As we outlined earlier this month, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade is in for a mid-cycle refresh that will deliver a substantial amount of updates to the legendary full-size luxury SUV. These updates will also carry over to the high-performance Escalade-V, so let’s take a closer look at what we know and expect from the refreshed 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V.
The 2025 Escalade range, including the Escalade-V, will get a refresh, which is also known as a Mid-Cycle Enhancement (MCE). In other words, it won’t be an all-new vehicle, but instead an update to the current model.
That means that the 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V will remain a full-size SUV and most of the vehicle will carry over from the current generation model. What will change are the designs of the front and rear fascias, along with new wheel sizes and designs, plus an updated cockpit.
We expect the 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V to continue being available in two form factors: the standard version, which measures in at 211.9 inches long, plus the extended-length Escalade-V ESV, which is substantially longer at 227 inches. That added length can be seen (and felt) the most in the third row as well as in the cargo area.
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V and Escalade-V ESV will continue on as full-size SUVs with the current models’ body style and general design. However, the exterior will be revised to bring updated styling for the front and rear fascias, which will continue being unique to the Escalade-V.
Spy shots captured throughout the vehicle’s development suggest that the headlight will become the turn signal indicator, while the actual headlamps will be relocated to the vertical lighting area. This aesthetic has been making the rounds on the latest Cadillac models, including the refreshed 2024 XT4, recently-revealed second-generation CT6, Lyriq, Celestiq and Escalade IQ.
Beyond that, we’ll see new 24-inch wheel options, which GM Authority was the first to report on back in March. These 24-inch rollers will be wrapped with a low profile tire developed especially for the Escalade-V, and the rubber should help the high-performance Escalade in the handling department.
Much like the “regular” Escalades, a new communications fin on the roof will enable a high-speed 5G connection, replacing the 4G LTE network used currently.
The biggest change will inside, where the refreshed 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V will feature an overhauled cabin with a full-width, coast-to-coast (pillar-to-pillar) infotainment screen. We expect the setup to follow closely that of the recently-revealed, battery electric Escalade IQ. The addition of this new display will not only bring about a new set of controls and interfaces, but it will also require an overhaul to the center stack and center console, including the HVAC configuration and shifter/gear selector.
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ features a 55-inch “coast-to-coast” display and two wireless phone chargers at at the front row
Speaking of the gear selector, it will move from the aforementioned center console to the right hand steering wheel stalk. This approach isn’t new for Cadillac, as it has appeared on the Cadillac Lyriq as well as the aforementioned Escalade IQ. Moving the shifter to the steering column and away from the center console will open up the latter with more space and enable the placement of two inductive (wireless) phone chargers for the two front passengers. By comparison, the current pre-refreshed Escalade-V features only one inductive phone charger.
Finally, we expect several improvements to the seating materials and other in-vehicle tech. For instance, the rear seat entertainment systems could use an update, while we would welcome a new center console for the second row captain’s chairs.
We would be shocked (shocked!) to see any mechanical changes, as the supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 that currently powers the Escalade-V and Escalade-V ESV does (more than) a fine job. With 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque on tap, the Escalade-V is the most powerful Cadillac powered by an internal combustion engine. GM’s ten-speed automatic transmission will continue driving all four wheels via an all-wheel-drive system and an integrated Electronic Limited Slip differential. The ferocious-sounding equal-length exhaust with active exhaust valves and black quad tips will continue to be present and accounted for.
On the chassis side, the refreshed Escalade-V will continue using Magnetic Ride Control with Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, Brembo six-piston front brakes, and a V-Driving mode.
Underneath the updated body and interior, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V and Escalade-V ESV will continue to ride on the GM T1 platform, which has been the case for all Escalade models starting with the 2021 model year.
The refreshed 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V will continue being available in North America, the Middle East, along with select export markets.
We expect 2025 Escalade-V production to commence in the second half of the 2024 calendar year at the GM Arlington plant in Texas. Incidentally, the plant is on strike as of this writing as GM continues to grapple with the UAW over the terms of its hourly labor contract with the union.
We’ll keep this article updated as we learn more about the 2025 Cadillac Escalade, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Escalade-V news, Cadillac news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
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And I quote: "We would be shocked (shocked!) to see any mechanical changes, as the supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 that currently powers the Escalade-V and Escalade-V ESV does (more than) a fine job. With 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque on tap, the Escalade-V is the most powerful Cadillac powered by an internal combustion engine."
SERIOUSLY!! For the amount of money they are asking for this vehicle and the class it is in!! This behemoth needs the LT5 to compete! 755HP would make a huge difference in the outright brutal acceleration of this SUV! And also "maybe" justify the outrageous price tag for them.
My dealer is adding 30 grand to them as is and they still fly off the shelf. Tells me MSRP is too low.
Or people are just stupid!!!!
Do like the new screen. still not a fan of impendent rear axle ,nice if their was a 2row …for us who have no need ,want or will ever have a use for a 3rd row
When will I be able to order 2025xt5 prem lux?
ok gm. want to shock everybody? put in an 8sp manual box in that. yep. and a real clutch. yep. do it. DO IT! i dare you!