Cadillac Unveils the 2025 Escalade: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
The Cadillac Escalade remains a symbol of luxury and prestige, even two decades after its initial launch as America’s premier full-size luxury SUV. As Cadillac shifts its focus toward electric vehicles like the Lyriq and the ambitious Celestiq, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade has been revamped to remain relevant, introducing significant technological advancements alongside subtle exterior changes.
While this update doesn’t signify a complete overhaul, it does modernize the Escalade’s interior to reflect current trends, drawing design inspiration from the forthcoming Escalade IQ. The exterior features upgrades too, including fresh lighting elements that echo the style of Cadillac’s Le Mans race cars.
Notably, the new LED headlights and vertical daytime running lights take cues from the Lyriq and Celestiq, and there’s a clear familial resemblance between the refreshed Escalade and its electric counterpart, the Escalade IQ. The rear lights have also seen a dramatic makeover, now featuring a second vertical element. In a stylish touch, the Cadillac emblem on the front of all models is now illuminated, with premium trims adding a backlit grille surround.
Under the hood, the 2025 Escalade retains the same 6.2-liter V8 engine found in its predecessor, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The performance-focused Escalade V continues to feature a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that produces a thrilling 682 horsepower, both engines paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission.
The spacious SUV accommodates up to eight passengers and comes standard with independent suspension at both the front and rear. Higher trims offer advanced adaptive air suspension and the latest iteration of Cadillac’s magnetic ride control. The Escalade’s factory-standard wheels start at an impressive 22 inches, with optional 24-inch wheels available for those looking to make a bold statement.
This marks the first factory availability of 24-inch wheels for the Escalade, along with a new feature that introduces power doors, allowing them to open and close automatically at the touch of a button. Interestingly, the driver’s door can also open automatically when the driver approaches with their key fob.
The most significant changes are found within the cabin, where the Escalade flaunts a redesigned steering wheel and a column-mounted gear shifter. The standout feature of this refresh is the expansive 55-inch curved display that extends from one pillar to another. The driver’s segment of the display measures a substantial 35 inches, providing crucial information just above the steering wheel, while the passenger side includes a 20-inch display. Beneath this central unit, a smaller display known as the front command center handles the dual-zone climate control and other functionalities, including the new power doors.
The Escalade’s base model retains a 19-speaker sound system by AKG, with options for upgrades reaching up to an impressive 36-speaker or even a remarkable 40-transducer system, complete with headrest speakers.
In terms of connectivity, the new Escalade includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, addressing previous criticisms of GM’s reluctance to include these features in luxury models. To further enhance the driving experience, each 2025 Escalade comes with a complimentary three-year subscription to GM’s Super Cruise, the brand’s semi-autonomous driving technology.
Cadillac’s latest offering is clearly designed to uphold its reputation while embracing the technological advancements that are vital for maintaining a competitive edge in the luxury SUV market.
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