Back in 2018, at the Los Angeles Auto Show, General Motors debuted the 2019 Cadillac Escalade Sport Edition, a performance-flavored model that arrived as a clear departure from the nameplate’s traditional luxury-oriented approach. Now, according to a recent report from our sister publication, Cadillac Society, we have learned that the Escalade Sport Edition achieved an impressive 15 percent retail sales penetration.
Considering the 2019 model year was the first year the package was introduced, the 15 percent figure is particularly noteworthy. Upgrades over the standard Escalade included a glossy black front grille and lower fascia, 22-inch wheels with a dark Midnight Silver finish, a black rear bumper applique, and glossy black window trim. The package was offered on all trim levels, with the exception of the base model.
One could consider the 2019 Cadillac Escalade Sport Edition package to be a predecessor to the upcoming Escalade Sport trim level, at least in terms of aesthetics. As we’ve covered previously, Cadillac has applied its new Y trim level strategy across its model lineup, with Sport models offered with equipment like glossy black trim, unique fascias, and other sporting aesthetic bits. This includes the all-new 2021 Cadillac Escalade, which replaces the bright Galvano trim seen on the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims with unique dark finishes.
Indeed, the Cadillac Escalade Sport Edition’s high retail sales penetration helped to lay the groundwork for the new 2021 Escalade Sport trim. And that’s good news for Cadillac, given half of all new Cadillac sales are in the Sport trim. Moving forward, it’ll be interesting to see how this trend applies to the new Escalade, and if the take rate will best the previous Escalade Sport Edition package. Given modern customer tastes, we feel as though that’s more than likely.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac Escalade news, Cadillac news, and 24/7 GM news coverage.
This post was created in collaboration with our sister publication, Cadillac Society.
Comments
People love saying they have the sport edition of a model. “Oh I drive a Honda Accord SPORT.” What’s funny is that most of the time, there’s not even a difference in power.
There is definitely a market for the ” Murdered Out ” look . And on the Escalade it looks sinister and sportier than the normal model . Especially when it comes with the black chrome accent .
Also done with Crystal White or Red tri-coat . Seen it done to the XT5 and Acadia seems to look better on some models then others .
Good choice to add that model for the new Escalade .
Obviously, Cadillac had been paying attention to the aftermarket treatment of some Escalade’s chrome everywhere being all blacked-out before Cadillac offered the ’19-’20 Sport Edition Package. The ’21 Escalade Sport trim pieces all covered in black chrome. IMO, looks excellent.
They definitely did pay attention to the aftermarket. I myself am in the market for a 16-18 ESV Platinum and the first thing I plan on doing is getting a set of factory 22″ dark grey “sport” or black wheels then covering up all that excessive chrome, either powder coat or the swap with the actual “sport” trim pieces and grille, then find a way to mimic the 12-14′ Premium/Platinum dual exhaust upgrade to do away with that stupid single exhaust at the RR wheel. That’ll be the way I’ll set mine up since it’ll be a long time before I can get a 21’+ out the gate. I love the current gen but I hate that the Premium and Luxury models look exactly the same, smh. The 12-14’s were unique and they were all monochromatic before. Not sure what happened in 2015 but I’ll be sure to correct mines lol.
Wish Cadillac would make a V series Escalade. I would buy one.