In the midst of Cadillac's major product transformation highlighted by the debut of the new XTS fullsize sedan and ATS compact performance sedan, the once-popular and proudly politically-incorrect Escalade may seem like a misfit it the modern, efficiency-focused new lineup. However, with prices on fully-loaded Escalades approaching six-figures, the profit margins generated by the jumbo SUV were too big for Cadillac to ignore, The Detroit Bureau reports.
At one point, it was rumored that the Escalade would go to a unibody crossover platform, possibly using the Lambda that underpins the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, but it seems that the decision has been made to keep it on the same body-on-frame chassis as the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. Thus, the Escalade will follow the introduction of the new versions of those models in 2014, presumably as a 2015 model. The primary powerplant is expected to be a version of GM's fifth-generation small block V-8, which will be equipped with direct-injection. Diesel and hybrid options could also be offered.
Although the Escalade certainly has its fans, the model is also reportedly a turn-off for some of the potential customers Cadillac is trying to attract. However, the similarly large Infiniti QX56 and Lexus LX570 co-exist with hybrid models in their respective showrooms, so it doesn't seem like the mere presence of the big brute is enough of a concern for Cadillac to seriously contemplate dropping the model entirely.
2012 Cadillac Escalade
2012 Cadillac Escalade Pr...
2012 Cadillac Escalade Premium
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2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV