2023 Cadillac Escalade-V First Drive: 3 Rows, 3 Tons, 60 mph in 4.4 Seconds

Following a pair of many years hampered by all manner of vacation constraints, the journey business studies that persons are likely to a lot more unique locales, keeping in nicer inns, and partaking in extra quality activities. You could have observed the pattern described as “revenge travel.”

Now Cadillac has unleashed a revenge car.

For the properly-to-do fatigued of hearing, speaking, and considering about the economic system, the setting, and gas price ranges, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V is a $150,000, 682-horsepower colossus of catharsis.

Putting on the esteemed badge heretofore affixed only to large-functionality, track-completely ready automobiles, the initial “V” SUV is unbelievably fast and amusingly loud, as we realized in excess of a couple hundred miles in the Desert Southwest.

-60 mph in a staggering 4.4 seconds

The Escalade-V practical experience started the instant we pressed the begin button, the hulking, supercharged V8 roaring to life with an abrupt and crackling snarl. A scary trailer for a terrifying movie.

From that issue, the 1st and instant order of enterprise was to obtain a correct stretch of street to knowledge a promised 4.4-second blast to 60 mph. We have strike that mark in less ticks, but by no means in a significant, premium soccer shuttle.

Within just 10 minutes of firing it up, we ended up sitting down at a stop indicator on a straight, flat, empty highway surrounded by almost nothing but fields and endless visibility. We engaged launch command, pushed equally pedals, and the powertrain coiled tight like an anxious rattlesnake.

The up coming 10 seconds ended up superb.

Inside of a blink of an eye just after releasing the brake pedal, the Escalade-V experienced delivered on its two most crucial promises: electrical power and velocity. Promptly, a symphony of systems shipped a rush of acceleration concurrently raucous and program. Spectacular acceleration shipped drama-free. Expertly tuned traction administration and all-wheel travel techniques teaming to channel all that energy into neck-snapping ahead movement, wide eyes and gaping mouths.

Subsequent arrived the upshifts. Far from a mechanically obligatory pause in the action, each and every upshift felt and sounded like an explosive strengthen. The equipment-swaps are remarkably fast, additional like a brief-shifting dual-clutch automated transmission than a traditional device. Just about every upshift was accompanied by a crisp but guttural exhaust defeat.

Website traffic rules, self-preservation instincts, and basic decency all conspire versus the dreams of our appropriate foot. And in a car or truck this powerful, people forces come into participate in within just just a couple seconds.

But the Escalade-V experienced one particular far more take care of for us: about-the-major exhaust crackles on deceleration. As shortly as we lifted off the throttle, the Escalade-V treated us to an aural fireworks display. Summoning those enjoyable tiny explosions proved terribly addicting all over our generate – full throttle, no throttle, complete throttle, no throttle – which is exciting for the driver but obnoxious for just about any person else in earshot. About town, thoughtful drivers can hire the exhaust system’s Stealth mode.

By the time we reached the future stop indicator, we have been laughing with a mix of exhilaration and amazement.

Then we did it all more than once more. And again. And once again.

Nonetheless a soccer star

When not engaged in the shenanigans of which it is able, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V continues to be an exceptionally snug, multipurpose, and presentable household car or truck. Apart from the significant price high quality and noticeable fuel economy difficulties, the Escalade-V does not drive on to the family any meaningful sacrifices. Adjustable air suspension warrants substantially of the credit.

The exterior design and style is tastefully up to date and rather restrained. One of a kind wheels and styling treatment options give it a bolder, sportier appearance, from the mesh grille to the quad exhaust.

The interior is even extra familiar. Aside from the vital V-Manner button, a V badge on the steering wheel, and some distinctive graphics and controls in the digital shows, the Escalade-V inside is fundamentally the Platinum amount inside available elsewhere in the Escalade lineup. No crimson stitching. No metallic pedals. No flat-base steering wheel. The full point is incredibly balanced and tasteful.

The 36-speaker AKG quality sound process justifies specific mention as amid the best we have read. Car audio engineers like owning area to work with, and automobiles don’t get a great deal roomier than the Escalade.

2023 Cadillac Escalade-V Pics

2023 Cadillac Escalade-V Cost and Specs

Starting off selling price: $149,990
6.2-liter supercharged V8
682 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
653 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
10-pace computerized transmission
-60 mph in 4.4 seconds
Quarter-mile in 12.74 seconds at 110 mph
Six-piston Brembo entrance brakes
Comprehensive-time all-wheel generate
Digital restricted-slip differential
Adjustable suspension, steering, brake feel, AWD, motor reaction, exhaust seem
Super Cruise hands-free driving
7,000-lb max towing capability
Gas economy is TBA at time of producing, but certainly decrease than the regular Escalade’s town/highway merged rating of 16 mpg