Cadillac Escalade

Cadillac Escalade
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors
Production	1998–present 2002–present (ESV) 2001–2013 (EXT) 2008–2013 (Hybrid)
Model years	1999–2000 2002–present
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size luxury SUV
Layout	FR (Front-engine, rear-wheel drive) F4 (Front-engine, four-wheel drive)
Related	Chevrolet Suburban Chevrolet Tahoe GMC Yukon GMC Yukon XL

The Cadillac Escalade is a large luxury SUV. It is manufactured by General Motors and was released in 1999 to compete with German and Japanese competitors and to Ford's 1998 release of the Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade and Escalade EXT pickup are the two of only three Cadillac vehicles that are made outside of the United States.

The Escalade IQ is the fully electric version, and went in production in 2024 for the 2025 model year.

First generation (1998)

GMT 400
Overview
Production	August 1998–2000
Model years	1999–2000
Assembly	United States: Arlington, Texas (Arlington Assembly)
Designer	Wayne Cherry (1997)
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	F4 (Front-engine, four-wheel drive)
Platform	GMT435
Related	Chevrolet Suburban Chevrolet Tahoe GMC Yukon
Powertrain
Engine	5.7 L L31 V8 (gasoline)
Transmission	4-speed 4L60-E automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	117.5 in (2,984 mm)
Length	201.2 in (5,110 mm)
Width	77.0 in (1,956 mm)
Height	74.3 in (1,887 mm)

The first-generation Cadillac Escalade was introduced in 1998. It was built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. The Escalade was Cadillac’s entry into the luxury SUV market, featuring a 5.7-liter V8 engine and all-wheel drive. It was the first full-size luxury SUVs from Cadillac, aiming to compete with other luxury brands in the market. The model was produced for only two years, with its production ending in 1999.

Second generation (2001)

GMT 800
Overview
Production	January 2001–2006 (Escalade) September 2001–2006 (EXT) December 2002–2006 (ESV)
Model years	2001–2006 2003–2006 (ESV)
Assembly	United States: Arlington, Texas (Arlington Assembly; regular length Escalade only) Mexico: Silao, Guanajuato (Silao Assembly; ESV and EXT only) Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor)
Designer	Wayne Cherry (1998)
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door SUV 4-door sport utility truck
Layout	FR (Front-engine, rear-wheel drive) F4 (Front-engine, four-wheel drive)
Platform	GMT826 GMT836 (Escalade ESV) GMT806 (Escalade EXT)
Related	Chevrolet Avalanche Chevrolet Suburban Chevrolet Tahoe GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Hummer H2
Powertrain
Engine	5.3 L LM7 V8 6.0 L LQ9 V8
Transmission	4-speed 4L60-E automatic (RWD) 4-speed 4L65-E automatic (AWD)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	116.0 in (2,946 mm) 130.0 in (3,302 mm) (ESV/EXT)
Length	198.9 in (5,052 mm) 221.4 in (5,624 mm) (ESV/EXT)
Width	78.9 in (2,004 mm) 79.5 in (2,019 mm) (ESV/EXT)
Height	76.5 in (1,943 mm) 75.7 in (1,923 mm) (ESV/EXT) 75.0 in (1,905 mm) (ESV Platinum)
Curb weight	5,800 lb (2,631 kg) (ESV/EXT)

The second-generation Escalade was launched in 2000 and continued until 2006. This generation saw a significant redesign, with a more modern look and larger dimensions compared to the first generation. The new Escalade featured updated interiors, better technology, and more powerful engine options, including the introduction of a 6.0-liter V8 engine. It also offered a four-wheel drive option. This generation was well-received and helped establish the Escalade as a leader in the luxury SUV market.

Third generation (2007)

