Just last month, GM Authority photographers spotted a 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV that was completely undisguised. Today, Cadillac’s refreshed full-size luxury SUV has yet to be officially unveiled, and yet, GM Authority spy photographers managed to capture more photos of another similarly unconcealed 2025 Escalade ESV. But while the ESV spied in April was a Sport trim, the one we’re going to be checking out today is a Premium Luxury Platinum, meaning that it features more chrome on the body as well as a different grille.
More specifically, this particular refreshed Escalade ESV is finished in the White Frost Tricoat (color code G1W) exterior color and outfitted in the Premium Luxury Platinum trim level, which builds on the regular Premium Luxury with higher levels of features and equipment, along with a unique grille, thereby representing one of the range-topping Escalade models within the Cadillac Y-trim level strategy.
The redesigned front fascia features a new grille design placed front and center. The grille features horizontally oriented bars finished in bright polished chrome, for a similar look and feel to the grille of the pre-refreshed (2021-2024) model of the same trim. The lighting setup draws inspiration from the all-electric Escalade IQ and includes vertical lighting signatures along the edges of the fascia. The primary headlights are also vertically-oriented, placed just inside the aforementioned DRLs. A set of horizontally-oriented turn signals (which also double as the hazard lights) can be found in the upper corners.
Looking closer at the grille, this Escalade ESV Premium Luxury Platinum features horizontally oriented bars finished in chrome, with the Cadillac badge sitting front-and-center. A camera lens can be seen just below the logo. Also note the chrome accents surrounding the vertically-oriented lights as well as the chrome winglets within the lower fascia.
Our photographers were unable to nab any photos of the rear of this particular 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV, but we just saw the rear end of a black 2025 Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum this past Friday with lightly tweaked taillights and a slightly revised rear.
The rear end of a non-ESV (regular length) 2025 Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum in black
Inside, the 2025 Escalade range will feature an all-new interior headlined by a full-width, pillar-to-pillar infotainment system. It’s worth noting that the aforementioned screen setup is identical to that found in the Escalade IQ and Cadillac Celestiq.
In regard to powertrain, the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine will carry over into the 2025 model year. However, the 3.0L I6 LZ0 turbodiesel Duramax is poised to replace the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax, just as was the case with the Escalade’s platform mates, the 2025 Chevy Tahoe and 2025 Chevy Suburban.
Under the skin, the 2025 Escalade ESV will continue being underpinned by a long-wheelbase variant of the GM T1 platform, while production will continue taking place at the GM Arlington plant in Texas.
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Comments
The refresh looks good in the V model or sport trim … I don’t know what it is but something is missing from the front
Yeah, things that actually look like headlights. I think the white looks good though. I kind of looks like a very happy Escalade, smiling from ear to ear.
Yea the headlight position is weird anymore. The current gm styling is going a bit awkward at best.
It’s how the Headlights were lowered that makes the front-end look just a bit awkward, but overall this looks good.
“Premium Luxury Platinum”? How ’bout adding “Super Duper Extra” on to that? Ridiculous.
Pro Max Ultra
Front of 2024 Escalade looks better than the 2025 and, yeah, I get Cadillac’s desire for 2025 Escalade design consistency with Cadillac EV’s. But the front fascia of the 2025 Cadillac still looks strange with the vertical headlights and surrounds.
2014 Cadillac Escalade ESV with LED headlights were in a vertical configuration, and LED headlights have been vertical ever since then. I think it’s worse having the headlights lower on the fascia … like on the Trailblazer and Bolt(s).
Agreed, basic engineering. You want the headlights as high as possible to aim them downward for as much forward illumination as possible while minimizing oncoming driver’s glare from the light. I also find a few vehicles with turn/brake lights low on the rear. Higher is better. I think the bolt does that too, and some nissan’s I think.
Needs to have the new small block V8s.