The new 2021 Cadillac Escalade has never been so distinctive, but the gap with the twins is still small
The more I think about the new 2021 Cadillac Escalade and its immediate brothers GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe, the less special the big caddy will be to me. This is by no means Slade's fault, because it has never been so unique or unique; it's just that the other two are too good.
2021 Cadillac Escalade | Photo: Olivier Delorme
I think I regressed. I reviewed Tahoe for the first time in the fall of 2020. It was equipped with the Z71 kit, and I was soon convinced that it was the full-size truck ever made by GM. I followed up with GMC Yukon Denali in the spring of 2021 and it solved this problem. Although it is impressive and I like it, I would choose Tahoe and save about $15,000 (test price vs. test price). Then I have to drive the Escalade.
After testing, the retail price of my Sport Platinum with super cruise, night vision and other options is $126,000, which is jaw-dropping. Nearly 35,000 dollars higher than Yukon Denali and 50,000 dollars higher than Tahoe, I need to experience wealth and strength to make the other two feel like Chevrolet Cavaliers in 1995.
2021 Cadillac Escalade | Photo: Olivier Delorme
The reality is that, apart from the huge curved OLED screen and the crazy 36-speaker audio system, I was not as shocked as they said. A specific project that I thought would be beneficial to Escalade had the exact opposite effect, which surprised and frustrated me.
First of all, it must be said that the GMT1XX platform is a revelation. The rigidity of its engineering design has injected an unprecedented level of sophistication into the trio, which is impossible for a full-size truck with a large body frame. With the four-corner Air Ride adaptive suspension with magnetic ride control dampers, Escalade is smooth and quiet. However, its capabilities and robustness are not as fascinating as the Grand Wagoneer. Both are bulky SUVs, but if I spend a lot of time steering a mastodon like this, I don't think I can feel anything while driving.
2021 Cadillac Escalade | Photo: Olivier Delorme
Nevertheless, Escalade is extraordinarily comfortable. I thought I would be immersed in pure luxury when driving a Cadillac, but this is not the case. reason? A specific project? V8 has no effortless linear power. The existence of the Duramax turbodiesel 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine available under the hood makes the power hug that should be warm and comfortable worse.
Duramax itself and other large trucks are excellent. It has 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet. However, the torque (equal to 6.2 liters) is sufficient, and although it is very smooth and quiet, the workhorse nature of Duramax is incompatible with Escalade's first-class demeanor.
2021 Cadillac Escalade | Photo: Olivier Delorme
Sport Platinum’s bright black trim and dark 22-inch wheels combined with a crystal white three-coat paint scheme may make it look too much like a luxury car fleet. Perhaps it will be more convincing in dark mocha, infrared or shadows.
Remind you again, I first drove two other SUVs, which are in their best condition or almost identical to the configuration. In a way, this Escalade looks too "ordinary" and not unique enough. Stopped beside the white GMC Yukon Denali or Tahoe High Country, Caddy is not too prominent. To be honest, Chevrolet trucks, although I am disgusted with the Silverado's front-end styling, it gives the impression that their design has done more work.
2021 Cadillac Escalade | Photo: Olivier Delorme
When we boarded the Cadillac, this was not the case. For the first time ever, Escalade has a truly unique dashboard layout. It is impressive because it has a combined 38-inch curved OLED screen. The display components overlap, and in most cases, the menus and accessibility are very good. HVAC controls are also unique to Escalade, and although they require some attention when the slim screen lights up, the buttons themselves do not-which is a mild problem at night.
Otherwise, the cabin, luxury and space are very generous. The seat covered with semi-aniline leather is massaged in the front and is very comfortable. There is plenty of room to move around no matter where people are sitting. The last third of the SUV benefited the most from the new structure, because the third-row stowed suitcase can now hold more than 2,000 liters of gear, which is about a third more than the upcoming model.
2021 Cadillac Escalade | Photo: Olivier Delorme
I mentioned this in my Denali review, yes, it only matters when there are passengers in the second row (such as children), but Escalade does not have a rear window blind. In my opinion, this is a strange omission.
I said it earlier in this story, and I say it again: the new Tahoe and Yukon are so good, it’s almost impossible for me to prove that Cadillac’s asking price is much higher. In addition, competition from other automakers has never been so fierce.
The first challenge comes from Jeep's new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. In short, it matches or surpasses Escalade at every point. Then came the Lincoln Navigator, Infiniti QX80, the new Lexus LX 600 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe First Drive review: full-size mechanism
For all car manufacturers participating in this market segment, a lot of money is involved. Given that General Motors owns a quarter of this segment, they lose the most. But they won't, because these three people have never been so good. For my money, I will buy a Tahoe Z71, there are several options, save enough money to buy a beautiful boat.
2021 Cadillac Escalade | Photo: Olivier Delorme
2021 Cadillac Escalade | Photo: Olivier Delorme
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