The Cadillac Escalade-V ESV is a high-performance variant of the extended-length Cadillac Escalade ESV. The regular-length Escalade is also available in the V-Series flavor as the Escalade-V.
Quick Facts
| Model years: | 2023 – present |
| Assembly Location: | Arlington Assembly Plant, Arlington, Texas, USA |
| Layout: | Front-Engined, Longitudinal |
| Engine: | Supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 |
| Horsepower: | 682 |
| Torque: | 653 |
| Transmission: | GM Hydra-Matic 10-Speed Auto |
| Driven Wheels: | All-Wheel Drive |
| Confirmed Availability: | USA, Canada, Mexico, Middle East |
| Predecessor: | none |
| Successor: | – |
First Generation
The 2023 model year marked the first for the Cadillac Escalade-V ESV, and was the first time an SUV has worn the V-Series badge.
Under the hood, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V ESV draws motivation from the same supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 gasoline engine as what’s current found in the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. In the Escalade ESV, the supercharged eight-cylinder is tuned to deliver 682 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 653 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It is topped by a 2.65L R2650 supercharger that spins at 13,500 RPM to generate approximately 10 pounds of boost, making it larger and more powerful than that of the CT5-V Blackwing. The four-lobe rotors within the supercharger facilitate a larger power band with excellent low-end torque production and unparalleled high-RPM power.
The Cadillac Escalade-V ESV features full-time active all-wheel-drive to improve grip, while power is routed to the wheels via GM’s 10-speed automatic transmission. Torque is split between each of the four wheels and varies depending on conditions, but is typically divided equally. Standard Launch Control helps this 6,000-pound SUV complete the sprint to 60 mph in less than 4.4 seconds.
Various aspects of the Cadillac Escalade-V ESV can be controlled via V-Mode, which allows drivers to customize the performance SUV’s handling. V-Mode is accessible by a button on the center console in front of the transmission shifter. Settings made available through V-Mode include the following:
- Tour or Sport suspension settings
- Tour or Sport steering calibration settings
- Tour or Sport brake pedal feel
- Stealth, Tour, or Sport engine sound
- Tour, Sport, or Snow/Ice AWD
- Tour, Sport, or Snow/Ice engine performance
Launch Control is also available through V-Mode, and can be activated by holding down the brake pedal and then pressing the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor. When the Traction Control light begins to flash, release the brake pedal to activate Launch Mode.
The Cadillac Escalade-V ESV also features more aggressive exterior styling. It has unique front and rear fascias to create a meaner outward appearance, distancing it from the more approachable regular Escalade ESV models. Quad exhaust outlets can be found on the rear, and red Brembo brake calipers are visible through the special 22-inch aluminum wheels that are available in three different finishes.
The interior of the Cadillac Escalade-V ESV borrows elements from the Platinum trim level available on the full-size luxury SUV, and is offered in Black or Dark Auburn with Zebra Wood accents. Semi-aniline leather can be found in all three seating rows, and the front seats include power massage along with a heated steering wheel.
Technology found in the Escalade-V ESV includes:
- 38-inch curved OLED display, with twice the pixel density as a 4K television
- 16.9-inch color information display featuring premium infotainment and navigation
- Augmented reality, projecting a live image of what’s in front of the vehicle on the 14.2-inch center cluster display with navigation overlay
- 36-speaker AKG audio system
- GM Super Cruise semi-autonomous driver assistance technology
Positioning
The Cadillac Escalade-V ESV is the range-topping variant of the extended-length Cadillac Escalade ESV. It is the first performance SUV made by Cadillac, and continues the line of Cadillac V-Series vehicles. Other vehicles that are part of the fourth-generation Cadillac V-Series models include the Cadillac CT4-V, Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, plus the Cadillac CT5-V and Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing.
Platform
The Cadillac Escalade-V ESV is underpinned by the GM T1 platform.
Production
The Cadillac Escalade-V ESV is produced at the Arlington plant in Texas.
Rivals
The Cadillac Escalade-V ESV competes with the following vehicles:
- Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography
- Land Rover Range Rover SV
- BMW Aplina XB7
- Mercedes-Benz AMG G63
- Mercedes-AMG GLS AMG
- Mercedes-Maybach GLS AMG
More Cadillac Escalade Resources
Follow these links for more Cadillac Escalade information:
