news

2021 Cadillac Escalade revealed

The latest-generation of Caddy's big daddy has finally been revealed, with a bold look and more technology than ever before.


There's a new Cadillac Escalade, and it's every bit as big and brash as you'd expect.

Unveiled today at a lavish event in Los Angeles, the large luxury SUV has been treated to a comprehensive makeover and a new chassis – complete with an independent rear suspension.

Under the skin, the new Escalade features a variation of the General Motors (GM) platform debuted in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.

Along with the all-important independent rear, that means Caddy's big daddy is now available with 'magnetic ride control' adjustable dampers and a fully-adjustable air suspension setup. When it's fitted, the car kneels by 5 centimetres when it's parked to make entry/egress easier.

Owners also have the option of raising the ride height if they feel like heading off-road. Also optional is an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential.

Power will come from a 6.2-litre V8 engine making 313kW and 623Nm, or a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline-six making 207kW and the same 623Nm as the petrol V8. Both engines are mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard.

It's the first time a turbo-diesel engine has been offered in the Escalade.

Cadillac has taken a high-tech new direction with the cabin of its flagship crossover. The driver is faced with a digital instrument binnacle measuring 14.2 inches, flanked by a 7.2-inch control panel to the cluster's left and a 14.2-inch infotainment display to its right.

All three are OLED screens, which Cadillac says removes the need for a 'hood' to shade the instrument binnacle. The high-tech system will be standard across the range, although there are a few options as well – headlined by an augmented reality navigation system.

A 36-speaker audio system is available, while Cadillac says there are microphones and small speakers designed to make conversation between driver and people in the back seats simpler.

Rear passengers haven't been forgotten when it comes to entertainment, either. A rear-seat infotainment system features two 12.6-inch touchscreens with the capability to play games, music or videos through their HDMI and USB ports.

The system also has the ability to mirror Android smartphones, and rear passengers can send suggested destinations to the main navigation system for the driver to accept or decline. Mum, please can we go to McDonalds? The car knows where it is...

The driver benefits from Cadillac's latest 'Super Cruise' semi-autonomous cruise system.

It's now capable of autonomously changing lanes on the highway – as with Tesla's Autopilot, it can detect oncoming traffic, wait for a gap, and pull into the neighbouring lane when the driver flicks the indicator.

Production of the new Escalade will kick off in Arlington, Texas, in time for a "late 2020" on-sale date in North America.


Will the 2021 Cadillac Escalade be coming to Australia?

No, is the short answer. Cadillac doesn't produce vehicles in right-hand drive, and GM has given no indication of plans to begin converting cars for the (relatively) small Australian car market.

MORE:Cadillac Showroom
MORE:Cadillac News
MORE:Cadillac Reviews
MORE:Cadillac Showroom
MORE:Cadillac News
MORE:Cadillac Reviews
Chat with us!







Chat with Agent