Cadillac Escalade
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| Cadillac Escalade | |
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| Manufacturer: | General Motors |
| Production: | 1999–present |
| Class: | Large luxury SUV |
| Generation I Escalade AWD | |
| Missing image 1999_Cadillac_Escalade.jpg 1999 Cadillac Escalade | |
| Production: | 1999–2000 |
| Platform: | AWD GMT800 |
| Body Styles: | 4-door wagon |
| Related: | Chevrolet Suburban Chevrolet Tahoe GMC Yukon |
| Engines: | 5.7 L 5700 V8 |
| Generation II Escalade/EXT/ESV | |
| Missing image 2002_Cadillac_Escalade.jpg 2002 Cadillac Escalade | |
| Production: | 2002–2006 |
| Platform: | FR/AWD GMT800 |
| Body Styles: | 4-door wagon 4-door pickup (EXT) 4-door wagon (ESV) |
| Related: | Chevrolet Suburban Chevrolet Tahoe GMC Yukon |
| Engines: | 5.3 L 5300 V8 6.0 L HO 6000 V8 |
| Generation III | |
| Production: | 2007–present |
| Platform: | AWD GMT900 |
The Escalade is a large SUV sold by the GM luxury brand, Cadillac. It was the division's first major entry into the popular SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to German and Japanese competitors and to Ford's 1998 release of the Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade project went into production only 10 months after it was approved.
The Escalade was originally based on sister company GMC's Yukon Denali, but was redesigned for the 2002 model year to make its appearance fall more in line with Cadillac's new design theme.
The Escalade was not the first Chevrolet-based Cadillac: the first-generation Seville and mid-1980s Cimarron were based on entry-level Chevrolet vehicles.
The Escalade line has proven very popular with after-market tuners, who personalize vehicles for usually affluent customers. While such work is not done by the Cadillac factory, much can be ordered through a Cadillac dealer and done by third-party companies. Popular modifications include larger wheels, increased engine performance and custom paint.
Major competitors include: Mercedes-Benz G-Class (and possibly the smaller M-Class), BMW X5, Lexus LX series, Infiniti QX56, Lincoln Navigator.
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1999
The first Escalade was very similar to the top Denali trim of the GMC Yukon. It shared that truck's 5.7 L Vortec 5700 V8 (at 255 hp/190 kW) along with its outward appearance. All first-generation Escalades featured all wheel drive. For 2000, unique vertical rear doors were added.
2002
The Escalade was not offered for the 2001 model year, but returned completely redesigned for the 2002 model year. Rear wheel drive was standard, as was a 5.3 L V8, with all wheel drive and the special High-Output Vortec 6000 6.0 L V8 engine as options.
The "StabiliTrak" stability control system was upgraded to a four-wheel version for 2003 and power-adjustable pedals were added. For 2004, 20 in chrome wheels (also known as "dubs") were offered, and XM Satellite Radio, second-row bucket seats, and a tire pressure monitoring system were all made standard on all Escalades except the EXT. The 5.3 L engine was dropped for 2005 and the OnStar system was upgraded.
Engines:
- 2002-2003 5.3 L Vortec 5300 V8, 285 hp (213 kW)
- 2004 5.3 L Vortec 5300 V8, 295 hp (220 kW)
- 2002-2005 6.0 L High-Output Vortec 6000 V8, 345 hp (257 kW)
Escalade EXT
The Escalade EXT pickup truck (based on the Chevrolet Avalanche) was introduced in 2002 as well. It features a "Convert-a-Cab" composite pickup bed that can be expanded into the truck's cab through a bottom-hinged door. Like the Avalanche, the EXT has four full-sized doors and seating for five. The EXT was only offered with the 6.0 L High Output engine. High-Intensity Discharge headlights were offered for 2003 along with second-row bucket seats.
Escalade ESV
The extended-length Escalade ESV (based on the Chevrolet Suburban) was introduced in 2003.
2007
The Escalade will be the first vehicle on the new GMT900 platform for the 2007 model year. Its introduction was accelerated as sales began slipping. One major new feature is American Axle's "I-Ride" rear independent suspension module.