The numbers inform the story of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V. As the most costly, largest, and strongest Cadillac, it’s no shock that a lot of its numbers are excessive. Listed below are a couple of of probably the most related: 682, 6,217, 14.2, and 149,990.

682 hp

The principle distinction between the Escalade-V and different Escalades lurks beneath the hood. Quite than a 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8, the V boasts a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. It’s a model of the engine that makes 668 hp within the CT5-V Blackwing, but it surely’s upgraded to deal with the additional measurement and weight of a full-size body-on-frame SUV. The principle distinction is a 2.65-liter supercharger as a substitute of the Blackwing’s 1.7-liter model. The bigger supercharger, which spins up 10 psi of increase, accounts for the rise to 682 hp. Torque maxes out at 653 lb-ft, and 80% of that’s obtainable at 2,000 rpm, which groups with normal all-wheel drive to make sure laborious launches. The V-8 would make much more energy, however the exhaust routing within the Escalade is extra restrictive than it’s within the CT5-V’s mid-size sedan physique.

GM calls the engine an LT4, but it surely has the supercharger from the 755-hp LT5 final used on the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Motor Authority’s Greatest Automobile to Purchase 2019. The supercharger and energy improve make this engine a tweener, so perhaps it’s higher known as an LT4.5. Regardless of the identify, each Escalade-V engine is hand constructed and includes a plaque with a reputation of the builder.

The Escalade-V’s V-8 sounds its barbaric yawp on each startup, and the motive force can set it to be tame or to wake the neighborhood. A flap within the exhaust permits three sound settings: Stealth, Tour, and Sport. The exhaust defaults to Tour mode, however drivers can use the programmable MyMode, enabled by way of a button to the left of the steering wheel, to dial it right down to Stealth or crank it as much as Sport. Shutting off the Escalade-V when utilizing MyMode makes your chosen exhaust setting the default the subsequent time you begin the automobile.

Instructing your V-8 to bark could also be enjoyable, however the true enjoyable comes when pinning the throttle. The Escalade-V’s engine observe rise a number of decibels, the rear finish squats barely because the entrance finish lifts, and the usual 275/50R22 all-season tires dig into the pavement to rocket this large, heavy SUV from 0-60 mph in simply 4.4 seconds. It’s an exhilarating, throw-you-back-into-your-seat sensation that appears almost unattainable in such a giant automobile. Launch it on a dragstrip, and the beast will cowl the quarter mile in 12.74 seconds at 110 mph. There’s not a lot left after that, although, as the highest velocity is restricted to 124 mph.

Alongside the best way up the mph ladder, the V’s 10-speed automated transmission cracks off surprisingly fast shifts in Sport mode, and the blat between gears is the perfect sound this rumbling, grumbling, snarling SUV makes. It’s the identical transmission utilized in different Escalades, however its internals have been beefed as much as deal with a lot energy and torque. It really works splendidly within the Escalade-V.

6,217 lb

Talking of beef, the Escalade-V weighs in at a cruiserweight 6,217 lb and the long-wheelbase ESV model provides a couple of slabs of meat to tip the scales at 6,407 lb.

Cadillac did some work on the suspension to assist tame all that high-set weight. Whereas a lot of it was to deal with the squat and dive that may consequence from shifting a lot weight ahead and again, the modifications additionally improved dealing with. GM engineers stiffened the rear air springs and retuned the usual Magnetic Journey Management dampers for better physique management in all instructions.

Whereas the suspension modifications are mere sandbags within the dam that’s the Escalade-V’s monstrous weight, in addition they make it the perfect dealing with Escalade. Get on the brakes heading right into a nook and the three tons of V-8 enjoyable desires to proceed ahead. Brake laborious sufficient to get the burden and velocity beneath management, steer it into the nook, and it desires to lean. Nonetheless, it doesn’t flop backward and forward as anticipated, and it doesn’t wobble to disrupt passengers with undue head toss. From behind the wheel, it feels such as you’re coaxing a plow horse by way of an impediment course quite than an Andalusian, however no less than it’s not an ox. Regardless of the suspension setting, the magnetic dampers mix with substantial sidewalls on the 50-series tires to create a snug trip.

