A longer and taller cargo area (up to 1,690 litres of space available when rear bench is folded) can accommodate some mighty large items — I was able to squeeze in a patio table and a full-size Ikea bookshelf on two separate occasions. 

Though boasting a long wheelbase form factor for maximum space and stability, the car doesn’t look nor handle like the limo one might expect. Cue the short front overhang, wide track, large diameter flush-mounted wheels and optional rear-wheel steering that significantly reduces turning radius.

Top-of-the-line Touring grades, for example the unit Darpan tested, include for the first time a fully digital 10.2-inch LCD instrument cluster. The on-screen information can be customized to show different virtual gauges, music selection, trip computer and so on.

Mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox, the engine is more efficient and replaces the thirstier outgoing 5.5-litre eight cylinder, yet produces 33 additional horsepower and a whopping 67 lb-ft extra torque, thanks to advances in both hardware and software. 

The Cadillac Escalade has always been about doing things big — not just size-wise, although the fifth-generation model is indeed an impressive physical specimen, and the most spacious yet with an additional 264 millimetres of third-row legroom. 

Complementing the advanced platform is the same 563-horsepower 6.7-litre V12 monster engine found in the Cullinan SUV, mounted behind the front axle providing a balanced 50/50 weight distribution, sent to all four wheels.