The new fifth-generation 2021 Escalade is just around the corner, with a debut expected sometime in the second half of this year on on-sale date months thereafter. While we’ve seen it out and about as a camouflaged prototype, we’re now getting a few details on what the SUV will offer in terms of its interior, and the big-ticket item could be a “huge” new center infotainment screen as well as a larger digital instrument cluster.
This latest rumor comes to us from our sister publication, Cadillac Society, which cites sources familiar with the 2021 Escalade who spoke to Cadillac Society on the basis of anonymity.
While the word “huge” could be seen as subjective, here’s something a little more concrete: Cadillac Society’s sources say that the 2021 Escalade’s new center screen could be twice the size of the eight-inch (diagonal) screen found in the current fourth-generation Cadillac Escalade SUV. A 16-inch screen would be enormous, and would dominate the 2021 Escalade’s cockpit, much like the 17-inch screen found in the Tesla Model S.
Cadillac Society was also tipped that the full-size luxury SUV could boast a fancy new digital instrument cluster, which is promised to be a “significant” improvement over the current Escalade’s 12-inch gauge cluster.
The next-gen, 2021 Escalade is rumored to have a center screen significantly larger than the size of the 8-inch unit found in the current, fourth-generation model (2019 Escalade Sport Edition pictured)
According to Cadillac Society, both digital readouts would feature “high levels” of integration between each other, while also sporting new types of controls. The controls would allegedly combine Cadillac’s existing touchscreen functionality with the brand’s new rotary controls. For reference, Cadillac‘s new rotary control system was introduced on the 2019 XT4 and 2019 CT6, and is now making its way to the CT5, CT4, XT6, and the refreshed, 2020 XT5.
The integration of new, larger screens isn’t entirely unexpected, as the majority of the industry moves away from analog systems and towards the digitization of, well, everything. However, it’s unclear if these new, larger digital readouts will be standard equipment or optional. It’s also possible the two new features won’t launch with the 2021 Escalade at all, and will instead be saved for later in the Escalade’s lifecycle, such as the 2021i (2021 interim) or 2022 model years.
The 2021 Escalade will also feature a trio of powertrain options, including two gasoline engines as well as an all-electric model later in the SUV’s lifecycle. It’s unclear whether the new 3.0L LM2 Duramax diesel engine will make its way to the vehicle.
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Source: Cadillac Society
Comments
If it is a flagship, thru & thru, it needs integrated fancy screens as standard on Luxury trim and not available only from Premium Luxury & Sport! Also, it needs to be available right out the gate, not mid-year this and that.
I believe it was on a previous story on this site someone commented that they saw the new Escalade at an dealer conference and he also mentioned that the screen would be s-class type with it going across the dash horizontal.
It better utilize the Escala Concept screen layout.
It had better be integrated in the dash and not a cheapo slapped-on tablet.
The screens will be integrated “sweep” across dash very similarly to the Escala concept’s interior. It’s going to look beautiful!
It is.
A single large 16″ screen? Eeeeeewwwww.
I’m not sure what all the dislikes are about. I kind of agree.
I’m not a fan of screens to begin with, but I do believe that one can be too excessive.
I’m just hoping for a tri-panel moon roof, and Cooled rear seats. I would love some better materials but pray Caddy stays with the column shifter.
I saw it few days ago. It is gorgeous. Its a mix of the Escala/Ciel inside.
Don’t know why u’ve mentioned Tesla….Tesla has nothing to do with it.
@Jay- how did you see it a few days ago?
I won’t say how, but I was lucky to see a picture. My friend works for them.
That Oled screen they are talking about is horizontal. Its not just a tablet like in modern MB models. Its integrated into the dash just like in the Ciel concept and has a very beautiful shape.
I must say this will be smth really special. Wait for it… Im pretty sure they will leak a pic very soon… Probably, Alex has already seen it lol
Are you sure that they’re not talking about the center DVD entertainment screen for the rear passengers?
That’s all well and good but if the interior isn’t up to par with the Lincoln Navigator & Aviator, start over.
I recently compared the interior of my two Escalades, a 2003 and a 2012, to the same model years of the Navigator. Navigators interior fall apart much faster than these Cadillacs, and they had similar mileage.
Everyone has his own idea for what is par. After decades of ladling on chrome inside, Cadillac kept it to a minimum from the late 80’s until recently. Now that the Germans have gone from spartan to busy and flashy, some people have switched their taste.
I prefer GM’s organic curves to the straight lines and rectangles that dominate other makes’ dashes.
Forget about the Lincoln…
Its even better than the german premium models. X7,new GLS…
And now back from your dream to GM reality. GM and its focus groups are very conservative. So be ready for 10 inch tablet display with 2 small asymetric knobs. All in black and in dull elegance ala CT5/XT5/6.
Live to dream that General Motors CEO Mary Barra will do what is right by greenlighting the Blackwing V8 for usage by the Escalade; Cadillac wants to differentiate itself from a Chevrolet.. without the Blackwing V8, the Escalade still has little to differ itself from a Chevrolet Suburban.
They need something like the new navigator.
I think 99% of the population believes that Gm interior are behind other manufacturers
So it will be another Suburban with acres of chrome trim and a heavy Cadillac Tax?
What kind of moron buys this thing?
Just BUILD THE DAMN THING ALREADY . . . lol. All this anticipation may be another build up for a great disappointment. I want to see the 5.3L V8, the 6.2L V8, the 4.2L TT V8, and an Electric Hybrid Version. I want to see all the indepentant Rear Suspension & Double Dual Exhausts, and a PANORAMIC SUNROOF (finally). No less than 6 leather interior choices.