Previously, we told you about the Cadillac’s identity crisis with the Escalade nameplate. Cadillac is serious perplexed on where to take the American luxury SUV in its next-generation. Being torn between the “don’t mess with success” mentality and bringing the Escalade in line with the brand’s newfound ideals is a tough decision.
Let’s briefly recap this complicated dilemma.
The current 2015 Cadillac Escalade has been a massive success for Cadillac. Sales are up over 100 percent year-over-year with an average transaction price of $83,000. The Escalade has instant brand recognition with anyone you speak with, and stands as a vehicle representing “you’ve made it.”
On the flip side, it rings as the opposite of what Cadillac strives to be. It’s a rebadged Chevrolet and GMC at heart. It offers no exclusive Cadillac engine. The SUV showcases no major technology. It’s not a performance vehicle. You get the idea.
Cadillac is currently in the process of shaping what the follow-up to this successful vehicle will be, and that’s where we want you to chime in.
Cadillac has stated the Escalade name is too valuable to give up, but we ask you, should the Escalade gain an alphanumeric name to follow the new CT and XT naming strategy, and bring the SUV in line with the brand with exclusive engines and technology? Or, is the Escalade too valuable to mess with? Let us know in the poll below, and feel free to expand in the comments down below.
Comments
This poll really is a mixture of all the above except #1. You definitely don’t ditch your moneymaker! Tweak the Escalade for sure but I don’t see how you can make it “More Cadillac” this vehicle is essentially the face of your brand! Also, you have to keep the name Escalade because that’s instant brand recognition. I also feel the top tier flagship and coupe should have a name (my suggestions later) but following the same script eventually leaves you stagnant.
It’s quite simple really, the current Escalade needs to adopt the same tech as the new CT6 asap! New engine opinions including plug-in hybrid, diesel and at least a V-Sport model. Since Escalade is the range topping SUV, their should be more bespoke opinions such as color, configuration, interior basically you should be able to make it your own! (Think Executive Class) This should go for everything CT6 and above as well.
These things can be done now as we await the CT7,8,9 which I assume will be the face of the new A&S design language. At that time Cadillac can adopt the new fascia for Escalade. As I mentioned earlier IMO every top of the line Cadillac should have a name! SUV = Escalade, Flagship Sedan = Biarritz, Mid-Engine Coupe = Zora (Use ZR1 for Corvette) I believe even the V-Series vehicles should add names to their alphanumeric monikers. CT3-V Stallion, CT5-V Dragon etc, etc, it’s just helps the consumer identity more with their vehicle.
Caddy may have to get it’s own manufacturing plant for all things Caddy to make a Real Identity Change, though it may not be in the cards for now, it will be, what do you think gang?? 😉
Today; Escalade is the Soul of Cadillac, the true representative of the GM brand.
He is untouchable, at least now; when Cadillac will have the full range; so if they can change the name, until that day; Escalade must remain the main guide
And continue with the idea of making cars that are going to do; but change anything to a car that is so successful; only they get to harm the image of the car and the brand.
Everyone knows to say Escalade; say Cadillac (even here in Spain where I live)
And this is the biggest success that the car can get
The Escalade is an iconic brand onto it’s own and shouldn’t be messed with to much. I think it was almost solely responsible for bringing Cadillac back from brink.
For the next generation or mid-life refresh they should:
-keep the body on frame design but utilize some of the mixed materials manufacturing techniques pioneered by the CT6 to reduce weight. Let’s say 300-400lbs approx.
a lighter vehicle would allow Cadillac to use their new 3.0TT motor as a base model engine.
-offer a V-Sport model using their upcoming 4.5TTV8 (I’m guessing ) good for 500-550hp range.
-offer a plug-in version.
similar to CT6 plug in but with 3.6NA engine as the range extender. Larger battery pack to get a 50 mile all-electric range.
There is still then room to offer a slightly smaller but full-sized crossover.
I would want to see it based it on the Omega platform and not the Lambda to keep it as uniquely Cadillac as possible.
I totally agree with EvDave.
Long live the ESCALADE !!
I’d like to think ESCALADE means ‘E’xclusive and ‘S’uperb ‘C’adillac ‘A’s ‘L’uxurious ‘A’utomobile with ‘D’ignity in ‘E’ssence
“Should Cadillac leave the SUV be?”….Did you learn the language yet? If you take any pride in your writing, you may want to get some help….
This should be a no-brainer for Cadillac . Its the one thing the division has done right so far . what they should do is use the formula that brought the Escalade to the top in its segment to their vehicles . At the New York auto show Johan was ask this question and he claimes that the Escalade will stand alone and sees no reason to try and fold it into the car lineup . It stands alone and will continue to offer the best in quality and technology that Cadillac can bring to it . As others have said , Escalade is the face of Cadillac right now .
Use EvDave’s ideas and give it a name like Escalade XT8
no, I love It says Escalade you shouldn’t change. Its been around lonf time keep it for as lonag as you want love the escalade