Cadillac Escalade

Cadillac Escalade
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors
Production	1999–present 2001-present (ESV) 2002-2013 (EXT)
Model years	1999-2000, 2002–present
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size luxury sport utility vehicle
Layout	FR (Front-engine, rear-wheel drive) F4 (Front-engine, four-wheel drive)
Related	GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe

The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV engineered and manufactured by General Motors and marketed under the Cadillac brand. It was Cadillac's first major entry into the popular SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to German and Japanese competitors and to Ford's 1998 release of the Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade project went into production only ten months after it was approved. The Escalade is built in Arlington, Texas. The name Escalade refers to a siege warfare tactic of scaling defensive walls or ramparts with the aid of ladders or siege towers.

The 1999 Escalade was identical to the 1999 GMC Denali, but was redesigned for the 2002 model year to make its appearance fall more in line with Cadillac's "art and science" design theme. Escalade production went on hiatus for the 2001 model year. The Escalade ESV (based on the Chevrolet Suburban) and its former sibling the Escalade EXT (based on the Avalanche sport utility truck) were made in Silao, Mexico, before the 2006 redesign; the new Escalade ESV is sourced from Arlington, Texas. The Escalade competes with the Infiniti QX56, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, Lexus LX, and Lincoln Navigator.^[1][2]

First generation (1999–2000)

GMT 400
Overview
Also called	Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon
Production	1999–2000
Model years	1999–2000
Assembly	Arlington, Texas, U.S. (Arlington Assembly)
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	F4 (Front-engine, four-wheel drive)
Platform	GMT435
Related	Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon Denali
Powertrain
Engine	5.7 L L31 V8 (gasoline)
Transmission	4-speed 4L60-E automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	117.5 in (2,984 mm)
Length	201.2 in (5,110 mm)
Width	77.0 in (1,956 mm)
Height	74.3 in (1,887 mm)

The introduction of the Lincoln Navigator in the 1998 model year necessitated that General Motors be able to compete in the burgeoning American market for full-size luxury-type trucks. This generation was only a five-seat SUV. Fearing the growing hegemony of the Lincoln Navigator, the Escalade was rushed through the design process to reach dealers quickly. Essentially little more than a badge-engineered GMC Yukon Denali, the SUV's aesthetics were similar to the Denali and the final vehicle was smaller than the Navigator. The Escalade's underpinnings were borrowed from the Yukon Denali line, with the GMC logos on the center caps replaced with Cadillac's crest. The Escalade also used the same 5.7 L Vortec 5700 V8 at 255 hp (190 kW), which was underpowered compared to the Navigator's 300 hp (220 kW) and 365 lb·ft (495 N·m) 5.4 Liter InTech V-8. All first-generation Escalades featured Autotrac selectable 4x4. The 1999-2000 Escalade achieves 11 mpg_-US (21 L/100 km) city and 15 mpg_-US (16 L/100 km) highway based on U.S. EPA test protocols.^[3][4]

The interior featured leather seats. The Escalade also included a Bose surround system; a first for an SUV. The Escalade gauge cluster differed slightly from the cluster used in the Tahoe and Yukon. The Escalade gauges features white needles instead of orange and the speedometer reads to 120 mph (190 km/h).

According to information from the Highway Loss Data Institute, the Cadillac Escalade is the second most stolen vehicle in the U.S.^[5]

Second generation (2002–2006)

GMT800
Overview
Production	2001–2006
Model years	2002–2006
Assembly	Mexico: Silao, Guanajuato (Silao Assembly) Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor)[6] United States: Arlington, Texas (Arlington Assembly)
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door SUV 4-door sport utility truck
Layout	FR (Front-engine, rear-wheel drive) F4 (Front-engine, four-wheel drive)
Platform	GMT820 GMT830 (Escalade ESV) GMT806 (Escalade EXT)
Related	Chevrolet Avalanche Chevrolet Suburban Hummer H2
Powertrain
Engine	5.3 L LM7 V8 (gasoline) 6.0 L LQ9 V8 (gasoline)
Transmission	4-speed 4L65-E automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	116.0 in (2,946 mm) 130.0 in (3,302 mm) (ESV/EXT)
Length	198.9 in (5,052 mm) 221.4 in (5,624 mm) (ESV/EXT)
Width	78.9 in (2,004 mm) 79.5 in (2,019 mm) (ESV/EXT)
Height	76.5 in (1,943 mm) 75.7 in (1,923 mm) (ESV/EXT) 75.0 in (1,905 mm) (ESV Platinum)
Curb weight	5,800 lbs (ESV/EXT)

