Teresa’s View
There’s good reason why the Cadillac Escalade is the automotive choice of the rich and famous. The full-size premium sport-ute is handsome enough to complement even the most outlandish style, luxurious enough to please spoiled celebs and large enough to bring the entire entourage.
Completely redesigned for 2007, the Escalade is 4 inches longer and a smidge wider and taller than the previous version. A new, more powerful 403-horspower 6.2-liter V-8 motivates the big guy, and is said to take the Escalade from 0-to-60 in 6.5 seconds.
The exterior enhances the classy gansta motif with more sharp angles than an Abercrombie and Fitch model. But the best news is the vastly improved interior. Finally, the Escalade gets the cabin it’s always deserved. A graceful two-toned and elegant swaths of walnut inlays set off upgraded leather upholstery for a unified effect.
Oh, how Cadillac engineers love their technology. Standout features include the optional IntelliBeam headlamps that automatically adjust from low to high beam and back again. The windshield washer fluid can heat to approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit to help de-ice during the winter and remove obstinate sap and insect residue the rest of the year.
Audiophiles will be in heaven. Standard fare is a six-channel, Bose 5.1 Discrete Surround Sound System. Don’t let the name fool you. It’s anything but discrete.
Despite an extensive list of luxury items, there are still a few available options. Our tester included 22-inch (!) chrome aluminum wheels ($2,995); an Information Package that added a rear-view camera and navigation ($2,495); a rear-seat entertainment system ($1,295); a power sliding sunroof ($995); and a Climate Package with heated/cooled front seats and heated steering wheel ($625).
I have a few gripes. The rear doors don’t open wide enough — a particular problem when loading small children into car seats. And then there are those EPA ratings. Although they’ve improved somewhat over the last model, at 13 mpg city and 19 highway, it could take a movie star’s salary to keep the tank filled. Oh, yeah, premium fuel is recommended.
What Is It?: The seven-passenger Escalade is offered in three trims: standard, with a choice of all-wheel or, beginning this fall, rear-wheel drive; the extra-long ESV; and the EXT pickup. Prices start at nearly $59K with destination charges.
The Back Seat: The third row is handy, but doesn’t win any awards for comfort. Theater seating allows passengers a great view of their world, but with little difference between the floor and the bottom seat cushion, adults ride knees-to-jowls.
Safety: Cadillac jumps on the safety bandwagon with a lengthy list of safety features including head curtain air bags, a rollover avoidance feature, anti-skid system and rear park assist.
Grocery Sack Test: Grocery bags barely fit in the cargo space behind the third row. If you’re going shopping, leave the family, er, entourage at home.
Cheat Sheet: Cadillac has been a member of the General Motors family since 1909.