GM’s Cadillac Escalade is all-new for the 2021 model year. The large luxury SUV receives a complete overhaul, delivering a thorough redesign and re-engineering. We already know a lot about the new Escalade, including that it has significantly more interior space than the outgoing model, offers a gasoline and a diesel engine (at no cost), has a bevy of technologies, and starts at $77,490 for the regular-length version and $80,490 for the extended-length Escalade ESV. And now, we have the 2021 Escalade exterior color palette to share with you.
In all, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade will be offered in eight exterior colors. Only one hue – Black Raven – will be offered at no extra charge. The rest will carry an extra charge.
We’ve configured the 2021 Escalade in the Premium Luxury trim to give you an idea of the colors, which we’ve outlined below.
Black Raven
Crystal White Tricoat
Satin Steel Metallic
Shadow Metallic
Sandstone Metallic
Dark Moon Blue Metallic
Dark Mocha Metallic
Infrared Tintcoat
Inside, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade will offer a wide array of interior color and trim environments, with nine interior color and trim combinations and four unique seat insert perforation and quilting designs, which we will spotlight separately at a later date.
As a reminder, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade follows Cadillac’s Y trim model strategy, and will be offered in the following trim levels:
- Luxury (base)
- Premium Luxury
- Premium Luxury Platinum
- Sport
- Sport Platinum
The overhauled exterior features Cadillac’s latest design language, with horizontal primary headlamps joining the vertical signature accent lights. Out back, the Escalade’s iconic vertical tail lamps (not horizontal ones) were completely redesigned with a new graphic. Luxury and Premium Luxury models get bright exterior accents, while Sport models finish those features in black. 22-inch wheels are standard, with a total of seven designs and finishes available.
Mechanically, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade is offered either with the naturally-aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline motor, or the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbo-diesel Duramax engine. The gas V8 is standard, while the diesel is a no-cost option. Both are mated to the GM 10-speed automatic transmission.
| Engine | Aspiration | Fuel Type | Valvetrain | Horsepower @ RPM | Lb-Ft Torque @ RPM | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.2L V8 L87 | Atmospheric | Gasoline | OHV | 420 @ 5600 | 460 @ 4100 | 10-speed auto |
| 3.0L I6 LM2 | Turbo-charged | Diesel | DOHC | 277 @ 3750 | 460 @ 1500 | 10-speed auto |
Additionally, the Escalade features an independent rear suspension (IRS) for the first time ever. Not only does it enable for a smoother ride and more agile handling, but it also allows for a more spacious third row and more cargo room. The regular-length Escalade sees a 68 percent increase in cargo space behind the third row and 41 percent more rear legroom than the previous generation Escalade.
Available Magnetic Ride Control and an Electronic Limited Slip Differential deliver increased driving performance and traction, while the similarly-optional Air Ride Adaptive Suspension with Drive Modes offers premium ride comfort with height adjustment of up to four inches: two inches lower at entry/exit and two inches higher for off-road ground clearance and self-leveling during towing and hauling.
Inside, the 2021 Escalade features the industry’s first curved OLED display measuring 38 inches diagonally. It has more than twice the pixel density of a 4K TV. An enhanced Navigation experience includes augmented reality and street view features, while the HD Surround Vision Camera provides drivers with an overhead bird’s eye view of the environment around the vehicle. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard.
The standard AKG Studio sound system features exclusive audio technology from AKG and includes 19 high performance studio speakers and a rear subwoofer. Unique features include Conversation Enhancement, making communication between the first and third rows easier.
To keep rear seat occupants entertained, an optional Rear Seat Entertainment System features 12.6-inch HD displays and offers various connectivity options, including Android mirroring, streaming, HDMI, gaming, and Miracast. Passengers can also interact with the vehicle’s navigation function and select destinations using the rear seat entertainment screens.
Audiofiles should opt for the available AKG Studio Reference sound system. Designed exclusively for Cadillac, the optional provides 36 speakers at many different height levels and locations for a 360-degree sound immersion. Conversation Enhancement with the Studio Reference system features front to back and back to front communication enhancement. The system also features Front Passenger Volume control.
Meanwhile, GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology for compatible highways with lane change on demand, is optional. However, those who wish to get their new Escalade with the system will have to wait.
We’ll have much more to share about the all-new 2021 Escalade in the coming days, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac Escalade news, Cadillac news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Cadillac destroyed the competition once again!
Only to total loyalty devoted gm fanboys who are completely blind to all other brands out there besides Ford and Jeep.
This car owns its segment you might be the blind one
These colors suck. They’re all for old people. They forgot Champagne Retirement Light Gold. When are they coming out with a Del Boca Vista edition?
Sandstone Metallic, please. Very elegant and different from all the black, white and gray.
