2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV

Cadillac completely overhauls (redesigns and re-engineers) the Escalade ESV for the 2015 model year alongside its regular-wheelbase brother, marking the introduction of the fourth generation of the legendary full-size luxury SUV.

The all-new 2015 Escalades ESV takes design and technical elements from Cadillac’s product expansion to elevate the nameplate.

“Cadillac’s ongoing growth provides the ideal stage for the all-new Escalade to take a major step forward,” said Uwe Ellinghaus, chief marketing officer, Global Cadillac. “Escalade has always had a bold character, differentiating itself from other luxury SUVs. Now, Escalade adds more sophistication, with advanced technology and hand-tailored craftsmanship.”

The vehicle is entirely new, with a completely redesigned exterior and interior and completely re-engineered platform, powertrain, and technology.

The Escalade ESV is 20 inches (508 mm) longer than its regular-length Escalade thanks to a wheelbase that is 14 inches (355 mm) longer. The increased length maximizes space for third-row passengers and nearly doubles the cargo space behind the third-row seat.

The 2015 Escalade ESV has an entirely new exterior design yet is instantly recognizable.

The new design provides a signature look of quality, elegance and capability. The styling cues combine sculpted surfaces and high technology embellishments to give Escalade a unique and stand-out appearance.

“At a glance, it is undeniably and unmistakably a Cadillac Escalade,” said Bob Boniface, Cadillac exterior design director. “It is powerful in size and presence, with integrated technologies that push its design to the leading edge.”

Dynamic front styling cues are enhanced by a highly detailed Galvano chrome grille that has a unique, almost brushed appearance. It is accented by full light-emitting diode – LED – lighting in the front and rear that creates unique, razor-like vertical light signatures. LEDs provide even, steady and very bright illumination, while delivering longer life and using significantly less energy than conventional lighting.

The headlamps incorporate the industry’s first Total Internal Reflection LED high-beam function, which consists of four vertically stacked crystal lenses and LEDs. The low beam consists of five crystal lenses and LEDs that create the light pattern. The Cadillac script is branded in the headlamp bezel. Tall, thin vertical LED taillamps reach to the top of the Escalade and feature the brand’s wreath-and-crest insignia, which illuminates in the dark.

New inlaid doors fit into the body side openings instead of over the top of the body, significantly improving the quietness of the interior and contributing to improved aerodynamics – an attribute that helps Escalade slip through the air on the highway with less drag for greater efficiency. Lightweight aluminum hood and aluminum liftgate panels also enhance efficiency through reduced overall mass.

Additional exterior features include:

The rear is dominated by signature LED lighting extending full-height, from the fascia to the roof. The twin, light-blade taillamps recall Cadillac’s design heritage
Chrome-accented side assist steps are standard, with power-retractable assist steps with light-pipe technology available on the Premium Collection
Illuminated door handles are included with the Premium Collection
Standard heated, power-adjustable and power-folding outside mirrors
Standard hands-free, power-programmable liftgate
The standard rear spoiler on the liftgate houses a rear window wiper that is hidden when not in use
Capless fueling
Twenty-inch dual-seven-spoke chrome aluminum wheels are standard and 22-inch aluminum wheels are available

The 2015 Escalade ESV is the extended-length variant of the regular-length 2015 Escalade. It is exclusively available as a four-door SUV.

Inside, cut-and-sewn materials and wood trim, chosen for elegance and authenticity, combine with the latest technologies to convey an exceptional level of luxury.

Craftsmanship defines the 2015 Escalade’s passenger space, which is designed to be one of the industry’s most authentic and luxurious cabins – with seamless technology integration for today’s connected luxury customers. And like the exterior, there’s harmony with Cadillac’s other vehicles in the cabin’s appearance, amenities and controls.

