Cadillac Full-Size SUV Escalade

5th Generation Model Sold Over 1,700 Units in Korea by September This Year

Securing a Loyal Fan Base Favoring 'American Luxury'

Premium Leather, Wood, and Fabric Used Throughout the Interior

Large Windows and High Ground Clearance Provide a Wide Field of View

The Cadillac full-size SUV Escalade gained fame in the media as the official vehicle for prominent figures. From former and current presidents to celebrities and entertainers, many have made appearances at official events in the Escalade. While safety and functionality played a role in their choice, the overwhelming presence and luxurious image stemming from its sheer size were the decisive factors.

Since the launch of its first generation in 1998, the Escalade has earned the nickname "King of SUVs" and established itself as Cadillac's flagship luxury model. The 5th generation, released in Korea in 2021, sold over 1,700 units cumulatively by September this year. Even though the imported car market in Korea experienced a downturn last year for the first time in four years, Escalade sales continued to rise. This is thanks to a distinct fan base that prefers bold and powerful "American luxury." Earlier this month, I test drove the 5th generation Escalade to see firsthand the direction Cadillac is pursuing with its concept of "American luxury."

First of all, the car's first impression overwhelms onlookers with its exterior. With a massive size of 5380mm in length, 2060mm in width, and 1945mm in height, it draws attention wherever it goes, giving a sense of 'getting off the car.' Thanks to the nearly 2-meter height of the vehicle, getting in and out may seem difficult, but by using the automatic electric side steps that descend whenever the door opens, even shorter people can easily get on and off. Additionally, equipped with an 'Air Ride Adaptive Suspension,' the vehicle's height can be lowered by up to 75mm when boarding, alighting, or parking.

The design concept is "Scale," impressively expressing a sense of grandeur. The front features a sporty mesh gloss black grille, and every design element is finished in "gloss black," emphasizing a three-dimensional and robust look. At the rear, massive tail lamps stretching about 1 meter dominate, and the vehicle is equipped with large 22-inch wheels that match its size.

Famous as an official vehicle, this car is best experienced from the back seat. The interior is adorned with premium leather, and wood and fabric materials are applied throughout to create a warm atmosphere. Sitting in the second row, you immediately sense a level of openness that sets it apart from other SUVs. Not only are the windows large, but the high ground clearance provides a wide field of view when seated. Opening the panoramic sunroof on the roof further enhances the sense of spaciousness.

원본보기 아이콘

원본보기 아이콘

The distance between the front and rear seats is also generous. The 5th generation model has a wheelbase (distance between the front and rear axles) that is about 130mm longer than its predecessor, making the legroom in both the second and third rows quite ample. Even in the third row, long journeys can be made comfortably without feeling cramped. Folding the seats reveals a vast space. With only the third row folded, you get 2,065 liters of cargo space, and folding both the second and third rows expands it to 3,427 liters.

How about driving performance? To move the hefty 2.8-ton body of the Escalade, Cadillac equipped it with a massive 6.2-liter V8 gasoline direct injection engine. This engine delivers a maximum output of 426 horsepower and a peak torque of 63.6 kg·m, providing powerful performance. Driving in the Jayu-ro area, I tested the V8 engine's capabilities. It handled sudden acceleration with ease and allowed for agile driving. However, some noise from moving such a large engine is unavoidable.

The new Escalade is the world's first vehicle to feature a 38-inch LG curved OLED display. All vehicle functions can be controlled via touch on this wide display. Additionally, for the first time in a Cadillac model, augmented reality navigation is installed. The driving screen appears on the large cluster, with arrows or icons overlaid to guide the way. The interface is highly intuitive and easy to understand.

원본보기 아이콘

원본보기 아이콘

The upgraded safety and convenience features also earn high marks. The biggest concern when maneuvering such a large vehicle is parking, as it can be difficult to detect blind spots or obstacles. To address this, the Escalade notifies the driver by vibrating the seat when an obstacle is detected while reversing. Adaptive cruise control, which automatically maintains distance from the car ahead, lane keeping assist, automatic parking assist, and other sensor- and camera-based safety features make driving much easier.

If you want a rare imported car that not just anyone can own, the Cadillac Escalade is worth considering. It's not just a large vehicle; in the realm of official vehicles that convey respect to passengers, it stands unrivaled. However, you should take into account its price, which exceeds 150 million won, and the reality of Korea's narrow parking spaces.