The 2015 Cadillac Escalade brings the Emotional Bling

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Cadillac was very careful when re-designing one of their best sellers. Indeed, the 2015 Cadillac Escalade is all new and, despite this, it immediately recognizable. Cadillac wanted to make sure that, even without the massive crests on (which appear to be a tad smaller than the previous model) you would instantly know you’re looking at 2015 Cadillac Escalade.

“Cadillac’s growth provides the ideal stage for the all-new Escalade to take a major leap forward,” said Bob Ferguson, senior vice president, Global Cadillac. “The 2015 Escalade is completely new and elevated in design and technology, inside and out. The clear objective is to once again assume the leadership position among luxury SUVs.”

According to Cadillac: ” The 6.2L V-8 engine rated at an SAE-certified 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 460 lb-ft of torque (623 Nm) – a nearly 5-percent increase in horsepower and 10 percent more torque.” Efficiency data has yet to be released, but with an advanced combustion system, direct injection, active fuel management/cylinder deactivation, and continuously variable valve timing – notable efficiency gains are expected.

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Here are some additional mechanical updates:

  • New 9.5-inch rear axle and standard automatic locking rear differential
  • StabiliTrak electronic stability control, incorporating tow/haul mode, auto grade braking and hill start assist
  • New four-wheel-disc brake system with Duralife™ brake rotors that offer up to double the service life, along with brake pedal revisions engineered to improve pedal feel for more confident braking performance
  • Third-generation magnetic ride control is standard with Tour and Sport modes.
  • Magnetic Ride Control is a real-time damping system that delivers more precise body motion control by “reading” the road every millisecond. Damping can go from full force to lowest force in a few milliseconds, or within three inches of road travel. It replaces conventional mechanical-valve shocks with electronically controlled shocks filled with a magneto-rheological fluid containing minute iron particles. Under the presence of a magnetic field, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance almost instantly.

General Motors’ Hydra-Matic (6L80) six-speed automatic transmission is the only transmission available for the regular 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The 2015 Cadillac Escalade will be offered in two and four-wheel drive. Think of the four-wheel drive system as a fully automatic all-wheel drive system, as that is what it does. No button/knob actuated lockers for this SUV.

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It appears that Cadillac is aiming at Mercedes-Benz (among others) when it comes to the hand-crafted/high quality appearance of the 2015 Cadillac Escalade.

“An exceptional level of craftsmanship has gone into the redesign of the 2015 Cadillac Escalade, and it all centers on the premium 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. It offers a distinctive combination of bold, truck-like character, but also the refinement of the Cadillac form vocabulary and technology.”

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“The new Escalade’s surfacing is sophisticated, and the sectioning of the body exudes more emotion to forge a new presence for Cadillac’s iconic SUV,” said Bob Boniface, design director, Cadillac Exteriors. “Our designers worked with the studio sculptors closer than ever to translate a two-dimensional vision into a three-dimensional representation that captures your attention from afar, and then pulls you in with beautiful details in the lamps, door handles and wheels.”

Many feel that the current model Escalade is a bit over the top or too garish. I tend to agree, especially given its status-symbol ranking. On the other hand, this 2015 Cadillac Escalade looks serious, sculpted and ready to truly be compared to Mercedes-Benz and Lexus’ finest.

Official pricing has yet to be announced. The base price for a current model Cadillac Escalade is just over $63,000 and I suspect the new one will be in the same neighborhood – give-or-take a few thousand.

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They still have optional 22-inch wheels available along with the standard 20-inch rollers. It’s still about the bling baby. Stay tuned for more 2015 Cadillac Escalade information coming soon!

For now, check out this video intro of the 2015 Cadillac Escalade’s cousin, the all new 2015 GMC Yukon Denali!

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum.  His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.

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Additional chassis and suspension highlights include:

Coil-over-shock front suspension and five-link/coil-spring rear suspension
Wider rear track that contributes to a more planted stance
Standard 20-inch wheels and available 22-inch wheels
New, electric variable-assist power steering system that enhances fuel economy and tailors steering assist to vehicle speed