What’s wrong with charging extra for premium colors? No different than having to pay extra for better tile when you purchase a new house
Charging a surcharge on various colors of a premium Cadillac SUV is nickel and diming the buyers sadly !
Similar to baggage fees.
at least half the colors should be standard, remember Ford , you can have any color you want as long as it black. 4 standard and 4 optional choices.
Dwight,- Cadillac’s Premium Division top SUV of 2020 shouldn’t have the same colours limitation of a 1919 Ford Black When it’s 50% to 70 % more expensive,no real comparison maybe 5 standard and 2 optional would be at least fair !
At this price point all colors should be standard, and only 8? The interior appears to be fabulous. Perhaps GM is learning but maybe only for those willing to pay $80-$110K?
You are wrong! Stop being a cheap ass
BS Pitter – I’m trying not to degrade the conversation. No YOU are wrong, but feel free to waste your welfare checks.
Xjug – GM is learning what? The Escalade is the #1 in its segment and has been that way since it’s introduction.
And yet you still think it needs to learn something. Maybe it is you who needs to change your thinking!?
Mark R – GM may lead in one category but leads in zero others. My comment of “GM Learning” is why not lead in other categories not just the massively expensive modified Chevy category…
What difference does it make in regards to the 2021 Escalade that GM only leads in this segment? GM also has substantial presence in several other segments. There aren’t many brands that lead in 7-10+ segments but what’s that got to do with the Escalade dominating the one segment currently in question? Absolutely nothing. You sound like a hater. The question was “What does GM have to learn about this segment which the Escalade competes in?” That was the question and it seems you’re struggling to answer it.
GM will never get the applause from people like you no matter what segment they’re leading in or how they’re competing because you guys are a bunch of naysayers that hate to be proven wrong. You’ve sat in your basement for months telling yourself GM is going to go bankrupt again because they aren’t listening to you and then they reveal works of art like this. So then you become the type of person to walk in a circle around this truck 20 million times until you find something you dislike about it before you’ll open your mouth to say anything positive. How can you be the #1 seller of an entire segment filled with several competitors from all over the world and people still tell you you’re doing it wrong? Only GM is treated this way.
I truly hope they stop caring what the world thinks of them and fully focus on their current customer base, improving their experiences, or making new ones by fully dedicating themselves to this new Y trim strategy and being the best they can be to satisfy the ones that are actually shopping in this segment and are showing whose contender they rather take home and live with by putting their money where their mouths are. It seems that you’re the only one who needs to learn something here. The Escalade just murdered the competition and they didn’t even have to change much to do it. This set the Lincoln Navigator back another 10 years. It’s cabin looks so outdated sitting next to this I almost feel bad for Ford. The Aviator outshines the Navigator. The Escalade outshines the XT6, and that’s the way it’s supposed to be because this is the flagship. So as for right now, Lincoln has a chance but that’s only until the rest of the Cadillac CUV/SUV lineup (Lyriq, XT4, XT5, XT6) receives the new Escalade’s treatment because then there won’t be much of any competition from Ford/Lincoln on their level once again.
New Escalade colours. Wow. I wonder what they look like in the sun. Out of the shade.
Yes! Very dark photographs.
Brian – not everyone wants graphite or even bonderite grey undercoat colour either ,GM started with a couple of add on colours like red or orange hews a few years ago on cheaper models now on their top of the line PREMIUM division CADILLAC on one their most expensive top line SUV ‘s they chose to act like it’s a cheap Chev Trax With a surcharge on all but one colour ,sadly !
So how is it any different than buying a new house? If you want better than you have to pay more! Stop being so cheap
Yes, GM, stop being so cheap… This is Cadillac and there should be mulitple choices for the price your charging and we’re paying….
Go check on other manufacturers sites, Mercedes does the same thing so does audi. I feel like people who complain about stupid things like this have no experience with these cars and really have no idea what theyre talking about bc its not abnormal for luxury automakers to charge extra for most of their colors.
So then explain why people question me when I tell them they are overreacting. This up charge happens in every industry. I mentioned one and they refused to even acknowledge the reference to buying a brand new home
To compare ANY GM vehicle to Mercedes is laughable, therefore your comment is not only irrelevant, but uninformed… I’ve had 7 Mercedes since 1997 and 1 Cadillac. How many have you had?? Do you drive an Escalade or a Chevy?
So you’re only argument is that it’s ok for Mercedes-Benz to already overcharge you by $30,000 for the product you’re getting but it’s even more ok to up-charge you for a paint job because it’s Mercedes-Benz but Cadillac should be stoned to death for doing the same thing whilst offering better technology at a lower price? To say Cadillac can’t be compared to Mercedes-Benz only shows how unaware you are of the two. Technologically wise, I can definitely compare a E-class to a CT6. Performance wise, I can definitely compare a e63s to a CTS-V. Luxuriously, intuitively, and comfort wise, I can definitely and logically compare a GLS to this 2021 Escalade. Which one of your Mercedes-Benz boasted a 38-inch OLED glass display with two UX systems and standard wireless Apple CarPlay? You sound like a retarded euro brand snob that hasn’t been inside any Cadillac since 1989. Get a clue. You sounds ridiculous.