Cadillac did not market a 2001 model year Escalade. Cadillac introduced the 2002 model year Escalade in December 2001 while continuing to sell the 2000 model year truck. Rear-wheel drive was standard, as was a 5.3 L V8, with all-wheel drive and the special high-output Vortec 6.0 L V8 engine as options. All models (except for the EXT) offered seating for up to 8 people.

The "StabiliTrak" electronic stability control system was upgraded to a four-wheel version for 2003 and power-adjustable pedals were added. For 2004, XM Satellite Radio, second-row bucket seats, and a tire pressure monitoring system were made standard on all Escalades except the EXT. Also in 2004, the Platinum edition was introduced at the price of $71,025; It featured the luxury utility segment's first factory-installed 20-inch chrome wheels, a slightly lowered stance, heated and cooled seats (front and back), heated and cooled cup holders, moon roof, 2nd and 3rd row monitors, a premium interior that included an ebony and shale dashboard, shale leather upholstery and pleated door panel bolsters and a chrome grille. The 5.3 L engine was dropped for 2005 and the OnStar system was upgraded.

Engines

• 2002–2003 5.3L LM7 Vortec V8, 285 horsepower (213 kW)
• 2004–2006 5.3L LM7 Vortec V8, 295 horsepower (220 kW)
• 2002–2006 6.0L LQ9 HO Vortec V8, 345 horsepower (257 kW)

Specification levels

• 2002–2006 Cadillac Escalade
• 2002–2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT
• 2003–2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV
• 2004–2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum

Third generation (2007–2014)

GMT 900
Overview
Production	November 2006–present
Model years	2007–2014
Assembly	China: Shanghai (Shanghai GM) Mexico: Silao (Silao Assembly) Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor)[6][7] United States: Arlington, Texas (Arlington Assembly)
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door SUV 4-door sport utility truck
Layout	FR (Front-engine, rear-wheel drive) F4 (Front-engine, four-wheel drive)
Platform	GMT926 GMT936 (Escalade ESV) GMT946 (Escalade EXT, 2006-2013 MY)
Related	Chevrolet Tahoe Chevrolet Avalanche Chevrolet Suburban GMC Yukon GMC Yukon XL Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
Powertrain
Engine	6.0 L LFA V8 (hybrid gasoline / electric) 6.0 L LZ1 V8 (hybrid gasoline / electric) 6.2 L L92 V8 (gasoline) 6.2 L L9H V8 (gasoline / E85) 6.2 L L94 V8 (gasoline / E85)
Transmission	6-speed 6L80 automatic CVT 2ML70 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	116.0 in (2,946 mm) 130.0 in (3,302 mm) (ESV/EXT)
Length	202.5 in (5,144 mm) 222.9 in (5,662 mm) (ESV) 222.0 in (5,639 mm) (EXT)
Width	79.0 in (2,007 mm) 79.1 in (2,009 mm) (EXT only)
Height	74.7 in (1,897 mm) (2007–09 2WD) 74.5 in (1,892 mm) (EXT & 2007–09 ESV) 74.3 in (1,887 mm) (2007–09 4WD) 2010–11 SWB: 75.9 in (1,928 mm) 2010–2013 ESV: 73.1 in (1,857 mm) 2012-2013 SWB: 75.9 in (1,928 mm) 2012-2013 EXT: 74.5 in (1,892 mm)

