CadillacEscalade

2021 Cadillac Escalade: Curved OLED screens, but the bling has gone

The final truck (the 2021 Cadillac Escalade) in the GMT1xx SUV range has been revealed, and it will go on sale Q3 2020 with a 6.2L V8 or 3L turbo-diesel I6.


The Escalade misses out the 5.3L V8 from the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon.

The standard Escalade engine is a 6.2L V8 with 313kW (420hp) and 624Nm (460 lb-ft), and a 10-speed auto. A 3L turbo-diesel I6 (also with a 10-speed) is optional, and it has 207kW (277hp) and 623Nm (460 lb-ft). RWD is standard, 4WD is available.

All three SUVs have different fronts, with the Escalade’s inspired by the Escala concept. There’s a big grille, horizontal headlamps, and vertical driving lights. The rear has vertical LED taillights, and different C pillar design.

Also unique is the dashboard and interior. The Escalade has 3 OLED screens: a 7.2″ driver touch panel on the left, 14.2″ curved instrumentation screen, and 16.9″ infotainment curved touchscreen. All together there’s 38″ of diagonal display area.

Like the T1 SUVs, the Escalade now has independent rear suspension. It also has standard Magnetic Ride Control for a plush ride.

Available features include augmented reality sat nav, surround vision camera system, a rear camera mirror, night vision, two 12.6″ rear seat entertainment screens with Android mirroring, soft close doors, a 14-channel 36-speaker AKG sound system, adaptive air suspension, electronic LSD, and Super Cruise Level 2 autonomous driving with lane change assistant.

Other options include a Trailering Integration Package with multiple cameras to make hitching a trailer easier. Passengers in the back with a rear seat entertainment system can send destination suggestions to the driver, which he or she can accept or decline.