The usual all-wheel-drive system may also help dealing with. It comes with a typical digital limited-slip differential that helps kind out the ability for greatest traction. The system will also be set to a Sport mode that units the entrance/rear torque cut up at 30/70 to offer the sportier really feel of rear-drive dealing with.

In any sort of driving, the V’s steering is the perfect at school. It combines a stunning quantity of really feel with direct responses and a reassuring weight build-up off heart, particularly at velocity. Cadillac tweaked the Escalade’s already distinctive steering for extra weight build-up because the wheel turns. Additionally they swapped out the entrance brake calipers for 6-piston Brembo models. Cadillac presents Tour and Sport settings for the brake really feel. Each get the job performed, however I desire the faster brake-pressure enhance of Sport mode.

Drivers can faucet into all the Escalade-V’s efficiency potential by hitting the V mode button in entrance of the gearshift. V mode units six automobile programs to their sportiest settings. They embody the engine and transmission, steering effort, AWD system, brake really feel, suspension, and exhaust sound. V mode additionally unlocks launch management to allow these 4.4-second 0-60 mph runs. The Escalade-V will get loud and feels high-strung in V mode, so I like to recommend choosing your favourite MyMode settings and utilizing them anytime you don’t actually need to unleash the beast.

$149,990

The Escalade-V joins the lineup because the model’s most costly mannequin. It carries a $149,990 base worth (together with $1,795 for vacation spot) within the short-wheelbase physique type, and the long-wheelbase ESV mannequin runs the rating as much as $152,900. That’s excessive pricing for an SUV.

Along with the V engineering and gear (digital limited-slip differential, Brembo entrance brakes, inside trim, V mode, and many others.), it’s geared up like the previous top-of-the-line Sport Platinum mannequin, which begins at $106,465. The transfer to the V is a whopping $43,525 premium. Oddly, neither contains GM’s Tremendous Cruise hands-free driver-assistance system, which implies consumers must spend one other $2,500 to get it (even at $150K, actually?).

The inside’s Platinum-level facilities embody a 36-speaker AKG sound system, augmented actuality for the navigation system, semi-aniline leather-based, and heated, cooled, and massaging entrance seats. The V extras encompass Zebra Wooden trim and V badges.

On the surface, the V will be noticed by its entrance fascia with a bigger decrease consumption, crimson brake calipers, distinctive 22-inch wheels, a rear fascia that makes room for quad exhaust ideas, and V badges on the entrance doorways and tailgate.

14.2 mpg

The EPA has but to find out gasoline economic system rankings for the Escalade-V, however they’re sure to make consumers cringe. They’ll very doubtless be decrease than the 14 mpg metropolis, 19 freeway, 16 mixed of the Escalade’s naturally aspirated 6.2-lier V-8 with all-wheel drive. Throughout my drive of an ESV mannequin, I averaged 14.2 mpg over largely freeway driving, in line with the journey odometer. If the rankings are available optimistically at 14 mpg mixed, it can value nearly $160 to fill the ESV mannequin’s 28.3-gallon gasoline tank at $5.64 per gallon for premium. Ouch.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V does issues no three-ton SUV ought to do. It has supercar energy, it’s as quick as a Nissan Z in a straight line, and it carries its weight higher than different full-size body-on-frame SUVs, all whereas providing state-of-the-art expertise and exemplary luxurious. Nonetheless, Cadillac makes you pay dearly for its capabilities. Its pricing approaches supercar territory and its thirst might embarrass a rail-riding wino. It’s a story of extremes for consumers who need all of it, with an excessive worth to pay for its excessive efficiency.

Cadillac paid for airfare and lodging for Motor Authority to drive the Escalade-V in 107-degree Arizona warmth to carry you this firsthand report.