The Escalade moved to the new GMT900 platform for the 2007 model year. Its introduction was accelerated as sales began slipping. The regular Escalade was again joined by a stretched ESV version as well as a new EXT sport utility truck. The 2006 Escalade was the official vehicle of Super Bowl XL, with MVP Hines Ward being awarded one of the first Escalades produced.
Production of the redesigned Escalade began at Arlington Assembly in January 2006. It is priced from US$57,280, though the rear-wheel drive version at this price was not produced until August. The more expensive all-wheel drive version was produced first, followed by the long wheelbase ESV and EXT pickup (the latter sourced from the Silao, Mexico, plant) in June.
The Escalade uses an all-aluminum 6.2 L Vortec V8. This pushrod engine includes variable valve timing, a first in a mass-produced non-overhead cam engine. The system adjusts both intake and exhaust timing between two settings. The engine produces 403 hp (301 kW) (23 hp more than its sister competitor, the GMC Yukon Denali) and 417 lb·ft (565 N·m) of torque. A new six-speed 6L80 automatic transmission is used. The new body completes a 0.363 drag coefficient. In 2010, the Cadillac Escalade's base price was $62,500 for a RWD model, and $65,200 for an AWD model. The northeast accounts for 60 percent of Escalade sales. 2013 model(Cadillac Escalade 2WD 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Automatic 6-spd,) have official government measured fuel economy of 14 mpg_-US (17 L/100 km), combined 16 mpg_-US (15 L/100 km) and highway 18 mpg_-US (13 L/100 km).^[8]

Engines

2006–2014 — 6.2 L Vortec 6200 V8, 403 horsepower (301 kW)

Hybrid

A Hybrid version of the luxury vehicle debuted at the 2008 South Florida International Auto Show in Miami, and went on sale in 2008 as a 2009 model at a starting price of $74,085^[9] for a two-wheel drive model. In August, 20% of Cadillac Escalade sales were hybrids.

The Escalade Hybrid takes 8.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h).^{[citation needed]} Power is from a 6 liter V8 engine that makes 332 hp (248 kW) at 5,100 rpm and 367 lb·ft (498 N·m) at 4,100 rpm.

Eli Manning received an Escalade Hybrid for being the 2007 Super Bowl MVP.^{[citation needed]}

The Hybrid models were discontinued after the 2013 model year.

Standard features

Standard features of the Cadillac Escalade include air conditioning with tri-zone climate controls, tilt faux wood & real leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front seats and heated 2nd-row seats, 14-way power front seats, memory system, remote engine start, premium sound system, 6-disc CD changer, rear radio controls, compass, power lift-gate, and outside-temperature indicator. The Platinum adds on a DVD entertainment system, navigation system, heated and cooled cupholders, rearview camera, cooled front seats, upgraded leather upholstery, and power-retractable running boards.

Updates

MY08

• On the automatic trunk button, the "off" signal was changed from the Number "0" (Zero) to the word "off."
• Escalade badging on the trunk lid was moved from the left side to the right.
• Seating capacity was increased to 8 passengers
• A newly redesigned remote for keyless entry was introduced to further distinguish it from the Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Denali siblings.

MY09

• The gauges were updated
• Bluetooth hands-free interface was made standard.
• A power tilt steering wheel was made standard.
• The Satellite Navigation System (optional) now added instant traffic updates and rerouting options.
• Side Zone Blind Spot Alert was made standard.
• GM's Magnetic Ride Control (MRC, or "MagneRide") was made standard on all models.

MY10

• General Motors badges were dropped on the doors.^[10]

MY12

• GM facelifted the Cadillac Escalade lineup with a new set of taillights.

MY13

• Silver Coast Metallic and Sapphire Blue Metallic were added as new color trims, along with a revised grade braking performance.

MY14

• A new color, Midnight Plum Metallic, will be added. This will be first time that the Escalade will only be available in both standard and ESV brands, as the EXT and Hybrid models were discontinued.^[11]

Fourth generation (2015–)

GMT K2XL
Overview
Model years	2015 (on sale April 2014)
Assembly	Arlington, Texas, U.S.
Designer	Bob Boniface (exterior design director)[12]
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	GMTK2XX
Related	Chevrolet Suburban Chevrolet Tahoe GMC Yukon/Yukon XL/GMC Yukon Denali and Yukon Denali XL (2015)
Powertrain
Engine	6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 FlexFuel
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	116.0 in (2,946 mm) 130.0 in (3,302 mm) (ESV)
Length	202.5 in (5,144 mm) 224.3 in (5,697 mm) (ESV)
Width	80.5 in (2,045 mm)
Height	SWB: 74.4 in (1,890 mm) ESV:74.0 in (1,880 mm)

