The Cadillac Escalade is the luxury marque’s flagship full-size SUV that sets the bar in its segment in nearly every area. And it continue on that path by offering a four-seat executive option to its lineup. Let’s explore the idea in today’s GM Authority Opinion Desk.
Lexus has thrown down the gauntlet with its recently-announced all-new 2022 LX 600, built to take on the Cadillac Escalade. One highlight of the new flagship Japanese utility is an available four-seat executive version called LX Ultra Luxury, a first for the brand.
2022 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury
With this option, the LX 600 offers rear-seat captain’s chairs that recline up to 48 degrees accompanied by a massaging function with a power-retractable ottoman (footrest) and personal tray table. As a caveat, seat recline and ottoman use is only intended for when the vehicle is parked. Nevertheless, in its reveal video, Lexus tells viewers to “enjoy reimagined VIP seating.”
2022 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury second row seats
Such a setup is currently or has previously been offered in large luxury sedans such as the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes S-Class, and Audi A8 L, among others. Cadillac could do one better than all the others by offering a four-seat executive option in the Escalade, with more available room by removing the third-row seating.
The Escalade’s current second-row bucket seats, the most “luxurious” configuration offered, could be replaced with exquisitely-designed and luxuriously-trimmed reclining captain’s chairs that would be set back a bit in the second row area, providing plenty of room to recline, with an integrated footrest to match, without encroaching on the front seats as is the case in all the other vehicles listed above.
This would also allow Cadillac to slightly expand the width of the captain’s chairs while adding a feature-rich center console, since access to the third row would no longer be needed. That center console could include a personal tray table, padded armrest, a fridge/cooler, storage for devices and things (like expensive blankets), charging and input ports for the Rear Seat Entertainment system, along various controls for media, seats, massage, and lights.
Currently, the second row of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade offers 38.9 inches of headroom, 41.7 inches of legroom, 64.6 inches of shoulder room, and 61.2 inches of hip room. Removing the third row would free up 36.6 inches of legroom, giving captain’s chairs in the second row more room to recline and space for foot rest.
The Cadillac Escalade is designed and ready for a high-end luxury four-seat executive setup for those who desire such an option, taking the flagship even further upmarket, and benefitting GM/Cadillac in the process (generally speaking, automakers make very healthy margins on options). It’s a win-win for all involved – for the customers and for the automaker – and we must say that we’re surprised that such an option hasn’t already been introduced for the Escalade.
Comments
Those who would want second row captain chairs as this article suggest, it would be so the customer would feel at home on the way to the executive airport.
Get rid of the 3 rd row in luxury segment not many ever get used
Mikes, it’s a status symbol.
I have a high end customer that comes into Logan once a month for a week. She arranges me to pick up either a Full size Denali or Escalade for me to drive her around while she goes on her calls. She understands my older Tahoe is what it is. I dont mind. Covid has caused supply issues for slightly used SUVs for the smaller livery services. Good idea on that option tho
The 4 seat option would be a killer option, even though it wouldn’t be too practical, it will allow for a first class 2nd row experience. I hope cadillac at least considers it, the cadillac Celestiq will have 4 seats like a Maybach.
Jesus now people are saying Cadillac and maybach in the same sentence what a disgrace. I think I’m going to be sick.
The cadillac celestiq will be a maybach and a bentley competitor with a rumored price at $200k. Use your brain.
Just stop man. Nobody can take you serious when you say nonsense like this. I like you bro I do I think you have good input but the way you speak about Cadillac im surprised you haven’t yet claimed they are better then a bugatti. Please just accept the fact it’s a nice car yes but to try to make some BS up about oh it’s going to compete with the maybach is just silly dude. People who can actually afford a maybach which is nobody on this website would never put the 2 in the same category because it’s insulting.
