Phillippe-André Bisson, Senior Manager, Product Communications, Cadillac, has let us know the full details surrounding the 2023 Escalade-V—the industry’s most powerful full-size SUV. 

It is the first-ever Cadillac V-Series SUV—an elevation of design, performance and technology and the purest expression of the passion that exists at the core of Cadillac.

Boasting a potent blend of refinement, power and technology, Escalade-V features performance-inspired styling and an unmistakable sound that combine for a head-turning street presence. With these distinctive attributes, the Escalade-V expands the V-Series lineup, now in its fourth generation, which offers more levels of performance while preserving the lineage of the original lineup introduced in 2004.

“Customers and enthusiasts have asked for an Escalade-V, and we’re thrilled to bring this high-performance SUV to market in the year of Cadillac’s 120th anniversary,” said Global Cadillac Vice President, Rory Harvey. “We do not deploy the V-Series designation lightly. The arrival of the 2023 Escalade-V is the result of a rigorous development program that allows this highly anticipated model to meet the criteria and capability thresholds established by nearly two decades of inspired V-Series performance.”

At the heart of the Escalade-V is a supercharged 6.2-litre V-8 engine rated at 682 horsepower (508 kilowatts) and 653 lb-ft of torque (885 Nm). Standard performance elements include a 10-speed automatic transmission calibrated for Escalade-V, a full-time active all-wheel-drive system and exclusive suspension hardware and software calibrations. An Escalade-V ESV version is also available.

The Escalade further earns its V-Series designation with:

• Unique V-Series front and rear fascias
• Quad exhaust outlets
• Exclusive Six-Piston Brembo front brakes
• Edge Red brake calipers
• Unique 22-inch aluminum wheels
• Standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, with uniquely tuned rear air springs and damper hardware, as well as V-Series specific software calibrations
• Selectable V-Mode with driver-customizable performance driving settings, lowered suspension and active exhaust valves that control the throaty V-8 growl
• V-Series badging on the driver and front passenger doors, liftgate and throughout the interior, including the steering wheel
• Platinum trim interior featuring Zebra Wood decor with semi-aniline leather on all three rows, and heated/ventilated and massaging front seats
• Escalade’s signature curved OLED with 38 inches of total diagonal display
• AKG Studio Reference 36-speaker audio system

With the full-time active all-wheel-drive system to enhance traction, along with the supercharged engine, Cadillac expects the Escalade-V to be capable of 0-96 km/h sprints in under 4.4 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.74 seconds at 177 km/h based on initial GM testing.

“With a power-to-weight ratio among the top in its class and advanced driving technologies to put that power to the pavement, the Escalade-V offers an engaging and energetic driving experience like no other full-size luxury SUV,” said Jaclyn McQuaid, Executive Chief Engineer, Full-Size Trucks. “More importantly, it lives up to the vigorous requirements of the V-Series Mondrian insignia.” 

A supercharged legacy and AWD grip

Rated at a GM-estimated 682 horsepower at 6,000 engine rpm and 653 lb-ft. of torque at 4,400 engine rpm, the Escalade-V’s 6.2L hand-built supercharged and intercooled engine builds on a legacy of supercharged V-8 engines offered in Cadillac V-Series models, those being the second-and third-generation CTS-V models, the XLR-V, and most recently, the CT5-V Blackwing.

The Escalade-V’s engine shares architectural similarities with the CT5-V Blackwing’s supercharged V-8 but features a larger, 2.65L R2650 TVS supercharger that helps overcome the higher inlet and exhaust restrictions on the full-size SUV application. It spins at up to 13,500 rpm to produce approximately 10 pounds of boost and has an electronically controlled bypass valve for optimal. Drivers can personalize their experience behind the wheel through the exclusive V-Mode, which drivers access via a button on the centre console ahead of the transmission shifter. It lets drivers tailor their preferred performance-driving mode and it also automatically lowers the ride height by nearly 0.8 inches (20 mm). 

Adjustments available with V-Mode include:

• Suspension settings: Tour or Sport
• Steering: Tour or Sport, which feature unique steering calibrations
• Brake pedal feel: Tour or Sport
• Engine sound: Stealth, Tour or Sport
• AWD: Tour, Sport or Snow/Ice
• Engine performance: Tour, Sport or Snow/Ice.

Additionally, a Launch Control function is available via V-Mode that lets the Escalade-V perform optimal acceleration runs from a stop. Drivers access this feature when in V-Mode by holding down the brake pedal and then applying the accelerator pedal fully, and when the Traction Control Lamp begins to flash, releasing the brake pedal.

Signature design, craftsmanship and technology

Inside and out, the new Escalade-V builds on Escalade’s bold, layered design statement and sophisticated, technology-infused passenger environment.

On the exterior, unique front and rear fascias cast a distinctive pose, along with Cadillac’s signature Sport mesh grille. The rear fascia incorporates openings for a quad exhaust outlet. Uniquely styled 22-inch wheels are also part of the V-Series content. They help showcase the performance brake system behind them, which includes exclusive Brembo front brakes with Edge Red calipers.

The cabin’s appointments build on the Escalade’s Platinum trim interior, offered in Black or Dark Auburn, with Zebra Wood accents. Standard features include semi-aniline leather on all three rows, with front seats featuring power massage and a heated steering wheel.

On the technology front, Escalade-V delivers with:

• Standard curved OLED with 38 inches of total diagonal display, with twice the pixel density of a 4K television
• Premium infotainment experience with navigation, featuring a 16.9-inch diagonal colour information display, Natural Voice Recognition, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto capability, Connected Apps and more
• Augmented Reality, which projects a live image of what is in front of the vehicle on the 14.2-inch-diagonal centre cluster display. When a navigational route is active, the system will overlay directional information on the display
• Standard AKG Studio Reference 36-speaker audio system, with 3D Surround, Navigation Rendering and more.

The 2023 Escalade-V goes on sale late this summer. Details are available at www.cadillac.ca.