A special feature showcasing noteworthy car-loving creators spending a day with the latest Cadillac. This time, DJ/producer Tomoyuki Tanaka and editor/branding director Yoichiro Maeda took the latest flagship SUV, the "Escalade," for a drive to the coast of Chiba.

Knowledge and experience are a fine line from cliché; if you pretend to know it all just because it's a classic item, you'll be left behind by its rapid evolution. The new, fifth-generation Cadillac Escalade, which has finally landed in Japan, is a prime example. It brilliantly subverts the traditional stereotype of a luxurious, opulent, yet somewhat rough-around-the-edges American full-size SUV. Two cutting-edge creators test-drive the new Escalade.

One is Tomoyuki Tanaka, also known as FPM (Fantastic Plastic Machine), a DJ/producer who served as music director for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic opening and closing ceremonies and has garnered international attention. The other is Yoichiro Maeda, former editor-in-chief of the once-popular men's fashion magazine "LEON," who continues to be active in various fields as an editor/branding director.

In fact, the two have known each other for 20 years, since their early thirties, and are both car enthusiasts who have long owned their respective vehicles: Tanaka an Aston Martin DB7 and Maeda a 19930 Porsche 911. Seizing the opportunity for a reunion, they decided to drive the Escalade to the coast of Chiba on a pleasant autumn day to catch up.

First thing in the morning, Maeda arrived in the Escalade to pick up Tanaka. As they admired the exterior and interior, their observations began immediately.

“I expected it, but it’s really big…” (Tanaka)

“Yes, it’s 5.4 meters long. But perhaps surprisingly, it’s popular among young people in their 30s in both America and Japan. Despite its size, it’s equipped with sensors and cameras that detect obstacles around the vehicle, so it seems surprisingly easy to drive.” (Maeda)

As Maeda responded, Tanaka, who had seemed slightly intimidated by the size, began to speak with renewed admiration for Cadillac.

“I can see that. Its sheer size makes it unique. I’ve only owned European cars and never owned a large vehicle, but I’ve always admired American cars.” (Tanaka)

Tanaka noted that the exterior design, unlike the low-slung, wide form of European cars, emphasizes vertical lines, creating a pleasing visual impact.

“Overall, it’s clean, but it gives off an impression of ‘Is this an American car?’ which feels fresh. It’s completely different from the Cadillacs of the past. I wonder why?” (Tanaka)

Maeda offered a few keywords to summarize Tanaka's initial impression.

“Unlike previous Escalades, it’s surprisingly unsuited for the aggressive, flashy persona associated with gangster rap, isn’t it?” (Maeda)

“Indeed, it has a refinement that differs from that stereotype. In musical terms, it’s like sophisticated hip-hop from the Pharrell Williams era, with a foundation in classical or old dance music. Of course, it’s also different from the classic Cadillac image in songs like Crash's 'Brand New Cadillac' or Elvis Presley’s era (laughs). The Escalade is imposing, yet intelligent.” (Tanaka)