GMT900
Overview
Production	January 2006–2014 2006–2013 (EXT) 2008–2013 (Hybrid)
Model years	2007–2014 2007–2013 (EXT) 2009–2013 (Hybrid)
Assembly	United States: Arlington, Texas (Arlington Assembly) Mexico: Silao, Guanajuato (Silao Assembly; EXT only) Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor)
Designer	Wayne Cherry
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door SUV 4-door sport utility truck
Layout	FR (Front-engine, rear-wheel drive) F4 (Front-engine, four-wheel drive)
Platform	GMT926 GMT936 (Escalade ESV) GMT946 (Escalade EXT, 2007–2013 MY)
Related	Chevrolet Avalanche Chevrolet Suburban Chevrolet Tahoe GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
Powertrain
Engine	6.0 L LFA V8 (hybrid gasoline / electric) 6.0 L LZ1 V8 (hybrid gasoline / electric) 6.2 L L92 V8 (gasoline) 6.2 L L9H V8 (gasoline / E85) 6.2 L L94 V8 (gasoline / E85)
Electric motor	60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp) 2x AC permanent-magnet electric motors
Transmission	6-speed 6L80 automatic CVT 2ML70 automatic
Hybrid drivetrain	FHEV (Escalade Hybrid)
Battery	Ni–MH (Hybrid)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	116.0 in (2,946 mm) 130.0 in (3,302 mm) (ESV/EXT)
Length	202.5 in (5,144 mm) 222.9 in (5,662 mm) (ESV) 222.0 in (5,639 mm) (EXT)
Width	79.0 in (2,007 mm) 79.1 in (2,009 mm) (EXT)
Height	74.7 in (1,897 mm) (2007–09 2WD) 74.5 in (1,892 mm) (EXT & 2007–09 ESV) 74.3 in (1,887 mm) (2007–09 4WD) 2010–11 SWB: 75.9 in (1,928 mm) 2010–2013 ESV: 73.1 in (1,857 mm) 2012–2013 SWB: 75.9 in (1,928 mm) 2012–2013 EXT: 74.5 in (1,892 mm)

The third generation of the Escalade began production in 2007 and continued until 2014. The design was more refined and sophisticated, with enhanced luxury features, including premium interior materials and advanced technology. This generation also introduced a 6.2-liter V8 engine and more power. The Escalade became more focused on providing high-end comfort and features, including an upgraded sound system, navigation, and improved safety features. The exterior design was also more aggressive, solidifying the Escalade’s position as a high-end SUV.

Fourth generation (2015)

GMT K2UL
Overview
Production	January 2014–December 2019
Model years	2015–2020
Assembly	United States: Arlington, Texas (Arlington Assembly) Minsk, Belarus (Unison)
Designer	Bob Boniface (exterior design director)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	GMT K2XX
Related	Chevrolet Surburban Chevrolet Tahoe GMC Yukon GMC Yukon XL
Powertrain
Engine	6.2L EcoTec3 L86 V8
Transmission	6-speed GM 6L80 automatic (2015) 8-speed GM 8L90 automatic (2015–2017) 10-speed Hydra-Matic 10L80 automatic (2018–2020)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	116.0 in (2,946 mm) 130.0 in (3,302 mm) (ESV)
Length	202.5 in (5,144 mm) 224.3 in (5,697 mm) (ESV)
Width	80.5 in (2,045 mm)
Height	SWB: 74.4 in (1,890 mm) ESV: 74.0 in (1,880 mm)

The fourth generation Escalade was introduced in 2015. It continued with the 6.2-liter V8 engine and added more advanced safety and technology features, such as active noise cancellation, adaptive cruise control, and a rearview camera system. The exterior design became more refined, The third-row seating was improved for better comfort, and the SUV's interior featured more luxury materials, such as wood trim and leather upholstery.

Fifth generation (2021)

GM T1UL
2021 Cadillac Escalade
Overview
Production	September 2020–present
Model years	2021–present
Assembly	United States: Arlington, Texas (Arlington Assembly)
Designer	Robin Krieg, Therese Pinazzo
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	GMT T1XX
Related	Chevrolet Suburban Chevrolet Tahoe GMC Yukon/Yukon XL
Powertrain
Engine	6.2 L L87 EcoTec3 V8 6.2 L LT4 supercharged V8 (Escalade-V) 3.0 L LM2 Duramax I6 Diesel
Transmission	10-speed Hydra-Matic 10L80 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	120.9 in (3,071 mm) 134.1 in (3,406 mm) (ESV)
Length	211.9 in (5,382 mm) 227 in (5,766 mm) (ESV)
Width	81 in (2,057 mm) 81.1 in (2,060 mm) (ESV)
Height	76.6 in (1,946 mm) 76.4 in (1,941 mm) (ESV)
Curb weight	5,635–5,823 lb (2,556–2,641 kg) 5,785–5,993 lb (2,624–2,718 kg) (ESV)

The fifth-generation Escalade was launched in 2021 and represents a more modern and technologically advanced version of the SUV. This generation features a new platform, giving it a larger interior space and improved ride quality. The 5.3-liter V8 engine and 6.2-liter V8 engine options continue, with the addition of a diesel engine option. The fifth generation also introduces the use of OLED displays, superior driver assistance systems, and a new focus on hybrid technology.

Other websites

• Cadillac Escalade on Cadillac.com Archived 2009-10-06 at the Wayback Machine