Also new for 2009 are a Side Blind Zone Alert system to warn of vehicles in potential blind spots, the latest 8.0 version of OnStar, XM NavTraffic with real-time traffic advisories, a light cashmere/cocoa interior color scheme, power-tilt steering wheel, automatic up/down front windows (very handy for toll-booths and drive-thrus), and rear seat audio jacks. Mechanically, the 6.2-liter V8 can now run on E85 (EPA 11 combined) and Escalades with 22-inch wheels get Magnetic Ride Control automatic suspension damping.
The Escalade offers comfort and convenience features of a luxury sedan, including automatic climate control, navigation, rear camera, a premium Bose sound system, ultrasonic parking assist, power adjustable pedals, and heated leather seats. DVD entertainment systems and a moonroof are optional.
Escalade comes in three body styles: Escalade, ESV, and EXT. The standard Escalade is a full-size sport utility sharing the same architecture and roughly the same dimensions as the Chevy Tahoe; it's the only one offered as a hybrid. The Escalade ESV is a long-wheelbase version, similar to the Chevy Suburban. The Escalade EXT is a combination five-passenger luxury SUV with a short bed; it is Cadillac's version of the Chevy Avalanche and was characterized by a leading truck magazine as better as a Cadillac than a pickup.
All Escalades are roomy and luxuriously appointed, letting them haul family or friends or business associates in real comfort. The engine supplies serious power for surprisingly quick acceleration. On the road, all Escalades are smooth and stable. They ride smoother than a standard Tahoe or Suburban; but are at the same time taut and well-controlled for surprisingly good handling by full-size SUV standards. Next Page