“An exceptional level of craftsmanship is found in the 2015 Escalade, and it all centers on the premium, layered materials and extensive use of cut-and-sew live stitching – the way fine furniture is produced,” said Eric Clough, director of design, Cadillac Interiors. “We designed Escalade with what we call the beauty of contrast – a distinctive combination of bold, SUV character, but also the refinement of the Cadillac form vocabulary and technology.”

Real wood combined with premium cut-and-sewn materials and sueded accents, along with ambient lighting, were designed to add elegance to the interior design. Tight tolerances of the instrument panel and door panels, precision controls and triple-sealed doors were engineered and designed to reinforce a feeling of quality.

The seats were designed to be more comfortable and sculpted in appearance with a reclining second row. The design incorporates dual-firmness foam that ensures long-trip comfort and helps retain appearance over time.

Additional interior features include:

Standard keyless entry and push-button start
Standard electric telescoping/tilting steering column
Standard heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood accents
Concealed center-stack storage with motorized door
Standard tri-zone climate control
New fold-flat second- and third-row seats, with standard power-folding third row
Heated and cooled seats are standard in front and second-row bucket seats have standard heat
Three interior color choices: Jet Black, Shale/Cocoa and Kona/Jet Black

Escalade is also a quieter environment, thanks to a stronger body structure, enhanced use of noise-attenuating materials and processes, including triple-sealed doors and acoustic-laminate glass and Bose Active Noise Cancelation technology. Even the exterior mirrors were carefully shaped in the wind tunnel to reduce wind noise.

Exterior Colors

Gray Silk Metallic
Majestic Plum Metallic
Radiant Silver Metallic
Crystal Red Tintcoat
White Diamond Tricoat
Silver Coast Metallic
Terra Mocha Metallic
Dark Granite Metallic

Interior Color Combinations

Jet Black
Shale with Cocoa accents
Kona Brown with Jet Black accents
Tuscan Brown
Jet Black with Jet Black accents

CUE Infotainment System

The CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system is standard on the 2015 Escalade. It is an advanced system for connectivity and control, with state-of-the-art voice recognition and touch controls.

At the heart of CUE is the eight-inch center screen that uses capacitive touch technology and gesture recognition, enabling tapping and swiping common to smartphones and tablets.

The system also uses proximity sensors to activate common options and controls as the user’s hand approaches the display. An expanded “favorites” section offers quick access to phone contacts, navigation destinations – even digital music – in the same one-touch form as traditional radio presets.

The instrument cluster features a reconfigurable, high-resolution 12.3-inch digital driver information center (DIC) display paired with Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system, with data also shown on an available, full-color head-up display on Luxury and Premium trim levels. Along with vehicle systems information, the DIC provides details on the audio, Bluetooth phone and navigation systems, which can be adjusted via steering wheel controls.

Enhanced connectivity includes a new Text Messaging Alerts feature with Bluetooth profile (M.A.P.), which reads incoming texts through the vehicle’s speakers, and Siri Eyes Free for iPhone iOS 6 and iOS 7 users to enhance connectivity and convenience. Each enables voice-controlled connectivity, to help keep phones safely stowed and hands on the wheel.

OnStar

Complementing CUE to enhance Escalade’s connectivity is new OnStar with 4G LTE and standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. It provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The hotspot is on whenever the vehicle is on and comes with a three-month/three gigabyte data trial.

4G LTE is the most current and fastest mobile data network – 10 times faster than 3G and 100 times faster than the previous generation of OnStar hardware. And with OnStar, it also offers stronger, broader coverage than smartphones on the same network and it’s easy to use: if the vehicle is on, the connection is on.

To note, OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi Hotspot is standard on the 2015.5 model year Escalade. The 2015 models featured the 2G-based OnStar connection without the Wi-Fi hotspot.

At the time of purchase, six months OnStar Directions and Connections includes all of OnStar’s advisor-based safety and security features, including Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Assistance, as well as Turn-by-Turn navigation.

