Cadillac has premiered what it proudly calls the planet’s most powerful full-size SUV to feature a body-on-frame construction. It’s just ‘Escalade-V’ for friends, though.
The vehicle comes powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that frequently finds use in supercars. The same mill is also found in the Cadillac CT5-V, where it churns out 677 PS (670 hp / 498 kW). The off-roader takes things a little further with 692 PS (682 hp / 509 kW), but clamps down on the torque limiting it at 885 Nm (653 lb-ft). The sports exhaust system now features active valves for fine-tuning the sound.
The standard ten-speed automatic transmission benefits from various reinforcements. The AWD system stays unchanged with a coupling on the front axle as usual. The Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 suspension was also redesigned, and Brembo six-piston calipers were added on the front axle.
Tipping the scales at 2,820 kilograms (6,217 pounds), the gargantuan car nonetheless manages to reach 97 km/h (60 mph) in only 4.4 seconds. Those who would opt for the stretched ESV version should probably keep in mind that it is another 86 kilos (200 pounds) heavier. A quarter-mile run lasts 12.7 seconds, and the SUV reaches 177 km/h (110 mph) near the finish line, not far from its electronic speed limit of 200 km/h (124 mph).
Elsewhere, the Escalade-V features special bumpers, glossy black décor all around, and a new front grille along with different 22-inch wheels. A glance at the rear end reveals an imitation diffuser and a quad exhaust system.
Novelty inside boils down to minute details, like red V letters on some components and a special button that engages the most aggressive drive mode available. Once pushed, it drops the suspension by 20 mm (0.8”) along with making other racing-friendly preparations.