On October 7, 2013, Cadillac unveiled the fourth generation Escalade and Escalade ESV at a star-studded event in New York City, just nearly a month after GM unveiled their next-generation SUVs from Chevrolet and GMC. Cadillac began its campaign to promote the Escalade on August 14, 2013,^[13] and started posting teasers online on September 23, 2013, with help from photographer Autumn de Wilde, who helped revealed more images ahead of the unveiling.^[14] A YouTube page called "Escalade Reveal" was set up to showcase the videos along with the countdown to unveiling. On November 25, 2013, Cadillac began spreading the word of mouth about the 2015 Escalade by placing a front facsimile cutout of the vehicle on display at Sak's Fifth Avenue's New York City flagship store during its annual Christmas promotional campaign, which shows the SUV being frozen in wraps.^[15]

Production on The Escalade began in January 2014 at GM's Arlington, Texas assembly plant and will go sale in April 2014 as a 2015 model (with the MRSP to start at around $71,000 for Full Size, $74,000 for ESV), and will only be available in three trims: Base, Luxury, and Premium.^[16] International sales is scheduled to start in the Summer of 2014.^[17] They are assigned to the GMT K2XX platform as K2XL.

Details and features

On February 13, 2010, according to a report on Autoblog.com, GM had reissued a redesign on the GM fullsize SUV lineup, including the Escalade, for a 2014 release due to increased SUV sales, and was working on its fullsize SUV replacements, which would see a possible change in the Escalade's SUV platform.^[18] But in July 2013, a series of spy shots revealed that GM will keep the Escalade a body-on-frame SUV.^[19] However, GM is looking at expanding the Escalade brand to the large CUV segment, which would see a vehicle using the Escalade badge sharing the same platform as the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, which is in the planning stages.^[20] According to VP Bob Ferguson, Cadillac's first 3-row Escalade CUV could be introduced in 2016^[21]

For the fourth generation Escalade, the SUVs share the same interior and exterior DNA as the Suburban/Tahoe and Yukon/XL/Denali. The only difference is that the front fascia has been completely redesigned featuring the same Cadillac signature frontal design, while the LED taillamps that are located in the back now extend from the bumper all the way up to the top of the tailgate. The cargo space has also been reduced from 109.8 in (2,789 mm) to 94.2 in (2,393 mm) on the standard base and from 137.5 in (3,492 mm) to 120.5 in (3,061 mm) on the ESV in order to allow an additional 1.7 inches of headroom and 45.3 inches of legroom in the front while reduces the third-row legroom space to 24.8 inches from 25.6 inches. GM's 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8, good for 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, will be the only engine offered, along with a new coil-over front suspension and five-link rear setup, a wider track, variable-assist electric power steering and Cadillac's Magnetic Ride Control system with Tour and Sport modes. The interior now boast a hand-crafted design that features cut-and-sewn and wrapped materials, with wood trim options chosen for elegance and authenticity. The dashboard is also updated, and the Cadillac CUE system is added as a standard feature, along with an updated security system.^[22]

On December 23, 2013, Cadillac unveiled seven color palettes for the exterior trims on the Escalade: Dark Granite Metallic, Radiant Silver Metallic, Black Raven, White Diamond Tricoat, Silver Coast Metallic, Crystal Red Tintcoat and Majestic Plum Metallic, and three colors for the interior: Jet Black with Jet Black Accents, Kona Brown with Jet Black Accents, and Shale with Cocoa Accents.^[23]

Critical reception

The reviews for the fourth generation Escalade's redesign has been met with positive results from automotive critics. USA Today's James R. Healey and Fred Meier noted that "The once-unthinkable big Cadillac SUV has become indispensable."^[24] CNET's Antuan Goodwin notes that "Fans of the Escalade will appreciate the automaker's sticking with the original message and not "ruining" its former flagship, but if you already think the giant luxury SUV is a relic of the past, there's nothing in the 2015 Escalade that will convince you that it's anything but an old dog that's learned a few cool new tricks."^[25] Carscoops noted that "It may have impressed us more if a) it had shown the Escalade first instead of last, after the Chevrolet and GMC models or b) if the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL simply did not exist…" and added that Cadillac has won their attention with the resdesign.^[26] Scott Burgess of Motor Trend summed up the redesign in its headline, saying its "It's bigger, it's bolder and it's more beautiful."^[27] Bill Visnic of Edmunds concluded in his review that "With subtle, new sheet metal refreshingly free of styling gimmicks, Cadillac's looking to the 2015 Escalade's all-new and upgraded interior to help it retain its role as the benchmark of bling SUVs."^[28]

