Cadillac Escalade ESV - a True Luxury Sedan

The Cadillac Escalade ESV is a luxury SUV developed by Cadillac, which is owned by General Motors.

Origin

The Cadillac Escalade ESV first appeared in 2003, the third in a series of Escalade models which debuted in 1999. It is a stretched out version of the first Escalade. The ESV is arguably the most luxurious of the line. In 2007, a special Platinum Edition will be released onto the market, a fact which has the public waiting with bated breath.

Up until 2006, the ESV and EXT (pickup) models were built in Mexico. As far as luxury vehicles go, the Cadillac Escalade ESV is reasonably priced at around $59,680. The Platinum Escalade will be valued at approximately $71,025.

Engine

The Escalade models all feature a V8 pushrod engine. The aluminum Vortec engine offers two settings for valve timing. This 6.2 L engine has 403 horsepower. In addition, the Cadillac Escalade ESV features a 6 speed transmission. This powerful engine does 0 to 60 in just under 7 seconds.

Maneuverability

Considering that the Escalade ESV is a rather large vehicle and set low to the ground, certain provisions had to be made to make it easier to maneuver. Cadillac incorporated a fairly traditional five point suspension system into this line, but also included automatic rear leveling control. The suspension senses and adjusts to the terrain on which it is driving.

Design

The design of the Cadillac Escalade ESV is not exactly aerodynamic, due to its large front-end. Still, it manages to look sleek, due to long, smooth lines and fine design. A roof rack offers extra storage space and an ultrasonic parking distance meter allows for wedging into tight spaces, although the size of this SUV ensures that tight spaces will be abundant!

In true luxury style, both the driver and front passenger seats are heated, with adjustable tilting head rests and the driver's seat offers a memory function. The Escalade ESV seats 7, but has a split bench seat that can be removed for additional cargo space. The interior is perforated leather.

The Platinum Edition has even more ways to spoil you. The front seats, as well as the second passenger seats are both cooled and heated. There are two video screens to keep children or restless passengers occupied in the back seats. Up front, a center console keeps your coffee hot and your sodas cold with specially temperature controlled cup holders.

Safety

Designed to protect its occupants, the ESV has duel and overhead airbags and special sensors that let it know how many people are inside. Side impact bars add to the safety features, as does a panic alarm in case of carjacking. This vehicle also has a full security and tracking system.

The 2007 model features enhanced braking and an improved chassis for higher safety levels. The large-screen navigation systems won't have you squinting to get directions, which could easily be considered another safety feature.

Economy Features

The Cadillac Escalade currently gets approximately 19 miles to the gallon in fuel, when on the highway. Plans for increased fuel economy go into effect in the 2008 model. It also boasts a 31 gallon fuel tank which equates out to a pretty fair distance between fuel ups.

Fame

In the few years that it has been on the market, the Cadillac Escalade ESV has gained a big following. Autospies.com declared it the 2007 Luxury SUV of the Year, ahead of the Land Rover's Range Rover and the GL450 produced by Mercedes-Benz.

In addition to being the official Super Bowl vehicle, an altered version of the Escalade ESV was used to transport VIPs to and from the Academy Awards. On the flip side, it is also one of the most frequently stolen vehicles in the United States!

The Escalade has achieved fame on the small screen as well, appearing in various rap music videos, TheBernieMacShow, and The Sopranos.

What Critics have to Say?

Although older model Escalades had some problems, most seem to have been resolved in the ESV. Critics love that, on top of all it's movie premiere glitz, it can handle a trailer load of over 7,000 lbs.