Who says full-sized SUVs are mere loafers and nothing beyond family haulers? Cadillac has just launched the most foreboding version of its uber-luxurious and mighty, Escalade SUV tagged the Escalade-V. It’s a 682 hp behemoth that is so quick, it can put other demons of speed to obliteration.
The SUV comes loaded with features and technology to the gills along with the paramount comfort, the American brand’s flagship SUV was always known to offer. This is an SUV for those who want to absolve themselves from the compunction of not being able to own a super-SUV from Italy or Britain. It is easily a riposte at all other brutally fast SUVs that make us believe earth-shattering velocity comes at a lofty price.
The Escalade-V makes a very unique attempt at providing the frills of any other luxury automobile, such as sublime ride quality, acres of space, rich use of regal materials and an umpteen variety of features to pamper in sheer comfort, those who have a high propensity to knit-pick and throw tantrums if a frivolous thing is not to their desire.
On the face of it, the Escalade-V comes across as bold, massive and frantic, typical traits of a hooligan. However, there is understated elegance to its design in spates. The ‘V’ models’ specific, the brand’s signature sport-mesh grille embellished in black contrasts well with the remainder of the car and unfurls its sporty credentials. It looks the most formidable when viewed laterally. The side profile could actually be longer than the front entrance of some of the diminutive houses on busy city by-lanes. The 22” wheels, exclusive for the ‘V’ trim inspire aggression and speak volumes about the car’s sporty character. More interesting, are the Brembo® front brakes with red brake callipers that spruce up the overall show of the car.
On the inside, the car features Platinum trim interior which can be had in alluring shades of Black or Dark Auburn with Zebra-inspired veneers for a plush vibe of the cabin. The standard package is awash with features such as semi-aniline leather on all three rows, front powered seats with massage function and a heated steering wheel. However, casting a mojo on the occupants are features such as a curved OLED 38” diagonal display which is twice as legible as the pixel density of a 4K television, navigation, 16.9” diagonal colour information display, Natural Voice Recognition that comes handy during high-speed pursuits or challenging expeditions on verboten lands. It also sports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, connected apps and a unique Augmented Reality (AR) feature that projects a live image of the objects ahead of the car on the 14.2” diagonal centre-cluster display.
Soothing the ears, is sound from the melodious standard AKG Studio Reference 36-speaker audio system with 3D Surround sound radiation.
While the car is brimming with oodles of luxury everywhere, it would be almost inconceivable to think that it would be commanding 682 hp to fire from the massive 6.2-litre hand-crafted supercharged and intercooled V8 block. What almost registers as a conjecture in the head is 885 Nm of torque which is available at a low 4,400 rpm to let the driver revel entirety of the car’s punch from a lower rpm like a catapulted stone. This 6.2-litre engine pays homage to the brand’s recent endearing works of art, comprising the second and third generation CTS-V models, XLR-V and the recently revealed CT5-V Blackwing. The unique construction of the TVS-sourced 2.65-litre R2650 supercharger and engine components results in the car launching and racing past the 100 km/h mark in just 4.6 seconds. A 10-speed automatic transmission has been relegated with the onus of putting down the power in a manner as desired by the driver. Managing the tremendous gush of torque is the full-time active all-wheel drive system that balances the torque between front and rear wheels for reassuring traction in all conditions. While torque is selectively delivered, certain proportion of the torque always rests with the front wheels.
Suspension plays an integral role in the driving dynamics of any car. The standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, Air Ride Adaptive Suspension and exclusive Escalade-V suspension hardware consolidate with each other to create an unforgettable experience. To maintain safety across all terrains and traction, the car features electronic limited-slip differential.
Just how its competitors come laden with a slew of driving modes to heighten or tone down the driving experience, this car features a unique ‘V’ mode which when activated through a button on the centre-console mounted at the fore of the gear lever, creates an alchemy of bizarre grunt and drama that a few cars can dare to even come close to. It lowers the ride height by nearly 20 mm and alters the settings of suspension, steering, brake pedal and engine sound. While the former three can be adjusted between Tour and Sport, the engine sound can be chosen from among Stealth, Tour or Sport. Meanwhile, settings of AWD and engine performance can be tinkered between Tour, Sport or Snow/Ice.
Aggrandising its get-go, a launch control feature is available via V-mode that lets it perform frantic acceleration runs. V-mode is engaged by holding down the brake pedal, applying the accelerator fully and when the traction control lamp flashes, releasing the brake pedal with a jerk.
Cadillac brand until now, might have been seen as an underdog or an underrated rival to the three big Germans. However, with models such as the AT-4, AT-5 and their respective Blackwing spawned mammoths along with the crossovers and this Escalade-V has the potential to uplift the status of the brand. The Escalade-V not just deserves a look, but definitely a drive too as it comes across with so many gismos and tech, space, comfort and thrilling power, that its competitors better start looking above their shoulders and cite reasons justifying their absurdly high prices.
