If big vehicles are your driving pleasure, then Cadillac’s Escalade ESV is about as big as they get. In all the years I have been testing cars or SUVs, the Escalade ESV has to be the biggest factory passenger vehicle I have ever driven.
Despite what you may think, the Escalade was not that difficult to manoeuvre about in parking lots or on the road.
Now, if you are not familiar with the Escalade line, the vehicle comes in two lengths. The Escalade is 2946mm. (116in.) wheelbase while the Escalade ESV has a 3302mm (130in.) wheelbase.
The Escalade may be big, but getting in and out is fairly easy by way of the retractable running boards. When the doors are opened, the running boards automatically fold down, making stepping up and in easy for adults and children alike.
Once inside the ESV, you will find all the amenities that are common to all the luxury vehicles on the market today. My test vehicle had the black trim with brown leather seats and other accents. I have to admit it is quite refreshing to get away from the all too widespread black and grey coloured interiors every manufact-urer seems to be offering. Over the years, many of the domestic manufacturers have been taking a hit on quality, but honestly I could find no faults in this vehicle what so ever. It compares well with anything high end from Europe.
Since this is a vehicle designed to go places, the ESVs interior is spacious and comfortable with pair bucket seats in front and the second row and a bench seat in the far rear section. This gives the Escalade a comfortable seating capacity of seven individuals. As to be expected in a people mover like this, an up to date entertainment system with 9in. screen (Blue-Ray DVD) is mounted in the rear.
Even with all this space taken up for people, the ESV still offers good interior cargo space. Behind the third row of seats is a good-sized luggage space for a family. At a push of the button, the rear hatch opens by itself. As this is a truck based vehicle the lift up and in might be a challenge for shorter adults.
Lets face it, the Escalade is designed to move people and trailers. For anyone who wants to tow a trailer of any weight and do it in style, then this is the only choice. The Escalade offers the size and weight needed to easily pull a trailer or boat. My test ESV model will pull, 3492kg (7,700lbs) while the shorter base Escalade will tow slightly more at 3674kg. (8,100lbs).
To move everything about, the Escalade is only offered with one engine, a direct injection 6.2L V8 with variable valve timing (similar to Corvette). This gives this aluminum engine a power output of 420hp and 460lbs. ft. of torque. all passing through a 6-speed automatic transmission. Keep in mind that the Escalade is all-wheel-drive, with a locking differential to get through the most difficult
of terrain.
The Escalade ESV may not be for everyone, but it does have a purpose and that is to move people and trailers with style and ease. If travelling with these needs, you won’t find a better vehicle that can traverse most terrains and get you there safely.
HIGHLIGHTS:
MSRP: $101,425.00
Engine: 6.2L V8 (conventional with no overhead cams)
Power: 420 at 5600rpm
Torque: 460lbs. ft. at 4100rpm
Fuel Economy: City 16.8 L/100km & Highway 11.7L/100km
