When it comes to full-size luxury SUVs, the Cadillac Escalade is hard to beat, frequently taking the top spot in its segment with regard to sales volume. Nevertheless, the segment is becoming more and more competitive by the minute, and to that end, GM is seeking to retain its position at the top of the heap with an extensive mid-cycle refresh for the Escalade set to launch in conjunction with SUV’s 2025 model year. That said, it now looks like the Escalade will have yet another rival to contend with as Audi gears up to launch the new Audi Q9.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the forthcoming Audi Q9 will top the German brand’s SUV lineup, slotting in above the Q7 and Q8 as its latest luxury SUV flagship – exactly what the brand needs to take the fight to the Cadillac Escalade.
Although Audi has focused primarily on expanding its all-electric offerings via the e-tron lineup over the last few years, lower-than-expected demand for EVs has forced the brand to shift strategies. That includes the delayed launch of he Audi Q6 e-tron, and while the forthcoming Q9 was originally expected to be the last ICE-powered model from Audi, it appears as though that will no longer be the case.
Regardless, Audi will find plenty of competition in the full-size luxury SUV space, in particular from the Cadillac Escalade. Looking over the latest numbers, the BMW X7 appears to be the top-dog in this space with 28,797 units sold during the 2023 calendar year, as compared to the 26,257 units sold for the Cadillac Escalade during the same time period. However, when one includes sales of the extended-length Cadillac ESV, which sold 15,432 units all on its own, it’s clear that the Escalade remains the undisputed segment leader:
| MODEL | YTD 23 / YTD 22 | YTD 23 | YTD 22 | YTD 23 SHARE | YTD 22 SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X7 | -6.22% | 28,797 | 30,706 | 18% | 22% |
| CADILLAC ESCALADE | +8.10% | 26,257 | 24,290 | 17% | 18% |
| MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-CLASS | +15.36% | 24,056 | 20,853 | 15% | 15% |
| LINCOLN NAVIGATOR | +32.89% | 17,549 | 13,206 | 11% | 10% |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER | +50.34% | 15,989 | 10,635 | 10% | 8% |
| CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV | -3.29% | 15,432 | 15,957 | 10% | 12% |
| INFINITI QX80 | +76.19% | 12,696 | 7,206 | 8% | 5% |
| JEEP GRAND WAGONEER | -9.53% | 10,618 | 11,736 | 7% | 8% |
| LEXUS LX | +91.08% | 6,959 | 3,642 | 4% | 3% |
| TOTAL | +14.56% | 158,353 | 138,231 |
The question then becomes this – will the new Audi Q9 have what it takes to eat away at the Escalade’s lead? We’ll find out when it launches for the 2025 model year, but until then, subscribe to GM Authority for more GM competition news, GM business news, Cadillac Escalade news, Cadillac news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Moving opposite to market trends.
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Breaking out the spec sheets for a comparison.
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Aldi's alphanumeric naming is worse than Mercedes and BMW which their naming of cars and CUVs don't line up. For example, the A8 and the Q9 is on the same level as flagships are concerned. Audi shot themselves in the foot with the CUV line-up having number destinations higher than their equivalent sedans.
I dont think so. They are doing it better than Cadillac, Infiniti, Acura. And the names have been established so long that people know them, anyone who doesn't but wants one will be satisfied with the dealer telling them
Sort of agree, but the Cadillac naming and HP thing is weird.. especially when it rounds. At least the Escalade kept it's name. I'm not saying bring back DeVille but honestly if it was truly great we're at the point where models with names stand out and command presence again. CT5 I guess doing just fine though. Wonderful driver, had one as a rental. Can only imagine the V.
Audi's reliability has tanked lately, so I doubt it will make a huge dent in Slade sales.
Audi (VW) was never reliable.
My friend, I just left from working at a Cadillac dealer and Cadillac has some serious issues. I personally handled no less that 12 buy backs last year (all but 2 were Escalades) and had 3 in the works before I left this year. BMW being that relevant with the X7 clearly says there's a pathway for Audi to make a dent of they do it right. What I also found surprising was that the Lincoln placed higher than the Rover.
Audi and VW group in general, have been constantly cost-cutting for far too long. (Now to pay for EV conversion) You can only go so far and squeeze your suppliers into doing so before quality, and material standards, in particular, are sacrificed.
