Cadillac Escalade

Full-size luxury SUVs manufactured by General Motors and sold by Cadillac since 1998

The Cadillac Escalade is a large luxury SUV. It is manufactured by General Motors and was released in 1999 to compete with German and Japanese competitors and to Ford's 1998 release of the Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade and Escalade EXT pickup are the two of only three Cadillac vehicles that are made outside of the United States.

Cadillac Escalade
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Production1998–present
2002–present (ESV)
2001–2013 (EXT)
2008–2013 (Hybrid)
Model years1999–2000
2002–present
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size luxury SUV
Layout
RelatedChevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon
GMC Yukon XL

The Escalade IQ is the fully electric version, and went in production in 2024 for the 2025 model year.


First generation (1998)

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GMT 400
 
Overview
ProductionAugust 1998–2000
Model years1999–2000
AssemblyUnited States: Arlington, Texas (Arlington Assembly)
DesignerWayne Cherry (1997)
Body and chassis
Body style5-door SUV
LayoutF4 (Front-engine, four-wheel drive)
PlatformGMT435
RelatedChevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission4-speed 4L60-E automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase117.5 in (2,984 mm)
Length201.2 in (5,110 mm)
Width77.0 in (1,956 mm)
Height74.3 in (1,887 mm)

The first-generation Cadillac Escalade was introduced in 1998. It was built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. The Escalade was Cadillac’s entry into the luxury SUV market, featuring a 5.7-liter V8 engine and all-wheel drive. It was the first full-size luxury SUVs from Cadillac, aiming to compete with other luxury brands in the market. The model was produced for only two years, with its production ending in 1999.


Second generation (2001)

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GMT 800
 
Overview
ProductionJanuary 2001–2006 (Escalade)
September 2001–2006 (EXT)
December 2002–2006 (ESV)
Model years2001–2006[1]
2003–2006 (ESV)
Assembly
DesignerWayne Cherry (1998)
Body and chassis
Body style5-door SUV
4-door sport utility truck
Layout
PlatformGMT826
GMT836 (Escalade ESV)
GMT806 (Escalade EXT)
RelatedChevrolet Avalanche
Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL
Hummer H2
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
  • 4-speed 4L60-E automatic (RWD)
  • 4-speed 4L65-E automatic (AWD)
Dimensions
Wheelbase116.0 in (2,946 mm)
130.0 in (3,302 mm) (ESV/EXT)
Length198.9 in (5,052 mm)
221.4 in (5,624 mm) (ESV/EXT)
Width78.9 in (2,004 mm)
79.5 in (2,019 mm) (ESV/EXT)
Height76.5 in (1,943 mm)
75.7 in (1,923 mm) (ESV/EXT)
75.0 in (1,905 mm) (ESV Platinum)
Curb weight5,800 lb (2,631 kg)
(ESV/EXT)

The second-generation Escalade was launched in 2000 and continued until 2006. This generation saw a significant redesign, with a more modern look and larger dimensions compared to the first generation. The new Escalade featured updated interiors, better technology, and more powerful engine options, including the introduction of a 6.0-liter V8 engine. It also offered a four-wheel drive option. This generation was well-received and helped establish the Escalade as a leader in the luxury SUV market.

Third generation (2007)

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GMT900
 
Overview
ProductionJanuary 2006–2014
2006–2013 (EXT)
2008–2013 (Hybrid)
Model years2007–2014
2007–2013 (EXT)
2009–2013 (Hybrid)
AssemblyUnited States: Arlington, Texas (Arlington Assembly)
Mexico: Silao, Guanajuato (Silao Assembly; EXT only)
Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor)[2][3]
DesignerWayne Cherry
Body and chassis
Body style5-door SUV
4-door sport utility truck
Layout
PlatformGMT926
GMT936 (Escalade ESV)
GMT946 (Escalade EXT, 2007–2013 MY)
RelatedChevrolet Avalanche
Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL
Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motor60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp) 2x AC permanent-magnet electric motors
Transmission
Hybrid drivetrainFHEV (Escalade Hybrid)
BatteryNi–MH (Hybrid)
Dimensions
Wheelbase116.0 in (2,946 mm)
130.0 in (3,302 mm) (ESV/EXT)
Length202.5 in (5,144 mm)
222.9 in (5,662 mm) (ESV)
222.0 in (5,639 mm) (EXT)
Width79.0 in (2,007 mm)
79.1 in (2,009 mm) (EXT)
Height74.7 in (1,897 mm) (2007–09 2WD)
74.5 in (1,892 mm) (EXT & 2007–09 ESV)
74.3 in (1,887 mm) (2007–09 4WD)
2010–11 SWB: 75.9 in (1,928 mm)
2010–2013 ESV: 73.1 in (1,857 mm)
2012–2013 SWB: 75.9 in (1,928 mm)
2012–2013 EXT: 74.5 in (1,892 mm)