What’s more, the 2015 Escalade also brings five years of free OnStar Basic Plan, which includes:

RemoteLink Key Fob Services that allow owners to remotely start and lock/unlock the Escalade and activate its horn and lights from anywhere with a data connection
OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics (OVD) that runs monthly checks of a vehicle’s engine, transmission, anti-lock brakes and more
Dealer Maintenance Notification (DMN) that sends diagnostic report directly to a preferred dealer, simplifying service scheduling

Bose Centerpoint Audio System

The 2015 Escalade features a new Bose Centerpoint surround sound system that is the most advanced ever in a Cadillac. Customized exclusively for the Escalade, it features new technologies that help heighten the sophisticated in-vehicle experience.

Proprietary technologies and 16 strategically-placed speakers create a concert-like experience throughout the cabin. Five custom-tuned speakers placed across the instrument panel and front doors, combined with Bose Advanced Staging Technology, help reproduce expansive sound with exceptional precision and clarity.

Further enhancing the experience is Bose Centerpoint 2.0 signal processing technology, which enables a surround sound experience across all rows and SurroundStage signal processing circuitry, which compensates for off-center vehicle seating to create 360-degree sound for every occupant.

Blu-Ray DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System

A Blu-Ray DVD rear entertainment system is available. It is tied into the audio system and includes a nine-inch, roof-mounted screen on the regular-wheelbase Escalade, and two nine-inch screens on Escalade ESV. The overhead system also includes built-in remote storage, USB, SD car and RCA ports.

Engine

The all-new 2015 Escalade advances performance with an all-new, more powerful and more efficient 6.2L V8 L86 engine rated at an SAE-certified 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 460 pound-feet of torque (623 Nm), up nearly 5 percent in horsepower and 10 percent in torque over the engine it replaces. The greater torque delivers an enhanced feeling of power on demand and greater confidence when trailering.

The new 6.2L features state-of-the-art technologies, including:

Direct injection
Active Fuel Management (AFM) – also known as cylinder deactivation
Continuously variable valve timing
Advanced combustion system designed to make the most of power, torque and efficiency across the rpm band. The more precisely controlled combustion enables Escalade to run with a higher compression ratio, which delivers greater power and greater efficiency.

Transmission

The engine is matched with the Hydra-Matic 6L80 MYC six-speed automatic transmission with enhanced TapShift control.

And at its core, Escalade is an SUV with the capabilities of a full-size truck, enabling a trailering rating of 8,300 pounds on the standard model and an 8,100-pound rating on Escalade ESV. That’s more than:

Mercedes-Benz GL550 (7,800 pounds)
Lexus LX 570 (7,000 pounds)
Land Rover Range Rover (7,716 pounds)

What’s more, the new 6.2L V8 L86 engine is powerful enough to enable 0 to 60 mph performance of less than 6 seconds in the new Escalade: 5.96 seconds for Escalade 4WD and 5.98 seconds for Escalade ESV 2WD.

Model	City	Highway
Escalade ESV 2WD:	15	21
Escalade ESV 4WD:	14	20

The 21 MPG highway rating of the Escalade 2WD/4WD & Escalade ESV 2WD is 17 percent higher the last-gen Escalade, about 17 percent higher than the Mercedes-Benz GL550 (18 mpg) and nearly 24 percent higher than the Lexus LX 570 (17 mpg).

Escalade’s performance is channeled to the most sophisticated chassis and suspension system ever in the vehicle. It was engineered for a greater feeling of solidity and a quieter, smoother ride. A fully boxed frame – composed of more than 75 percent high-strength steel – is the foundation for its ride quality.

