Founded exactly 120 years ago in 1902 by Henry Leland, the company’s name is a tribute to Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, the founder of Detroit. The brand is accredited within automotive circles as the pioneer behind interchangeable parts which in turn paved the way for modern mass production of automobiles. Today Cadillac continues to produce some of the most sought-after sedans and SUVs in the world.
Economy Middle East drove the colossal yet incredibly practical Cadillac Escalade, the flagship of the brand.
The Engine and Performance
Under the bonnet is a massive American 6.2 liter V-8 producing a rather conservative 420 bhp. American V8’s are often deemed thirsty, but the clever technology in the Escalade will shut down half of the cylinders to save petrol and be gentler on the environment. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox and the 0-100 km/h time is impressive, gets you there in under 7 seconds. The torque is somewhat less compared to industry rivals and stands at 624Nm. But you must ask yourself, when was the last time you saw an Escalade towing a camper van?
Furthermore the Cadillac Escalade has an all-new independent rear suspension, Cadillac’s signature Magnetic Ride Control, new Air Ride Adaptive Suspension and the very much needed Electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) for increased dynamic handling.
The Technology
To be expected from the flagship of one of the most luxurious cars on the planet, the Escalade has a myriad of state-of-the-art technology. You have, depending on the trim level; Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport and Premium Luxury Platinum. Rather than complicate things, we see it fit to list the full scope. HD Surround Vision, Front and Rear Park Assist, Adaptive Park Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, Reverse Automatic Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Full-color Head-Up Display, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Night Vision, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Safety Belt Tightening, OnStar – General Motor’s pioneering in-vehicle safety and security technology and the first-of-its-kind subscription service, backed by human interaction – please note this will soon be available in selected GCC countries.
Further modern-day luxuries such as soft-closing doors and air suspension make it a real premium ride. The Escalade also comes with a first-in-the-market 38-inch 4K OLED screen, AKG automotive audio system with 360-surround sound, and up to 36 speakers.
The Interior
The interior cabin is full of the finest leather and genuine wood for that refined luxury feel. Customers can choose from nine wood trim options and an equal number of interior upholsteries across the range. The Cadillac signature vertical LED lighting at all four corners really enhances the atmospherics.
The front seats come with heating and cooling functions, as well as massage. The rear seats are a place for entertainment with 12.6-inch HD displays and plenty of room. There is also a third row of seats for those extra passengers.
The Verdict
For over a century the American marque has produced some of the most iconic luxury cars on the market. Economy Middle East was impressed with the ride and build quality as well as the refinement of the Escalade we drove. The flagship serves as the perfect executive ride that can also double as a premium family car, bearing all and more, of the luxuries one would need.
Let’s no kid ourselves, if its good enough for POTUS, its good enough for us.
