Test Drive the Ultimate American SUV in Detroit! | Cadillac

CADILLAC ESCALADE

Test Drive the Ultimate American SUV in Detroit!

The Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac's top-tier large SUV. Motor journalist Yasuhisa Shimashita, who visited Detroit for the auto show, test drove the latest version of the current model, which debuted in 2007.

Text by SHIMASHITA Yasuhisa

An Exterior That Exudes Presence

The Escalade, Cadillac's flagship large SUV, was previously imported and sold by Mitsui & Co. Automotive. However, that distributor agreement ended last autumn. Starting this spring, GM Japan will once again handle sales. In fact, the current Escalade, which debuted in 2007, has undergone numerous improvements over the years. I tested the latest version in Detroit, where I visited for the North American International Auto Show.

And the sheer presence of its exterior is truly overwhelming. Simply put, it's large. The dimensions for the domestic model are a staggering 202.5 inches (approx. 5144mm) in length, 79.0 inches (approx. 2007mm) in width, and 75.9 inches (approx. 1928mm) in height. Furthermore, an even larger Escalade ESV, measuring 222.9 inches (approx. 5662mm) in length, is also available in North America. Judging by the length of the rear doors, one might even wonder if that's the true form?

The overall form exudes a robust SUV character. The chrome-finished wheels, shining on its feet, are 22 inches. It wears them effortlessly, making its presence even more striking.

Stepping inside. What's pleasing is the standard equipment of power-retractable assist steps. With a high seating position, even for a man, getting in and out isn't exactly easy, so these will be very useful.

CADILLAC ESCALADE

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A 6.2-liter V8 That Effortlessly Handles 2.5 Tons

The interior is also luxuriously appointed. While not breathtakingly high-quality, the combination of soft leather and lustrous wood paneling offers a sense of luxury that is quintessentially American. The plush seats, in particular, are large and envelop the body, providing exceptional comfort. The forward view is excellent, and thanks to the relatively square body shape, the sides and rear are also easier to gauge than one might expect. While it might be an unwelcome sight when passing on narrow roads, as the driver, you might find it doesn't require excessive concentration.

Upon starting the engine, a 'Zulololo...' sound, characteristic of an American V8, emanates into the cabin, stirring the spirit. This 6.2-liter OHV unit produces a maximum output of 409ps at 5700rpm and a peak torque of 57.6kgm at 4300rpm. It drives the rear or all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. The four-wheel-drive system is electronically controlled with a 40:60 front-to-rear torque split.

Pulling the shift lever, which extends from the steering column, down to D and slowly starting to move. There's no need to press the accelerator pedal deeply. Thanks to the engine's abundant torque, the Escalade glides forward smoothly, unbothered by its 2.5-ton weight.

The accelerator pedal response isn't exactly brisk. However, its inherent power ensures acceleration keeps up steadily. Initially, you might wish for a sharper response, but gradually, you'll adapt to it, and soon find yourself wanting to take things easy. Driving on American highways with strict speed limits and constant, slow-moving traffic, this feeling is incredibly pleasant. The AT also has an M mode, allowing manual shifts using the +/- switches on the shift lever, but frankly, there was hardly any need for them.

Of course, if you floor it, you can enjoy exhilarating acceleration that lives up to expectations. The way speed increases in sync with the amplified V8 beat is so powerful that you hesitate to keep it at full throttle, given its sheer mass. While rarely needed, it has the余裕 to lead the flow when necessary. This is also an important performance aspect for a premium car.

CADILLAC ESCALADE

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A Car You Won't Want to Leave Once You've Experienced It

The handling has a similar character. With a large, heavy body built on a frame rather than the mainstream monocoque, agile responses are not to be expected. However, it's not unnervingly so; you simply need to steer gently, without forcing it. If you drive it according to its nature, it naturally moves forward in a straight line. This, too, is quite pleasant.

The ride comfort is also excellent. The relaxed feel, inherent to its body-on-frame construction, is amplified by the large all-season tires, making for an exceptionally smooth ride. The standard Magnetic Ride Control suspension likely plays a significant role. On rough surfaces, you can feel some impact through the suspension, but it never transmits harsh shocks directly.

Driving the Escalade again after a long time around Detroit. What's most memorable is how relaxed I felt throughout the test drive. The driving experience, comfort, and the sense of being protected by its sheer size—it all contributed to this feeling.

It's not a car that conforms to modern trends. And at this size, it's not for everyone. However, it's safe to say it's a car you won't want to leave once you've experienced it.

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