Cadillac Escalade ESV - a True Luxury Sedan

The Cadillac Escalade ESV is a luxury SUV developed by Cadillac, which is owned by General Motors.

Origin

The Cadillac Escalade ESV first appeared in 2003, the third in a series of Escalade models which debuted in 1999. It is a stretched out version of the first Escalade. The ESV is arguably the most luxurious of the line. In 2007, a special Platinum Edition will be released onto the market, a fact which has the public waiting with bated breath.

Up until 2006, the ESV and EXT (pickup) models were built in Mexico. As far as luxury vehicles go, the Cadillac Escalade ESV is reasonably priced at around $59,680. The Platinum Escalade will be valued at approximately $71,025.

Engine

The Escalade models all feature a V8 pushrod engine. The aluminum Vortec engine offers two settings for valve timing. This 6.2 L engine has 403 horsepower. In addition, the Cadillac Escalade ESV features a 6 speed transmission. This powerful engine does 0 to 60 in just under 7 seconds.

Maneuverability

Considering that the Escalade ESV is a rather large vehicle and set low to the ground, certain provisions had to be made to make it easier to maneuver. Cadillac incorporated a fairly traditional five point suspension system into this line, but also included automatic rear leveling control. The suspension senses and adjusts to the terrain on which it is driving.

Design

The design of the Cadillac Escalade ESV is not exactly aerodynamic, due to its large front-end. Still, it manages to look sleek, due to long, smooth lines and fine design. A roof rack offers extra storage space and an ultrasonic parking distance meter allows for wedging into tight spaces, although the size of this SUV ensures that tight spaces will be abundant!

In true luxury style, both the driver and front passenger seats are heated, with adjustable tilting head rests and the driver's seat offers a memory function. The Escalade ESV seats 7, but has a split bench seat that can be removed for additional cargo space. The interior is perforated leather.