Cadillac’s Escalade Gets a Refresh: What’s New Inside and Out

Cadillac Escalade
Facelift Prototype Spotted
Record-Breaking Interior Changes Stir Excitement

A facelift version of Cadillac’s flagship SUV, Escalade, is scheduled to be launched this year. According to reports from local U.S. media such as Car and Driver and GM Authority, a prototype of the facelift model undergoing driving testing was recently captured.

The massive body still attracts attention, but we were able to see some notable changes in the exterior and interior. In particular, the interior is equipped with a display that can be said to be the highest level among mass-produced cars, adding to the surprise.

Front End Resembles an Electric Vehicle
Headlamp Height Improved

The new Escalade is a facelift model introduced four years after the launch of the 5th generation in 2020. In the case of the front part, the latest family look reminiscent of the previously launched electric model IQ was applied. The top has a sharper look thanks to the detachable headlamp structure with DRLs that also serve as turn signals and a headlamp box at the bottom. The dazzling issue that was pointed out due to the high headlamp location in the current model will finally be resolved.

The front bumper design has been changed significantly with the application of the new family look. The front obstacle sensor has been integrated into the air intake garnish at the bottom of the bumper, and separate air intake designs have been added to both sides of the lower grill to add a three-dimensional effect. The vehicle captured this time was the high-performance model V, with a splitter applied to the bottom of the bumper. The base model is expected to have a more modest design.

Dashboard Covered with a Display
Total Size Reaches 55 Inches

As for the interior, the same design as the previously released Escalade IQ was applied. The pillar-to-pillar display, which combines the passenger seat-only display with the center display and digital cluster, fills the front spaciously. Strictly speaking, it is not an integrated display, and the combined size of each display reaches a total of 55 inches.

Below that, in the center fascia, is a separate control panel for the air conditioning system. Switches are provided on the door trim to control seat heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The simple yet luxurious two-spoke steering wheel has minimal physical buttons except for volume and cruise control speed control functions. The shift selector was changed from a floor-type to a column-type electronic lever.

Rear End Sees Minor Changes
Production to Begin in the Second Half of the Year

In the case of the rear, it is difficult to find any significant changes. One of the few minor differences is that the garnish on the tailgate where the emblem is applied has disappeared and has been simplified to an integrated panel. The internal shape of the tail lamp is generally similar to the current model, but the shape of the side reflector has been changed to be longer and thinner. The bumper details surrounding the diffuser and muffler tip also underwent slight changes. Likewise, the reflector has become thinner, and the obstacle sensor location has changed.

The current Escalade V has a 6.2L V8 supercharged engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Its maximum output is 682 horsepower, and its maximum torque is 90.2 kgf.m. The large body can be pushed from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds. Production of the new Escalade is expected to begin in the second half of this year.