The 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V throws a wrench in the idea of what an Escalade can represent, thanks in large part to its distinctive combination of a supercharged V8, superb levels of luxury, and capabilities of a body-on-frame vehicle. Recently, TV personality Jay Leno gave a review on the Escalade-V, and voiced his thoughts on extraordinary Caddy full-size SUV.
Leno is no stranger to the Cadillac lineup of V-Series high-performance vehicles, as the Jay Leno’s Garage host owns a 2012 CTS-V coupe himself. As such, Leno appears to be particularly interested in the supercharged Escalade, and brought Cadillac Chief Executive Engineer Brandon Vivian along with him for all the details.
Some Escalade-V performance highlights from the conversation between the two car enthusiasts include the 2.6L supercharger setup (the CT5-V Blackwing, which features a similar engine, has a 1.8L supercharger), the full-time AWD drivetrain, the massive Brembo brakes, and the Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 suspension layout.
After talking over the details, the two men jump in the Escalade-V to take it for a rip. Leno appears to be thoroughly impressed with the performance of the Caddy SUV, while Vivian is sure to reiterate that the Escalade-V was designed to allow customers to have their cake and eat it too, with luxury features like GM Super Cruise and massaging front seats.
As a reminder, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V is the top dog in the Escalade horsepower department, and features the supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 gasoline engine, rated at 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque. Output is routed to all four wheels via the GM 10-speed automatic transmission.
Under the skin, the Escalade rides on the GM T1 platform. Production of the 2023 model kicked off on July 18th, 2022 at the GM Arlington plant in Texas.
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Comments
If Cadillac wanted to “Win the Boulevard” like the guy mentioned. They should have put the LT5 into the engine bay. 755 HP sounds a lot more like winning to me compared to the LT4’s 682HP.
4.7 seconds to 60mph is a joke.
@vroom
for $150K+, yes it is. I detail my doctors Porsche Cayenne turbo and he paid $132k for it and that thing is unearthly fast for an SUV, yet refined it is to just cruise down the interstate. GM has lost its “DRIVE” to really make performance cars, suvs, and trucks. Other than the Corvette that’s all they really have. The camaro is a fantastic car but look its been 7 years since they did anything to it regards to HP/TQ.
33 minutes you see a cop pull out behind them just as they’re going to do a WOT run and then the lights came on at 33:30. Never showed that though, guess Jay smooth talked them!
It could have been a police escort for safety.
Check 33:24 when the cop is pulling behind them.
A very nice and powerful car for cruising for people with brains and brains. I keep wondering why the acceleration from 0-60mls is so important? Why is this important?
I like the quiet driving and enjoy the great V8 sound …
Have a nice weekend and great rides with smooth speed and low fuel consumption.
Leno provides a great advertisement for Cadillac!
Will never understand how this 0-60 became so important, or why they even billed an SUV with a motor like this. It isn’t a good tow vehicle and no fun on a winding road. Guessing I’m missing something here.
@ Rick
Isn’t a good tow vehicle?? It an tow 7,000lbs. That’s over 90% of most boat owners, personal watercraft, atv, and UTV owners! It seats 7 to 8 people and can run to 60 mph like a sports car from the early 2000s and before. Now, no its not worth $150K+ when I could buy a Sierra Denali and Convertible SS for less money! But this can do both in one. GM just missed the ball and really should have put the LT5 into a vehicle this massive.
Not so attractive front.
TNTSilverado. Yes you are right. Those are all very good points but it doesn’t take a very large boat to be over 7,000lbs when add some fuel and the trailer. At high speeds on the highway I would rather have a heavier duty suspension. Beautiful truck but my self I just don’t see a need for something like this. Not fun to drive fast and very expensive. To each his own. Thank for your input TNT. Hope you have a nice weekend, take care