Escalade, Tahoe, Yukon, etc entry and exit is very challenging. I am a golden senior and will be taking delivery of my last full size 2024 SUV because of this inconvenience. When i look at law enforcement SUV ,” Tahoes” ,the suspension is much lower . Easy entry and exit .??? GM and their refresh program team should also consider partial door assist option .GM could benefit from a focus group of seniors for their product line. When i see the cadillac advertising it helps me understand the age gap between the seniors and much younger Gm management team . Dk
Dennis, at almost 72, I am at the same point in life.
However, I still work daily with the Yukon, having a 2023 Ultimate in the shop area for training. The suspension lowers and it has power running boards that make entry and exit pretty easy overall. The running boards can be turned off too, if desired.
However, as with most full-size vehicles such as my own '23 GMC Elevation, there's a bit of a reach to the fully opened door from the driver's seat, which I believe is the real concern, rather than the actual weight of the door.
Something to maybe consider, is how far open you actually need to open the driver's door to enter the vehicle. I just checked and the door check strap on my truck has 4 positions ranging from 24" opening, 30", 36+" and wider.
Most of us likely tend to open the door to it's widest opening, with the door check at it's full stop, but perhaps opening one check stop less if entry is still easy enough (it is for me), will allow easier closing the door once seated. The pull is remarkably closer to the slightly extended hand, with the door not fully opened against the stop.
At 5'11" and 250 lbs, I can "sneak" into my truck with the door at 24" opening (when someone parks too close), while 30" and higher do allow more room to enter. I installed fixed running boards which make a huge difference for entry and exit of the truck, especially for my wife at 5'3" tall. While I prefer the look without the running boards, I installed them mostly for my wife. However, it makes my entry and exit so much easier too!
While still very active and generally fit, I have and am prone to joint injury issues, so having to reach less to the door would less aggravate my shoulder joint.
I'm paying the price for being a working technician and taking a few hard hits on the race track some years ago. However, the fun was worth a few aches and pains that haunt me these days.
Perhaps a 6" partial door close from a full opened position is an option that would be most welcome, as you suggest.
side steps. only way to buy one of these. the fleet trim you probably dont want because those ride like a literal tractor.
The problem occurs when the Audi breaks down. $$$$$
When you make design changes on the 2025 Cadilac Escalade please add the front windshield post grab bars. It makes it so much easier for us seniors to get in and out. Having to go to other brands
lol no German automaker can make a true Escalade competitor. Mercedes is the closest with the g wagon but that’s not an suv and I don’t see this q9 outdoing the x7 😂
Give Me The Caddy Escalade Any Day , 38 Yrs GM Seniority We Build The Best ✊🏾👊🏾✊🏾
When thinking about changes or improvements for the 2025 Escalade, think about the following...not necessarily in the order listed as a priority:
1. Make available a high-end factory-installed dash camera with rear view and interior recording options, incorporating parked car bump/damage monitoring.
2. Relocate the HAZARD WARNING switch from the rear edge of the center console to an other location where it won't be continuously, inadvertently activated by a right hand that is resting in that area while driving.
3. Add a memory seat to the passenger front...basically with the same functions as the driver's control. Typically the #1 and #2 owners/operators will switch off and exchange places.
4. Add a single-push feature to the memory button controls for the power seats to be able to simply reset to one of the pre-sets rather than having to hold the button to attain a setting. Particularly, to change from a pre-set to the exit position or vice-versa.
5. Allow the exit seating position to be programmed rather than simply moving it to max low and back.
6. Please add the grab assist handles on the a-pillar that will make it easier for seniors to enter and exit the vehicle.
7. Give it a little more-powerful Diesel engine as an option!!!!!!
99% chance it will be a stretched Q7.... aka total failure. unless its boxy to actually offer space and presence, the only thing it will rival is itself.
euros cannot make full size suvs because they dont understand what those are about...
Make more Escalades so the dealers cannot add to the window sticker and discounts will come back.
I would like to buy a new one but will have to stick with the GMC Denali which is a fine car in itself.
Not sure how busy the Arlington, TX plant is but are all shifts being used at full capacity?
The problem with the Escalade is that the Escalade has to be better than the Yukon because the Yukon is a great vehicle as you said it for such strong demand.
This car has been on sale since late '20 with no discounts. Cadillac is doing something right with the Escalade finally and the IQ and IQL will be that way too with no discounts. If you can afford to shop around to another dealership, there are plenty who are charging at MSRP and not over.
Arlington assembly has been running three shifts 49 hours/week on mandatory six day weeks for almost ten years now. Producing 1200+ vehicles per day.
i havent seen anything added to msrp on escalades here in basically a solid year now. and we have a monopoly of one dealer which is a meme for my area.
Whatever they do I hope they finally make a useable third row.