Escalade EXT

The Escalade EXT sport utility truck (released alongside its twin, the Chevrolet Avalanche) was introduced in 2002 from the Cadillac division of General Motors. It features a "Convert-a-Cab" composite pickup bed that can be expanded into the truck's cab through a bottom-hinged door. Like the Avalanche, the EXT has four full-size doors and seating for five. The EXT was only offered with the 6.0 L V8 High Output engine. High-intensity discharge headlights were offered for 2003. The Escalade EXT also appears in the movie, The Matrix Reloaded along with the CTS in product placement ads. All Escalade EXTs are built in Mexico.

The Escalade EXT (based on the Cadillac Escalade) was created as a direct competitor to the failed Lincoln Blackwood, a pickup truck based on the Ford F-150. It had competed with the Lincoln Mark LT (now discontinued in the United States and Canada), another F-150-based pickup truck that made its debut in 2005. It now competes with the Ford F-150 Platinum, which is still known as the Lincoln Mark LT in Mexico.

The EXT models were discontinued after the 2013 model year along with the Avalanche. According to Autoblog.com, The EXT was ranked tenth among the worst selling vehicles in the United States for 2013, with only 1,972 units sold.^[29]

• 

  GMT800 Cadillac Escalade EXT (2002–2006)

• 

  2007-09 Cadillac Escalade EXT

Platinum

In 2004, Cadillac released its first version of the Platinum Escalade. It was only available in the ESV model. It had such features as heated and ventilated Seats (front and back), heated and ventilated cup holders, special 20" wheels, special leathers and interior design, extra labeling and HID headlamps.^{[citation needed]}

In 2008, Cadillac offered the Platinum Edition on its redesigned Escalade and Escalade ESV models. It includes such features as a unique front fascia and grille, heated and cooled cup holders, limited edition 22" wheels, additional chrome pieces and accents, 2 additional DVD monitors- located in the headrests of each front seat, special hand stitched leathers, real aluminum interior accents, Advanced Magnetic Ride Control system, genuine olive ash and burled walnut wood interior trim, and LED headlamps.

For 2009, a hybrid model was added as well.

U.S. sales

Calendar Year	Escalade	EXT	ESV	Total U.S. sales
1998[30]	3,089	–	–	3,089
1999	23,897	–	–	23,897
2000[31]	23,346	–	–	23,346
2001	31,270	546	–	31,816
2002[32]	36,114	13,494	36	49,644
2003	35,621	11,256	12,866	59,743
2004[33]	36,994	9,638	15,618	62,250
2005	29,876	7,766	13,502	51,144
2006[34]	39,017	7,019	16,170	62,206
2007	36,654	7,967	16,370	60,991
2008[35]	23,947	4,709	11,054	39,710
2009[36]	16,873	2,423	6,588	25,884
2010[37]	16,118	2,082	8,674	26,874
2011[38]	15,079	2,036	8,388	25,503
2012[39]	12,615	1,934	8,083	22,632
2013[40]	12,592	1,972	7,950	22,514

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cadillac Escalade.

• Cadillac Escalade website
• Cadillac Escalade ESV website
• Cadillac Escalade EXT website
• Official UK website

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v t e « previous — Cadillac vehicle timeline, 1980s–present
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s										2010s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4
Compact			Cimarron																								BLS							ATS
																																			ELR
Mid-size																		Catera						CTS					CTS						CTS
																									CTS-V					CTS-V
	Seville						Seville						Seville						Seville							STS
																										STS-V
Full-size	de Ville					de Ville									de Ville						de Ville						DTS							XTS
						Fleetwood
								Sixty Special
	Fleetwood Brougham							Brougham						Fleetwood
Limousine	Fleetwood Limousine					Series 75
Personal luxury	Eldorado						Eldorado						Eldorado
Roadster								Allanté																	XLR
																											XLR-V
Mid-size crossover																									SRX						SRX
Full-size SUV																				Escalade			Escalade					Escalade
																								Escalade ESV				Escalade ESV
																							Escalade EXT					Escalade EXT