The Cadillac Escalade-V Puts Out An Insane 682-Horsepower!

Awhile back, we reviewed the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, finding it to deliver the perfect blend of luxury and technology. But performance? It was nothing to write home about, with a 6.2L V-8 engine that put out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. While that’s a lot of power for most cars, in this massive SUV it only delivered a 0-60mph time of 6.1 seconds.

For most people, that is plenty fast. But Cadillac knows that there are a number of customers out there who want even more performance, and the all-new 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V fills that need, delivering industry’s most powerful full-size SUV.

Boasting a potent blend of refinement, power and technology, Cadillac Escalade-V features performance-inspired styling and an unmistakable sound that combine for a head-turning street presence. With these distinctive attributes, the Escalade-V expands the V-Series lineup, now in its fourth generation, which offers more levels of performance while preserving the lineage of the original lineup introduced in 2004.

At the heart of the Escalade-V is a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine rated at 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. Performance elements include a 10-speed automatic transmission calibrated for Escalade-V, full-time active all-wheel-drive system and exclusive suspension hardware and software calibrations. An Escalade-V ESV version is also available.

The Escalade further earns its V-Series designation with:

• Unique V-Series front and rear fascias
• Quad exhaust outlets
• Exclusive Six-Piston Brembo front brakes
• Edge Red brake calipers
• Unique 22-inch aluminum wheels
• Standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, with uniquely tuned rear air springs and damper hardware, as well as V-Series specific software calibrations
• Selectable V-Mode with driver-customizable performance driving settings, lowered suspension and active exhaust valves that control the throaty V-8 growl
• V-Series badging on the driver and front passenger doors, liftgate and throughout the interior, including the steering wheel
• Platinum trim interior featuring Zebra Wood decor with semi-aniline leather on all three rows, and heated/ventilated and massaging front seats
• Escalade’s signature curved OLED with 38 inches of total diagonal display
• AKG Studio Reference 36-speaker audio system
• Available Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance technology, including trailering and automatic lane change capabilities (late availability).

With full-time active AWD to enhance traction, along with the supercharged engine, Cadillac expects the Escalade-V to be capable of 0-60 mph sprints in under 4.4 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.74 seconds at 110 mph based on initial GM testing. That’s stupid fast for an SUV of this size!

“With a power-to-weight ratio among the top in its class and advanced driving technologies to put that power to the pavement, the Escalade-V offers an engaging and energetic driving experience like no other full-size luxury SUV,” said Jaclyn McQuaid, executive chief engineer, Full-Size Trucks.  “More importantly, it lives up to the vigorous requirements of the V-Series Mondrian insignia.”

A supercharged legacy and AWD grip
Rated at a GM-estimated 682 horsepower at 6,000 engine rpm and 653 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 engine rpm, the Escalade-V’s 6.2L hand-built supercharged and intercooled engine builds on a legacy of supercharged V-8 engines offered in Cadillac V-Series models, those being the second- and third-generation CTS-V models, the XLR-V, and the new CT5-V Blackwing.

The Escalade-V’s engine shares architectural similarities with the CT5-V Blackwing’s supercharged V-8, but features a larger, 2.65L R2650 TVS supercharger that helps overcome the higher inlet and exhaust restrictions on the full-size SUV application. It spins at up to 13,500 rpm to produce approximately 10 pounds of boost and has an electronically controlled bypass valve for optimal drivability. The supercharger’s unique four-lobe rotors are designed to broaden the engine’s power band, with great low-end torque production and strong high-rpm power.

The rest of the engine is designed to support the high output and the greater cylinder pressures that come with forced induction, including a durable forged-steel crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods and forged aluminum pistons. The aluminum cylinder heads are stronger and handle heat better than conventional castings. The heads also feature lightweight titanium intake valves.

A 10-speed automatic transmission pairs with the engine and features calibration for the unique powerband characteristics of its supercharging system.

The transmission sends transferred torque to an advanced, full-time active all-wheel-drive system that splits torque between the front and rear wheels for optimal traction and driver control in all conditions. The system varies the torque split depending on conditions, but some torque is always directed to the front wheels.

Unique suspension calibrations and V-Mode
Along with the full-time active all-wheel-drive system, standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, Air Ride Adaptive Suspension and exclusive Escalade-V suspension hardware complement the Escalade-V’s responsive driving experience. Together, they form the foundation of a heightened feeling of driver control, without sacrificing the isolated precision ride comfort for which the Escalade is renowned.

With this new V-Series SUV, the Air Ride Adaptive Suspension four-corner air springs feature specific, stiff rear air springs. The electronically controlled system also features unique damper hardware tuning and software calibrations, which help make the most of the Escalade-V’s four-wheel independent suspension. The electronic limited-slip differential improves handling and helps to maximize traction.

Drivers can personalize their experience behind the wheel through the exclusive V-Mode, which drivers access via a button on the center console ahead of the transmission shifter. It lets drivers tailor their preferred performance-driving mode and it also automatically lowers the ride height by nearly 0.8 inches (20 mm). Adjustments available with V-Mode include:

• Suspension settings: Tour or Sport
• Steering: Tour or Sport, which feature unique steering calibrations
• Brake pedal feel: Tour or Sport
• Engine sound: Stealth, Tour or Sport
• AWD: Tour, Sport or Snow/Ice
• Engine performance: Tour, Sport or Snow/Ice.

Additionally, a Launch Control function is available via V-Mode that lets the Escalade-V perform optimal acceleration runs from a stop. Drivers access this feature when in V-Mode by holding down the brake pedal and then applying the accelerator pedal fully, and when the Traction Control Lamp begins to flash, releasing the brake pedal.

Signature design, craftsmanship and technology
Inside and out, the new Escalade-V builds on Escalade’s bold, layered design statement and sophisticated, technology-infused passenger environment.

On the exterior, unique front and rear fascias cast a distinctive pose, along with Cadillac’s signature Sport mesh grille. The rear fascia incorporates openings for a quad exhaust outlet. Uniquely styled 22-inch wheels are also part of the V-Series content. They help showcase the performance brake system behind them, which includes exclusive Brembo® front brakes with Edge Red calipers.

The cabin’s appointments build on the Escalade’s Platinum trim interior, offered in Black or Dark Auburn, with Zebra Wood accents. Standard features include semi-aniline leather on all three rows, with front seats featuring power massage and a heated steering wheel.

On the technology front, Escalade-V delivers with:

• Standard curved OLED with 38 inches of total diagonal display, with twice the pixel density of a 4K television
• Premium infotainment experience with navigation, featuring a 16.9-inch-diagonal color information display, Natural Voice Recognition, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto capability, Connected Apps and more
• Augmented Reality, which projects a live image of what is in front of the vehicle on the 14.2-inch-diagonal center cluster display. When a navigational route is active, the system will overlay directional information on the display
• Standard AKG Studio Reference 36-speaker audio system, with 3D Surround, Navigation Rendering and more
• Available Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance technology, including trailering and automatic lane change capabilities (late availability).

Super Cruise is the industry’s first true hands-free driver assistance technology. It uses real-time cameras, sensors, and GPS, paired with detailed LiDAR map data, to give drivers confidence while driving completely hands-free on more than 200,000 miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada.

On sale this summer
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V goes on sale late this summer, with a starting MSRP of $149,990 (including destination charge). Details are available at www.cadillac.com.