Cadillac Escalade: America’s Luxury King Challenges Range Rover

Cadillac Escalade: America’s Luxury King Challenges Range Rover

The debate over whether American manufacturers can truly compete with British luxury stalwarts like Range Rover has long been a point of contention. However, the latest Cadillac Escalade arrives with such an impressive array of technology, space, and sheer presence that it forces a serious re-evaluation. On paper, this behemoth is loaded with features that aim to dethrone the established king. But does the reality live up to the promise? We put the Escalade through its paces to find out if it’s a true luxury contender.

Road Presence and Practicality

First impressions are dominated by the Escalade’s colossal size. Even the standard wheelbase version measures a staggering 5.4 meters (17.7 feet) long, dwarfing a long-wheelbase Range Rover. Opt for the extended version, and you’re looking at 5.8 meters (19 feet) of American automotive engineering. It’s not just long; it’s taller and wider, presenting a unique challenge for the average car wash. Thankfully, American car washes are built to accommodate such giants, offering a surprisingly smooth and automated experience, a far cry from the more hesitant encounters often found in the UK.

The Escalade is available with impressive wheel options, with 22-inch alloys as standard and the tested model sporting even larger 24-inch wheels. While the ‘Sport’ model features a more aggressive blacked-out aesthetic, the reviewer found the chrome accents on the standard model to offer a more premium look. The updated front fascia, with its new lights and tweaked grille, certainly commands attention, projecting an undeniably imposing American presence.

Powertrain Options: V8 Muscle and Electric Power

Under the bonnet, the Escalade offers a trio of potent choices. The most powerful is the all-electric variant, boasting dual electric motors that deliver a colossal 750 horsepower. This electric behemoth tips the scales at a considerable 4 tons in its long-wheelbase configuration. For those who prefer the rumble of internal combustion, two 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engines are available. The supercharged version unleashes 691 horsepower, while the naturally aspirated entry-level model, featured in this test, produces a healthy 426 horsepower. This naturally aspirated V8, paired with all-wheel drive, weighs in at a still substantial 2.7 tons.

Performance: Surprisingly Nimble for its Size

Despite its considerable heft, the 426-horsepower Escalade proved to be surprisingly sprightly. In testing, it achieved a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, with a quarter-mile pass completed in 15.15 seconds. While not setting sports car records, these figures are commendable for a vehicle of this size and weight, outperforming expectations and even some more performance-oriented vehicles in a straight line. Braking performance, while not class-leading, was adequate, with a 60-0 mph stop achieved in 37 meters. Considering the all-season tires and the vehicle’s mass, this is a respectable, if not astounding, result.

Interior: A Tech Haven with Minor Quibbles

The interior of the Cadillac Escalade is where it truly aims to impress, and in many ways, it succeeds. The centerpiece is a breathtakingly large, curved OLED display that dominates the dashboard, offering superior screen real estate compared to the Range Rover’s setup. This system is responsive, zippy, and integrates seamlessly with a secondary passenger-facing screen capable of running apps like YouTube and Disney+. The digital driver display, while featuring a clear head-up display, had a somewhat confusing rev counter and a speedometer that was less intuitive to read at a glance.

Comfort is paramount, with seats offering heating, cooling, massage functions, and wireless charging. The sound system is exceptional, with speakers integrated into the headrests, providing an immersive audio experience. However, the opulence isn’t without its minor flaws. Some interior plastics, particularly the rotary controller for the touchscreen, felt less premium and solid than expected, detracting slightly from the otherwise high-quality materials. The placement of the turn signal camera feed, which displays on the main infotainment screen rather than the driver’s display, proved distracting, momentarily obscuring navigation prompts.

Space is, as expected, abundant. The second row offers generous legroom and headroom, with the option of captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Even the third row is surprisingly accommodating, capable of seating three passengers comfortably, a rarity in this segment. This makes the Escalade a genuine eight-seater in its most common configuration.

Value Proposition: A Bargain in the US

In the United States, the Cadillac Escalade presents a compelling value proposition. Starting at around $93,000, it significantly undercuts the Range Rover, which begins some $20,000 higher. Even the range-topping Platinum Sport model, at $123,000, offers a substantial amount of luxury and technology for the price. This stark price difference makes the Escalade a very attractive option for American buyers seeking a large, luxurious SUV.

However, the equation changes considerably for international markets like the UK. Import costs and taxes inflate the price significantly, with examples found online reaching upwards of £160,000. While the reviewer considered importing them for profit, the slim margins after accounting for all expenses made it a less appealing prospect.

Verdict: A Genuine American Luxury Contender

The Cadillac Escalade has shattered preconceptions. It delivers a genuinely luxurious experience, blending cutting-edge technology with immense space and comfort. While minor interior build quality quibbles and the distraction of the turn signal camera feed exist, they are overshadowed by the overall opulence and capability of the vehicle. The ride is smooth, insulated, and incredibly relaxing, making long journeys a pleasure. The Americans have indeed learned how to build a proper luxury car, and the Escalade is a testament to that.

For buyers in the US, the Escalade offers exceptional value and a compelling alternative to European rivals. It’s a vehicle that prioritizes comfort, technology, and presence. While it may not match the ultimate refinement or on-road dynamics of a Range Rover on a twisting road, its strengths lie in its sheer scale, technological prowess, and a price point that makes it a standout choice. The reviewer’s initial skepticism was replaced by admiration, concluding that if he were in the market for such a vehicle in the States, the Escalade would be a very strong contender.

Source: Cadillac just KILLED one of my favourite cars… (YouTube)