Better is subjective when it comes to color, unless there it is a rare paint product or there is a special process to apply the paint.
GM is the one being cheap here. They are charging premiums for paint that you can get on other GM vehicles that cost 30-40k less than an Escalade. And keep in mind, GM ALSO charges premiums for paints on those cheaper, mainstream vehicles also.
at least half the colors should be standard, remember Ford , you can have any color you want as long as it black. 4 standard and 4 optional choices.
can someone give a detailed input on exactly what changes did Cadillac do on back taillamp? I am looking at Escalade and trying to see if any minor deviations were made.
They are different. It is hard to explain but there is more detailing on the ’21 between the ’20 model. If you look at the middle and move your eyes to the top of the tail lights and compared both models, it is more evident.
I have a 2020 Caddy CT6 in Shadow Metallic and I can tell you that in the sun the car is absolutely gorgeous. Throw a cerami-coat on it and it’ll show all the color spectrums in the metallic.
We agonized over colors and almost went the Satin Steele until we saw it in the daylight. It is a satin finish, not the high gloss. Choose wisely…
Wish they would have dark garnet metallic as an option, that with the dark red interior would be classy. Also have found anywhere yet if front sud3 cornering lights are retained for the 2021 model?
Most if not all of Cadillacs competitors charge extra for MOST of the colors offered !!!!!!
Why don’t y’all find a Mercedes, BMW, Lincoln, or Audi Forum site and share your vitriol there. We’ve had out share.
I am waiting for the Cabbage Color to come out. The way the vegetable color stands out in the sun is to die for. Plus all the vegans will love me. Too bad GM charges extra cabbage for the cabbage color. The irony.
These pictures do not do the 2021 Cadillac Escalade any justice as we’ll need for some magazine like Car and Driver or Automobile to show pictures of the different colors.. one still needs to answer why the CT5-V has a 650 LT4 supercharged V8 engine and the Escalade doesn’t despite being twice as large.
You don’t need to wait for any magazines. GM Authority will have them the minute this thing hits production.
Keep in mind that most of these colors are not unique to Cadillac and do not represent something special for the price. This is a very dull color palette and there should be luxury level colors to match the luxury level upcharge.
Keep in mind that the Escalade has been the best-seller in its segment by a significant margin over the past decade, and there’s no reason to believe that this will change.
Also keep in mind that the goal is NOT to make special colors or make a color palette that some would consider not “dull”. The goal is to satisfy customers, and that’s exactly what they are doing.
PS: the overwhelming majority of the buying public falls into one of four primary colors.
That sounds like a case of “just good enough”. All of Cadillac’s competitors offer a much more diverse color palette and luxury brand exclusive colors as well. Do you really want to pay 76k or more on a vehicle and have the same colors you can get on an Equinox??
Good enough for who and/or whom?
Harp as you might on the color selection, it is good enough to satisfy thousands of customers every year to such a point, that it keeps the Escalade at the top of its segment, and by a significant margin (outselling everything else combined). It seems that you’re confusing not being good enough for a select few with not being good enough for the majority.
With that being sad, do keep in mind that this is the first model year and that new colors are usually added in subsequent model years. Manhattan Noir Metallic was an example of a unique addition to the last-gen Escalade:
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2018/12/new-manhattan-noir-metallic-color-for-the-2019-cadillac-escalade/
Look at the competition’s color offerings. Cadillac is simply outclassed in this area. GM had an opportunity to lead in every aspect of this vehicle (and does in many ways), but the color selection is a disappointment. No, I don’t expect it to hold back sales, but it speaks to GM’s “just good enough” philosophy.
Is there any demand for the wonderful colors the competition is offering? Is anyone buying them? Are dealers stocking models in those colors?
This isn’t pizza topping they’re making.
I’m shocked that there is no “silver” color for any of the new full size rigs. Might be a deal breaker…
Other than two whites they are all dark colors. The Satin Steel Metallic is a darker shade of silver. Click on the color radial button on the Escalade wheel well.
https://visualizer.cadillac.com/?carline=escalade&modelYear=2021&brand=cadillac&language=en&country=US&channel=b2c&s=t
What happened to the luxury of ‘choice’? There was a day not too long ago when a buyer (especially a Cadillac buyer) had the choice of twice as many colors for the exterior and several color/material combinations for the interior. Now we get 8 colors, many of which are variations of dark, darker, or darkest and a couple interiors that are dark and/or drab.