Chassis and suspension highlights include:

A wider rear track that contributes to a more planted stance
Shear-style body mounts, which reduce body shake and enhance the feeling of structural stiffness, improve damping performance when compared with previous compression mounts
Addition of a cross-axis ball joint on the frame-side of the rear suspension lateral link that enhances steering precision
Third-generation Magnetic Ride Control is standard, with two selectable modes. Its new, dual-electric-coil design enabled engineers to tune with more resolution to handle quickly changing road conditions
New, electric variable-assist power steering system enhances fuel economy and tailors steering assist to vehicle speed
New four-wheel-disc brake system with Duralife brake rotors that offer up to double the service life
Revisions that improve pedal feel for more-confident braking performance
New tires designed to enhance efficiency, ride quality, handling and stopping performance
Standard automatic locking rear differential that provides greater traction when needed and greater driving comfort when it’s not.
A new four-wheel-drive system enables the driver to select an Auto mode for set-it-and-forget-it automatic activation when conditions call for extra traction assist. A separate 4 HI mode offers the most capability for more challenging conditions

Cadillac’s Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), the world’s fastest-reacting suspension system, is standard, delivering precisely controlled driving performance.

Escalade’s new technologies include safety features to help protect occupants before, during and after a collision. For instance, front and rear automatic braking relies on short-range radar technology and ultrasonic sensors to help the driver avoid front and rear low-speed collisions via a progression of alerts that extend to complete braking, if necessary.

Airbags

Also new is the segment’s only Front Center Air Bag, which deploys from the inboard side of the driver’s seat and inflates between the driver and front passenger, thereby providing added protection for both front occupants in side-impact crashes.

Additional standard airbags include:

Dual-stage frontal air bags (driver and front passenger)
Seat-mounted side-impact air bags for thorax and pelvic protection (driver and front passenger)
Head-curtain side air bags for front and rear outboard seating positions

Driver Awareness Package

The Driver Awareness package includes:

Forward Collision Alert
Lane departure warning system
Patented safety alert seat, which pulses the left, right or both seat cushion bolsters to alert the driver of a dangerous situation

Driver Assist Package

The Driver Assist Package adds:

Full-Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control
Front and Rear Automatic braking
Automatic Collision Preparation
Automatic Safety Belt Tightening

Additionally, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Alert are standard on Luxury and Premium models.

Security

The new Escalade has also been designed with greater security features to thwart thieves, including:

Glass breakage sensors
Motion detectors
Self-leveling inclination sensor that sounds an alarm if a thief attempts to steal wheels or tires, or tow or lift the vehicle onto a flatbed truck

The advanced theft protection package also includes door shields in the driver’s door, which help block access to those using a “slim jim”-type unlocking device. Additional anti-theft features include:

Enhanced door security
Laminated windshield glass
Steering column lock

The 2015 Cadillac Escalade continues to be manufactured at GM’s full-size SUV production plant in Arlington, Texas.

The all-new 2015 Escalade rides on GM’s new GMT-K2XX platform. The body-on-frame architecture is shared with other full-size GM SUVs and trucks, including the:

2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
2015 Chevrolet Suburban
2015 GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL
2014 Chevrolet Silverado
2014 GMC Sierra

The Cadillac Escalade ESV remains squarely in the extended-length full-size luxury SUV segment that solely includes the Lincoln Navigator L.

Meanwhile, the regular-wheelbase Escalade competes with the following full-size luxury SUVs:

Infiniti QX80
Lexus LX 570
Lincoln Navigator

In addition, the following crossovers (CUVs) remain the Escalade’s segment by overall dimensions and price:

Mercedes-Benz GL
Land Rover Range Rover

The Escalade has won J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Survey for its segment the last four years and captured J.D. Power’s Dependability Award for 2014.

Trim Levels

The 2015 Escalade ESV is available in the following four trim levels:

Standard
Luxury
Premium
Platinum

All models are offered with 2WD and 4WD drivetrains, as well as a new 6.2L V8 L86 engine that is more powerful and more efficient than the engine in previous Escalade models.

Pricing

2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV Starting Prices

Standard: $76,965
Luxury: $80,965
Premium: $85,465
Platinum: $93,270

2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV order guide (PDF format)