The Fourth-Generation Escalade Arrives in Japan After a Full Model Change

Cadillac Escalade

The Fourth-Generation Escalade, Fully Redesigned, Arrives in Japan

General Motors Japan has launched the Cadillac brand's full-size SUV, the "Escalade," which has undergone a full model change.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

Wearing Cadillac's New Logo

The first generation was released in 1999, and at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show,The Fourth-Generation Cadillac Escaladeis a full-size SUV exceeding 5 meters in length. This new Escalade, adorned with the brand's new "Cadillac Crest" logo, has finally landed in Japan.

The powertrain features a 6.2-liter V8 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, driving all four wheels, delivering a maximum output of 313 kW (425 hp) and peak torque of 623 Nm. The engine is equipped with direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation technology. Achieving 0-60 mph (approximately 96 km/h) in 5.96 seconds and a fuel efficiency of approximately 8.9 km/L (converted), it balances impressive performance with remarkable fuel economy for its displacement.

The suspension comes standard with the third-generation Magnetic Selective Ride Control (magnetorheological damping system), promising precise and stable handling.

Safety features have also been updated with the latest technology. The "Front Automatic Braking" system, which helps mitigate collision damage, monitors the road ahead using radar and ultrasonic sensors. It issues a warning if it detects a risk of collision at low speeds and automatically applies the brakes if the vehicle fails to stop. Additionally, the "Front Center Airbag," which deploys from the inside of the driver's seat, protects front occupants during side impacts. Other features include "Lane Departure Warning," which alerts the driver when the vehicle drifts out of its lane, and "Head Curtain Side Airbags" that extend to cover the third row.

Cadillac Escalade

The Fourth-Generation Escalade, Fully Redesigned, Arrives in Japan (2)

The Top-Tier "Escalade Platinum" Grade, Enhanced with Features, Also Introduced

While reborn as the fourth generation, the design retains the unmistakable Escalade silhouette, embodying Cadillac's "Art & Science" design philosophy. However, meticulous details have been refined, with striking vertical headlamps combining innovative LEDs and crystal lenses exuding a strong individual character. The doors have also been redesigned, transitioning from the previous style that cut into the roof to a more conventional side-complete design.

The interior creates a classical yet luxurious ambiance, featuring genuine wood and hand-stitched leather accented with ambient lighting and suede-like details, emphasizing a theme of beautiful contrast. The center console is equipped with an 8-inch touch screen known as "C.U.E (Cadillac User Experience)," which is also featured in theATSand theCTS.

The instrument panel features a high-definition 12.3-inch Digital Driver Information Center, capable of displaying various gauges and vehicle information in full color.

The audio system is a Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound system, specially developed for the Escalade, featuring 16 speakers designed to deliver surround sound enjoyment from any seat. A 9-inch rear-seat entertainment screen with Blu-ray compatibility is also standard equipment.

The new Escalade will also include the "Platinum" grade, the top-tier model with enhanced features. The interior offers an even more refined space with Nappa leather seats and a hand-stitched leather dashboard. Furthermore, this grade is equipped with a wealth of features, including a massage function for the driver's seat, a refrigerator function in the center console, rear-seat LCD monitors integrated into the headrests, and specially designed wheels.

The body is available in five colors, including Sable Black, White Diamond Tricoat, and Crystal Red Tintcoat. Only left-hand drive models will be introduced, with prices starting at 11.49 million yen for the Premium grade and 12.49 million yen for the higher-tier Platinum grade.