2016 Cadillac Escalade - Comprehensive Review
Introduction
The Cadillac Escalade has reached its fourth generation since its inception in 1999. Entering the luxury SUV market, Cadillac has successfully established itself as a prominent player. Originally designed to compete against the Lincoln Navigator, the Cadillac Escalade now rivals vehicles such as the Infiniti QX80, Mercedes-Benz GL 500, and Lexus LX 570.
Main Features
- Engine: 6.2 liters – 8 cylinders
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Power: 420 horsepower / 623 Nm torque
- Top Speed: 209 km/h
- Price: AED 315,000 – AED 360,000
Exterior Design
Cadillac claims that the Escalade was sculpted during its design phase, and I wholeheartedly believe them; it is truly a stunning vehicle. The rear lights are reminiscent of sleek, sharp blades, and I found myself wondering where the rear windshield wiper was, only to discover it is cleverly concealed until needed. This is what luxury and sophistication mean. The headlights are bright enough to illuminate a mansion, simply breathtaking. The 22-inch chrome wheels give a shiver of excitement when standing beside them. The Escalade commands attention with its large front grille and abundant chrome, creating an unparalleled impression.
Read more about the launch of the Cadillac CT6 2017 in the UAE.
Interior Design
Honestly, I don't know where to begin; the luxurious leather ambiance is everywhere. The seats are packed with features, including haptic feedback when approaching obstacles, three different massage settings, and cooling for the front seats. The steering wheel is hand-stitched from premium leather, making it the best steering wheel I have ever used, with easy access to control buttons.
The new Escalade features a specially designed dashboard that displays speed and RPM, along with a wide array of tools ranging from navigation to an infotainment system.
The "CUE" infotainment system in the Escalade stands out, having significantly improved from previous models, though it still requires enhancements to meet modern standards.
The Escalade is incredibly spacious inside, with ample legroom in the rear seats and a generous cargo area. Passengers in the back can enjoy movies, TV shows, and online content through screens mounted behind the front seats. Additionally, there is a ceiling-mounted screen for those seated in the rear seats. Clearly, the Escalade is equipped to perfection.
Safety
As expected, the Escalade boasts top-notch safety standards, built with high-strength alloys. The vehicle comes standard with seven airbags, and for the first time in the market, it features a center airbag designed to deploy between the driver and passenger in the event of side collisions or rollovers.
The Escalade is also equipped with lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Additionally, it features adaptive cruise control, electronic brakes at the front and rear, and automatic seat belt tightening. The Escalade achieved a 5-star rating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's crash tests.
Check out the Cadillac CT6 2017 report.
Driving Experience
The first thing I noticed while driving the Escalade was its substantial feel; I don't mean its weight, but rather its responsiveness. I was surprised at how long it took to shift into the second gear when I pressed the accelerator, almost as if I were driving a steam train.
The eight-speed transmission is the most significant change from its predecessors. The reduction in gear ratios has greatly improved acceleration and made driving noticeably comfortable. The engine features a system that shuts down four of the eight cylinders to enhance fuel efficiency.
The design of the headlights is impressive; they adapt and move with the steering direction, and they adjust according to weather and time, thanks to the new IntelliBeam system.
With a powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine generating 420 horsepower and 623 Nm of torque, this beast weighing over 5,000 pounds can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds!
Conclusion
The Escalade is designed to offer comfort and luxury. The only downside for me was the engine's response time, but it is easily forgiven considering you can send a message while driving in traffic while the vehicle practically drives itself!