Well judging by real facts instead of subjective evidence, the s class maybach cost around north of $200,000 and the Cadillac celestiq cost around $200k as well. So it’s clear that their both distant competitors. The s class maybach is a masterpiece when you forget about the standard s class, but all it is is a s class with more standard options and a few exclusive maybach pieces here and there. The cadillac celestiq by comparison is a a high end exclusive model on its own. I think maybe an EQS Maybach is a direct upcoming competitor.I wonder how Cadillac which makes fwd chevy based SUVs automatically make a 200k sedan.
I understand that it’s surprising seeing Cadillac a brand that makes fwd SUVs compete with a high end Mercedes maybach product.
I believe that some GM vehicles assembled in China do have rear recliner seats as the wealthy Chinese have a driver and the owners ride in thr back.
This a no brainer. This should have been an option by now. But now I’m just waiting for GM to miss another opportunity.
No.
The four-seater option is nice, but what the Escalade needs more is the 4.2 twin-turbo LTA engine and the 3.6 twin-turbo LF4 engine. No more 5.3NA and 6.2NA
The third-row seating is useless, adds weight to vehicle whilst decreasing fuel mileage. Never used. Can use space for additional cargo. IMO.
Cadillac had the opportunity to offer it on the 4th generation Escalade but probably could not due to post bankruptcy. That model would of been excellent to start with such a package. Now is an excellent opportunity to offer it.
What percentage of Escalade owners don’t have large families and is only that person or spouse/partner in the household who does not need a third row? This gives Cadillac an opportunity to offer second row executive seat package for someone that has an S Class who wants an SUV with such an executive seat package or anyone who have two highend flagships who no longer needs two but want one vehicle with such a package.
GM better start taking Cadillac on the high end market more seriously before the competition caters what the customer wants. The new ’22 Range Rover is around the corner and will debut next week, Lincoln offers second row massaging seats on the refresh Navigator and Grand Wagoneer offers ventilated seats.
Does Cadillac want Lexani and third party aftermarket suppliers want customers to convert Escalades continuously? Now is the time to get serious because the sales volume is through the roof and there is no need to leave money on the table. Hopefully they will offer it sooner or be available on the refresh model down the road.
Lol good grief 🤦♂️
They want to do this, they want to do that!!! How about just producing the Cadillacs that have been on order!!! You can figure out the other things once you get back on track and figure out this chip thing. I just want my Cadillac!! Yes I’m spoiled I admit it! 🤷🏿♀️
I want a copo awd – v model with the new 632-10004 big block.
Not even a remote comparison. My 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe has full rear recliner back seats. I have customers that get off the plane into my Hyundai and immediately recline the seats put in their eye shades and ear buds and say my dear driver awaken me in when we get home. Using the Santa Fe till my Tahoes engine gets installed. Crazy
Absolutely! A Talisman Edition!!!!
OMG, what a dumb idea! To declare a 4-seat SUV a “executive” SUV does not mean that it actually serves the needs of executives. An SUV with only four seats sounds like a vehicle that will allow the passengers to take quick naps on the way to the airport. This is not why executives are transported in chauffeur-driven vehicles. Executive time is too valuable to be spent driving themselves. The limousine is a working environment. With a 7-seat SUV an executive can be accompanied by up to five assistants or hold a meeting with another executive while both are accompanied by at least two assistants. A 4-seat SUV limits one executive to two assistants. However, little work is likely to get done in a 4-seat SUV with this setup.
It depends on the needs of the executive and how many people accompany with him or her for the reason you have a choice of vehicles to go with or rent.
There is still a need for a second row executive package by Cadillac for the Escalade which is lacking.
I’m sure they’re cheap enough compared to the usual sedan that would have this option that the people who really want this option will take it an aftermarket company to redo the entire interior and get it tailored to their exact needs.
Hell even a Kia Carnival and Toyota Sienna offer more luxurious second row seats and still keep the 3rd row as well. its a no brainer at least in the escalade because it should keep up with the navigators second row option with vented seats and rear radio controls!!!!