The third generation of the Escalade began production in 2007 and continued until 2014. The design was more refined and sophisticated, with enhanced luxury features, including premium interior materials and advanced technology. This generation also introduced a 6.2-liter V8 engine and more power. The Escalade became more focused on providing high-end comfort and features, including an upgraded sound system, navigation, and improved safety features. The exterior design was also more aggressive, solidifying the Escalade’s position as a high-end SUV.

Fourth generation (2015)

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GMT K2UL
 
Overview
ProductionJanuary 2014–December 2019
Model years2015–2020
AssemblyUnited States: Arlington, Texas (Arlington Assembly)
Minsk, Belarus (Unison)
DesignerBob Boniface (exterior design director)[4]
Body and chassis
Body style4-door SUV
LayoutFront engine,
rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
PlatformGMT K2XX
RelatedChevrolet Surburban
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon
GMC Yukon XL
Powertrain
Engine6.2L EcoTec3 L86 V8
Transmission6-speed GM 6L80 automatic (2015)

8-speed GM 8L90 automatic (2015–2017)

10-speed Hydra-Matic 10L80 automatic (2018–2020)
Dimensions
Wheelbase116.0 in (2,946 mm)
130.0 in (3,302 mm) (ESV)
Length202.5 in (5,144 mm)
224.3 in (5,697 mm) (ESV)
Width80.5 in (2,045 mm)
HeightSWB: 74.4 in (1,890 mm)
ESV: 74.0 in (1,880 mm)

The fourth generation Escalade was introduced in 2015. It continued with the 6.2-liter V8 engine and added more advanced safety and technology features, such as active noise cancellation, adaptive cruise control, and a rearview camera system. The exterior design became more refined, The third-row seating was improved for better comfort, and the SUV's interior featured more luxury materials, such as wood trim and leather upholstery.

Fifth generation (2021)

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GM T1UL
 
2021 Cadillac Escalade
Overview
ProductionSeptember 2020[5]–present
Model years2021–present
AssemblyUnited States: Arlington, Texas (Arlington Assembly)
DesignerRobin Krieg,[6] Therese Pinazzo[7]
Body and chassis
Body style4-door SUV
LayoutFront engine,
rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
PlatformGMT T1XX
RelatedChevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL
Powertrain
Engine6.2 L L87 EcoTec3 V8
6.2 L LT4 supercharged V8 (Escalade-V)
3.0 L LM2 Duramax I6 Diesel
Transmission10-speed Hydra-Matic 10L80 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase120.9 in (3,071 mm)
134.1 in (3,406 mm) (ESV)
Length211.9 in (5,382 mm)
227 in (5,766 mm) (ESV)
Width81 in (2,057 mm)
81.1 in (2,060 mm) (ESV)
Height76.6 in (1,946 mm)
76.4 in (1,941 mm) (ESV)
Curb weight5,635–5,823 lb (2,556–2,641 kg)
5,785–5,993 lb (2,624–2,718 kg) (ESV)

The fifth-generation Escalade was launched in 2021 and represents a more modern and technologically advanced version of the SUV. This generation features a new platform, giving it a larger interior space and improved ride quality. The 5.3-liter V8 engine and 6.2-liter V8 engine options continue, with the addition of a diesel engine option. The fifth generation also introduces the use of OLED displays, superior driver assistance systems, and a new focus on hybrid technology.

Other websites

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  1. Krebs, Michelle (October 18, 2002). "DRIVING: BELLS & WHISTLES; Bulgari Touch In Cadillacs". The New York Times. Archived from the original on December 25, 2010. Retrieved December 25, 2010.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Группа компаний Автотор :: Автомобили GM". Avtotor.ru. Archived from the original on February 10, 2016. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  3. GM car issues in 2009, JPG image (in Russian) Archived September 4, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  4. "What Next?". Autoweek. 63 (22): 8. October 28, 2013.
  5. Ford Ranger lighting is real and will come to market sooner than expected autoevolution.com
  6. Purcell, Alexandra (28 January 2022). "Cadillac Design Team Releases Early Sketch Of Fifth-Gen Cadillac Escalade". Cadillac Society. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
  7. "Cadillac Celebrates the Female Icons Behind the Luxury 2021 Escalade on International Women's Day". 8 March 2021.