A full-size luxury SUV , Cadillac's Escalade probably tops
the list as the luxury vehicle with the most appearances
in rap videos and it still has popular common appeal as
an icon of wealth and success. And why not? It is an ultimate
vehicle; behemoth power, industry leading luxury, state-of-the-art
interior gadgetry and on the outside, most important for
some
style.
Escalade's 2002 U.S. sales went up 15.5 percent from 2001.
Cadillac hopes this number continues to rise. For 2005,
to keep on the edge of style, they have updated interior
trim and added some exterior details, they still pack a
mammoth collection of standard features into every model,
and they have upgraded the cooling system. The high-tech
electronics return, XM satellite radio, with its 100 coast-to-coast
digital channels, is still standard, a touch-screen navigation
system, and DVD entertainment. All the trimmings are available
for the Escalade.
Available Models
The 2005 Cadillac Escalade is the core model for the family,
with rear- and all-wheel-drive versions available, both
with V8 engines but different ones. The extended Escalade
ESV and ESV Platinum and the crossover Escalade EXT are
reviewed separately.
Interior Features
The brawny, four-door 2005 Cadillac Escalade is large and
striking. With a second-row bench seat instead of the now-standard
bucket seats, the Escalade can fit eight passengers. All
four bucket seats are heated and powered with lumbar and
side-hugging settings.
As a luxury SUV, the 2005 Cadillac Escalade continues to
be filled with luxury as standard equipment. Some of the
names from the long list include the OnStar System, air
conditioning with tri-zone automatic climate control (including
rear controls), a tilt leather-wrapped/wood steering wheel
with radio controls, leather upholstery, power-adjustable
pedals, a memory system (driver seat, pedals, mirrors),
rear radio controls and a Bose AM/FM/cassette player with
in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
A DVD rear-entertainment system is optional, as is a DVD
navigation system. The former features a 7-inch flip-down
screen and the latter is now touch-screen controlled, replacing
a joystick.
Exterior Features
With its big front grill, massive lights and overall size,
the Escalade certainly cuts an imposing figure. Standard
chrome exhaust tips and available 20-inch chrome alloy wheels
top off the detailing.
Performance
Rear-wheel drive Cadillac Escalade models have a 5.3-liter
Vortec V8 engine that doles out 285 horsepower at 5200 rpm
and 325 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. Models with all-wheel
drive get a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine with 345 horsepower
at 5200 rpm and 380 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. A 4-speed
automatic transmission gets the big guy efficiently up to
speed pretty quickly but it's thirsty 13/18 mpg (city/hwy).
The Escalade is not only powerful; it is also smart. An
advanced multiplexed electrical architecture greatly reduces
the number of wires, splices and connectors, minimizes weight,
and improves packaging efficiency, reliability and durability.
Safety and Security
Naturally, with all the other details, the designers haven't
forgotten about safety. The 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT features
antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid, traction control,
rear-obstacle detection dual front and front-side airbags,
and a tire-pressure monitor.
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Fast Stats
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Seats |
7
or 8
|
MSRP
from |
$54,700
|
Engine |
6.0L V8
|
5.3L V8
|
Horsepower |
345 @ 5200
|
295 @ 5200
|
Transmission |
4-speed auto
|
MPG:
City/Hwy |
6.0L 13/17
|
5.3L 14/18
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