Cadillac launch Escalade 2025 last month, but said the cultural icon was not expected to reach salesman much until early next year. That gives shoppers plenty of time to part with their cash, now that we have pricing. Each version is more expensive than before, thanks to a serious refresh for the mid-point of the current third-generation SUV. We’ll start with the prices, then move on to the destinations and how they differ from 2024:
- Luxurious: $89,590 ($5,700)
- High-end luxury: $98,790 ($3,600)
- Sport: $99,390 ($1,200)
- Premium Luxury Platinum: $118,390 ($5,700)
- Platinum Sports: $118,890 ($6,200)
- V Series: $161,990 ($7,700)
These are prices for the two-wheel-drive variants for every trim except the V-Series, which only comes with AWD. Adding 4WD to the other trims is a $3,000 option. Cadillac doesn’t mention the premium to get the extended ESV, but that’s another $3,000 for the 2024 model year. The 2025 model year makes the Sport Platinum $500 more expensive than the Premium Luxury Platinum. Previously, those two trims were priced identically.
Since the inline-six turbodiesel will no longer be an option after 2024, all trims except the V-Series will be powered solely by a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 that makes 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The V-Series turns that big gun into a forced induction weapon, producing 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque from its supercharged 6.2-liter.
So what’s all that extra ducat worth? The interior is inspired by the new iQ. Standard on all Escalades is a new 55-inch “pillar-to-pillar” display that combines the instrument cluster and infotainment system (35 and 20 inches, respectively) for both the driver and front passenger. Below those screens is a “Command Center” display, which houses controls for on-demand functions like heating and cooling, seat controls, vehicle safety features, and camera views. The large touchscreen also comes with a spare multi-function control knob (shown above right) for those who don’t want to lean forward to interact with the big screen.
The automatic gear selector moves away from the center console to make way for the Command Center and multi-function control interface. The gearshift is now a column-mounted lever behind the new steering wheel. Other features are inherited from intelligence quotient includes a new power-opening driver’s door option along with a power-operated (but not automatic) passenger door, 126-color ambient LED lighting, and Cadillac’s premium AKG audio system with 40 speakers.
Updated styling changes include iQ-inspired signature lighting effects, 24-inch wheels and three new exteriors color in Aegean Stone (a grey-green), Deep Sea Metallic (a metallic blue) and Latte Metallic (a pale bronze). Inside, Renaissance Red and Sheer Grey join the palette, with a Second Row Executive Package that puts a command display on the center console for rear-seat passengers, with a tray table because you can’t eat without watching something, even in a car. And the V-Series can now be optioned with carbon fiber pruning package
