The 2002 Escalade offers the first look at the future of Cadillac design, with bold, progressive, sharp, chiseled, vertical styling, and a grille inspired by the Evoq concept car. Cadillac says the Escalade is "the first Cadillac to reflect the division's fusion of art and science philosophy by blending forward-thinking technology with an expressive new design." One thing's for sure. Cadillac is not backing away from the future. The Escalade definitely has presence, looking far more modern than the GMC Yukon Denali. (Cadillac Escalade rides on the same platform as the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe.) Surprisingly, though, the new styling has been accepted in stride, without making waves.The front end is massive and looks it, with its big satin-nickel plastic grille and vertical halogen headlight clusters that measure 16 by 12 inches. Cadillac's new wreath and crest insignia, designed to symbolize a new Cadillac for the new millennium, is used on the grille and liftgate, conspicuously made of plastic. Chrome trim is used on the nameplate, running boards and roof rack. The cladding on the bottom halves of the doors might also be described as sharp and chiseled, though never finely so. There's so much of it that when you stand on the running boards to reach the roof rack, it bulges into your legs. Big 17-inch forged alloy wheels have a big round center with seven short wide spokes, and carry P265/70R17 Goodyear Wrangler HP tires. The signature wheels are attractive, but are less dynamic than the rest of the styling.