2021 Cadillac Escalade debuts with industry-first features

Cadillac unveiled the all-new 2021 Escalade, completely redesigned from the ground up while being based on the all-new Chevy Tahoe’s platform.

Now in its fifth generation, the new Escalade’s claim to fame seems to be industry-first tech such as a curved Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) screen, the first AKG automotive audio system (with 20 to 36 speakers depending on trim) and Cadillac’s Super Cruise semi-autonomous driver assistance technology.

Escalade’s curved screens boast twice the pixel density of a 4K TV. The system includes three screens — a 7.2-inch touch control panel to the driver’s left, a 14.2-inch diagonal cluster display behind the steering wheel and a 16.9-inch infotainment screen to the driver’s right.

The Cadillac Escalade incorporates several other new features, including augmented reality-enabled navigation, four exterior cameras for a bird’s-eye view of surroundings, rear camera mirror, night vision display, and a rear-seat entertainment with a pair of 12.6-inch independent touch displays with navigation as well as streaming capability to play games, music and videos through HDMI and USB inputs. The screens can also mirror Android smartphones. Additionally, destination “suggestions” can be “sent” by rear passengers to the front navigation screen, for the driver to accept or decline.

In terms of looks, the Escalade now has a face that debuted on the XT6, and will offer Cadillac’s Sport trim for the first time, featuring a black mesh grille and black trim across the exterior. Luxury and Premium Luxury models have a bright Galvano finish, while Platinum models top the range, with unique interior and exterior details.

The big SUV now rides on fully-independent suspension with Magnetic Ride Control, and has grown in size so there is more interior space.

Cadillac says the engine is a “new” 6.2-litre V8, but it still only has 420 hp, and mated to a 10-speed automatic and either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive as well as an available electronic limited-slip differential.

With all the new updates, we expect the starting price to be north of Dhs 350,000, and cross Dhs 400,000 at the top end. It should reach UAE and GCC showrooms before the summer of 2021.

For future prices and specs, visit the Cadillac buyer guide.