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It'll carry a starting MSRP of $149,990, weigh 6217 pounds and run 16.1-inch front rotors.
At the beginning of 2022 Cadillac revealed the first images for its most anticipated vehicle of the year: The 2023 Escalade V. While we got a great look at the super-SUV itself, Cadillac didn't release any technical specifications or performance numbers. Now though, we finally know what lies under the hood. And it's exactly the engine we were hoping for.
Behind the nose of the Escalade V sits a supercharged V-8 that shares architectural similarities with the wonderful power plant found in the legendary CT5-V Blackwing. It displaces the same 6.2 liters but features a larger, 2.65L R2650 TVS supercharger that helps overcome the higher inlet and exhaust restrictions that come with an SUV platform. There's a forged steel crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods, and forged aluminum pistons, along with titanium intake vales. Rated at 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, it's connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Sounds like a blast.
Cadillac didn't just stop at the engine. It's revamped the rest of the powertrain to ensure the driver can make the most of all that forced induction. Getting power to the wheels is a full-time all-wheel-drive system that varies torque split depending on conditions, with at least some torque going to the front wheels at all times. Out back you'll find an electronic limited-slip differential to improve handling and traction.
Tucked beyond the fenders you'll find standard adaptive air ride springs and Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 dampers, both of which have been subjected to hardware and software changes to improve performance. There are also Brembo brakes with red calipers and absolutely gigantic 16.1-inch front rotors. Shrouding them are V-exclusive 22-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tires.
All of that adds up to a claimed 0-60 time of under 4.4 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.74 seconds. Not bad for a full-size SUV that weighs 6217 pounds.
Inside of the Escalade V you'll find a cabin that's mostly unchanged versus the standard Escalade, save for a couple of new badges. That means a mega-big 38-inch OLED curved display for the gauge cluster and infotainment screen, along with a 36-speaker AKG audio system. The biggest change is the addition of a "V" button, which allows the driver to customize suspension stiffness, steering weight, brake pedal feel, all-wheel-drive settings, engine responsiveness, and exhaust volume. Super Cruise, Cadillac's "hands-free" driver assistance system, is available as a $2500 option, and now features support for trailering and lane changes.
Speaking of towing, those who plan to haul with the Escalade V will be pleased to know the full-size performance truck has a factory tow rating of 7000 pounds and a payload limit of 1330 pounds, or 1140 pounds if you opt for the long-wheelbase ESV model.
Cadillac says the Escalade V will be the most exclusive, expensive Escalade ever. It'll limit production (by how much, the company won't say), and have a starting MSRP of $149,990, including destination. Tack on another $3000 if you want your Escalade V in ESV trim. Deliveries are set to begin in late summer 2022.