verdict
DESIGN | COMFORT | TECHNOLOGY | PERFORMANCE | SAFETY |
What kind of Cadillac do you want? Should it be plush, plush and packed with segment-leading technology? Should it be a V car? The 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V asks, “Is it too much to ask for both?”
The Escalade-V takes the same confident, regal American approach to luxury as the standard model, but complements it with muscle car bravado, from sound to speed. . This is the purest version of any Cadillac currently on the market, and we hope that future models will follow this path.
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| quick stats | 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V |
| engine: | 6.2 liter V8 with supercharger |
| output: | 682 hp / 653 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph: | 4.4 seconds |
| efficiency: | 11 City / 16 Highway / 13 Combined |
| Price tested: | $151,330 |
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design
- Exterior color: Argent Silver
- Interior Color: Dark Auburn/Black
- Wheel size: 22 inches
A blind person could tell the difference between the Cadillac CT5 and its fire-breathing brother Blackwing. But even the keenest car observer will have a hard time choosing his Escalade-V from the standard model. It shares a grille with the Escalade Sport, and the 22-inch aluminum alloy is little different from other models in the series. The only thing that sets the hot Escalade apart is the quad-tip exhaust and his three V-badges (one on each front door and one on the tailgate).
Same story with the cabin. The seats that were already plush with the “Mondrian quilting” remain, and the same steering wheel and shift lever are also at hand. Black ash wood is used in place of walnut, but the Escalade V doesn’t have the flashy touches of carbon fiber. It’s a beautiful place, to be honest, but the V’s cabin isn’t as distinctive as it looks.
comfortable
- Number of seats: 7
- Seat configuration: 2 / 2 / 3
- Cargo capacity: 25.2 / 72.9 / 121.0 cubic feet
Forget the sporty veneer of the V badge. A combination of standard magnetic dampers and air suspension, along with the same wheel/tire sizes, means the Escalade-V is just as comfortable and stable on the road as its standard counterparts. The steering is well separated, even on rough roads. And, of course, very little unwanted noise reaches the driver’s ears unless it provokes a supercharged engine.
All seats are comfortable for long hours, including the third row. The front throne offers a wide range of adjustability in addition to the standard heating, ventilation and massage functions. Adults can sit comfortably on the second row captain seats and third row benches.
Technology and connectivity
- Center display: 16.92 inch touchscreen
- Instrument cluster display: 14.2 inches
- Wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto: Yes/Yes
The Escalade-V isn’t too different from its lower sibling technically, but frankly, it doesn’t really need to be. It runs software that is one of the best in, responsive and easy to navigate.
The V comes standard with the best-ever 36-speaker AKG audio system on four wheels. In fact, I specifically chose to download lossless audio files so that I could get the most out of my system. If you’re driving an Escalade, you should do the same. Crisp highs, deep bass, rich midrange and excellent surround effects make everything from Pavarotti to Onohi Yoko sound good.
performance and handling
Engine: 6.2 liter V8 with supercharger
Output: 682 hp / 653 lb-ft
Transmission: 10 speed automatic
There’s no other way to describe it.The first time I nailed the Axel in the Escalade-V, I screamed with joy. , has the most ferocious, most radical soundtrack. It more than makes up for the fact that there is none. In the tenuous air of his extremely powerful 3-row row, his 60s run in the mid-4.0s of the Escalade V is almost leisurely.
| performance: | engine: | output: | 0-60 mph: |
| 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V | 6.2 liter V8 with supercharger | 682 hp / 653 lb-ft | 4.4 seconds (East) |
| 2022 BMW Alpina XB7 | Twin turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 | 631 hp / 590 lb-ft | 3.9 seconds |
| 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 | Twin turbocharged 4.0 liter V8 w/ISG | 603 hp / 627 lb-ft | 4.1 seconds |
Braking performance is enhanced thanks to 16.1″ front discs and Brembo calipers, while the left pedal offers solid stopping power and predictable feel. Cadillac seemed to be ignoring suspension for better or worse – I don’t think any tinkering with the magnetic dampers or air suspension could reduce the weight of the Escalade-V. The combination of pace and intense sound is more interesting than an over-sprung body-on-frame SUV trying to be sporty in corners, so I’m fine with that.
safety
- Driving assistance level: SAE level 2 (hands-on)
- NHTSA Rating: 4 Stars Overall
- IIHS Rating: Non-TSP/TSP Plus
Cadillac’s main Super Cruise driver assist system is not available on the Escalade V due to chip shortages, but will eventually appear in the option seat. In addition to standard Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking (front and rear) and Lane Keep Assist, advanced features such as Blind Spot Monitoring for trailer use make highway cruising easy.
We also have to admire the length the V goes for to manage its size.We love the standard rear camera mirror, and Cadillac’s decision to offer night vision via a gorgeous OLED cluster is bold. Play. The system also highlights pedestrians and cyclists for safe driving in congested areas.
fuel consumption
- City: 11 MPG
- Highway: 16 MPG
- Combined: 13 MPG
| efficiency: | city: | highway: | combination: |
| 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V | 11 MPG | 16MPG | 13MPG |
| 2022 BMW Alpina XB7 | 15MPG | 21MPG | 17MPG |
| 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 | 14MPG | 18MPG | 15MPG |
price
- Base Price: $79,295 + $1,895 Destination
- Base price for trim: $151,090
- Price tested: $152,430
The Escalade range starts at around $80,000, but the V Treatment nearly doubles that total. My tester optionally added a modest $1,290. Almost half of that was Argent Silver Paint, one of two exterior shades for $625 (there are five total, only Black Raven is free). There was also a $700 refrigerator in the center console.
The Escalade-V’s hefty price tag is the best in its segment, but who cares a few thousand dollars when we talk about vehicles in this tier? Available. Both are more dynamic overall and have sharper handling due to lighter weight, smaller footprint and trim-specific chassis tweaks (see his GLS with active anti-roll bars ). That said, the Escalade is so well-equipped, comfortable and luxurious that you’d have a hard time choosing a German-made one over a Caddy.
