Funny how times have changed. Detroit used to make big sleds that were the world’s envy. Think of a 500-cid Cadillac Coupe de Ville or a 396-powered Chevrolet Impala, and you get the idea. Station wagons joined in on the fun, too. OEMs sold big block wagons that not only hauled around the family but hauled ass too. The heavily facelifted Cadillac Escalade-V upholds that tradition, albeit in a taller and more technically advanced package.
Today, GM only makes three high-performance V8 vehicles. The Escalade-V picks up the torch after old-school Detroit dropped it and is the only full-size high-performance vehicle from a Detroit manufacturer. If you squint you see a 1970s big-block wagon reflected at you in the new ‘Slade’s paint.
The smile that always sells…
The New Big Daddy Caddy
Just recently, Cadillac introduced the 2025 Escalade. It is the best-selling model in the Cadillac franchise and, arguably, is the franchise these days. It makes oodles of money for Cadillac and outsells all other luxury SUVs by a wide margin.
The Escalade posted a commanding 47-percent segment share in the second quarter of this year.
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V will shake up the luxury SUV market with its blend of performance, technology, and luxury. As Cadillac continues to push the boundaries of automotive excellence, the Escalade-V now takes the throne as the brand’s blinged-up barn burner.
The Heartbeat of America
At the heart of the 2025 Escalade-V is a high-tech engine that delivers exhilarating performance. This Cadillac of Cadillacs boasts a supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8 engine that thunders with 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque. It propels the leviathan ‘Sladeto 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds and the quarter mile in 12.7 seconds at 111 mph.
The engine, borrowed from GM high-performance parts bin, ensures that the hot rod Escalade-V is a proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove. A ten-speed automatic transmission manages the power, delivering smooth shifts and transferring copious amounts of scoot to the rear wheels.
Big Guy In A Tuxedo
The exterior design of the 2025 Escalade Blackwing is bold and sophisticated. Think of a 300-pound linebacker in a crisply tailored tuxedo, and you get the idea. Cadillac has incorporated several design elements that distinguish the V-Series from the standard Escalade.
The front fascia features a more aggressive grille flanked by sleek LED headlights, providing wide-eyed visibility and a modern aesthetic. The SUV sits on 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its stance and improving handling and stability. V-flag emblems are peppered around the sheet metal to announce to everybody that you have arrived.
The interior view of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade ain’t chintzy…
Plush Guts
Inside, the 2025 Escalade-V offers a cabin that is both luxurious and technologically advanced. The interior is adorned with premium leather, wood, and carbon fiber accents. The seats are designed for maximum comfort, with heating, cooling, and massage functions available for front and rear passengers. The barn-size cabin ensures all occupants have ample legroom and headroom, making long journeys comfortable and enjoyable.
Big Screen Experience
One of the standout features of the Escalade-V is its advanced infotainment system. This mirrors the setup that bowed in on the EscaladeIQ EV, and the result is stunning. A 33-inch curved OLED display spans pillar to pillar and is the central hub for all multimedia and navigation functions.
2025 Cadillac Escalade
This display offers razor-sharp visuals and is highly responsive, making it easy to control various vehicle functions. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless smartphone integration. Additionally, the Escalade Blackwing comes with a premium sound system, providing an immersive audio experience.
Large And In Charge
Safety is a top priority for Cadillac, and the 2025 Escalade-V has a suite of advanced safety features. These include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. These features work together to provide a safer driving experience, helping to prevent accidents and protect occupants. The Escalade-V also features Cadillac’s Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assistance system allowing semi-autonomous driving on compatible highways. By all accounts, it is the best hands-free system on the market.
Close-up shot of the carbon fiber interior of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V with an AKG speaker.
The 2025 Escalade-V’s driving dynamics are impressive, thanks to its advanced suspension system and performance-oriented components. The new Slade features Magnetic Ride Control, which continuously adjusts the suspension damping to ensure a smooth and controlled ride. This system, combined with the powerful engine and responsive transmission, ensures that the Escalade-V delivers a thrilling driving experience. Whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the Escalade-V offers a deft blend of comfort and performance.
Swiss Knife Utility
The 2025 Escalade-V does not disappoint in terms of practicality. The SUV offers ample cargo space, making it ideal for family trips or transporting the latest haul from Home Depot.
The rear seats can be folded down to increase the cargo capacity further, providing flexibility for various needs. Additionally, the Escalade-V has multiple convenience features, including a hands-free liftgate, keyless entry, and remote start, making it easy to use in everyday situations.
Close-up view of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum rotary dial.
Bottom Line
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V is a remarkable vehicle that combines luxury, performance, and advanced technology. It represents the pinnacle of Cadillac’s engineering and design prowess, offering an exhilarating and refined driving experience. For those seeking a luxury SUV that stands out from the crowd, the Escalade-V is an excellent choice. With its powerful engine, sophisticated design, and cutting-edge features, the 2025 Escalade-V takes two crowns, “Last Full Size Muscle Wagon” and “Big Daddy Caddy.”
