembo® front brakes with Edge Red calipers. Super Cruise is the industry’s first true hands-free driver assistance technology. It uses real-time cameras, sensors, and GPS, paired with detailed LiDAR map data, to give drivers confidence while driving completely hands-free on more than 200,000 miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada.
