Cadillac Upgrades Escalade ICE to Match Appeal of IQ BEV Version

The Cadillac Escalade, introduced in 1999, has evolved from a luxury SUV into a cultural icon and category leader, symbolizing status, wealth and power in American pop culture. Its bold design, opulent features and commanding presence have made it a favorite among celebrities, athletes, and influencers securing its place in the limelight.

Cadillac is rolling out what it deems a significant midcycle refresh of the icon, updating the fifth-generation SUV by drawing on design elements already introduced on the battery-electric Escalade IQ.

Central to the refresh is the curved pillar-to-pillar 55-in. (140-cm) diagonal infotainment display with voice control, navigation, an app store and more. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available. The expansive screen includes 35 in. of display for the driver and 20 in. for passenger.

Cadillac executives report growing demand for the Escalade Platinum Sport and V-Series performance trim and will be increasing production of both for the 2025 model year. The updated Escalade-V receives a new authentic carbon-fiber performance-focused interior, surrounded by a deep jet-black leather interior and quilted and perforated seats exclusive to V-Series.

The standard powerplant is a 6.2L V-8 direct-injection engine with variable valve timing producing 420 hp and 623 lb.-ft. (845 Nm) of torque. It’s mated to General Motors’ Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission. The V-Series comes with a 6.2L supercharged V-8 producing 682 hp.

Across most trims, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 is standard, as is Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, which historically does a superb job of isolating passengers from undesirable road sensations while providing solid steering and feel. Steering is electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion.

The Escalade’s specs carry over to the Escalade ESC long-wheelbase trim.

The AKG Studio 19-speaker audio system comes standard, with an available 36-speaker system, which increases to 40 speakers with the available Executive Second Row package. There is also standard Super Cruise driver-assistance technology on all trims, plus a 3-year OnStar and Super Cruise plan. Buyers can also tick the box for 5G wi-fi hotspot capability connected by OnStar. Entertainment possibilities include HD streaming and browser compatibility, so customers can log into any streaming app and watch their favorite channels.

Night Vision is standard on Platinum and V-Series trims and available as an option on the rest. Full-color head-up display is standard on several trims.

The Escalade seats up to eight passengers in three rows with a power folding third row.

On the exterior, the first thing fans will notice is the updated front end, with lighting elements moving from a horizontal to vertical arrangement. An overall bolder front end includes details inspired by the Celestiq and Lyriq design language, including a standard illuminated front crest and, on the V-Series and Premium Luxury Platinum trims, an illuminated grille surround.

New for the 2025 model are available 24-in. wheels, the largest ever offered on an Escalade; three new exterior colors; and power open-and-close doors, which allow the driver door to open as the driver approaches with the fob in their pocket. The other doors open when the person holding the fob pushes a button.

In a nod to the fact that a healthy percentage of Escalades are used for livery, with even the owner in the backseat, the interior features an available Executive Second Row package that features stowable tray tables, 12.6-in. (32-cm) diagonal personal screens, a rear command center, dual wireless phone charging pads, massaging seats and headrest speakers. Of course, all those goodies also will appeal to anyone in the backseat on a road trip.

Expansive mood lighting in vehicles is all the rage these days, and the Escalade doesn’t disappoint. Customers can personalize their interior lighting, choosing from 126 ambient color options in two zones.

Maximum trailering for all the toys Escalade owners tend to have is 8,100 lbs. (3,674 kg) for the 2WD version. That drops to 8,000 lbs. (3,629 kg) for the ESV, 7,200 lbs. (3,265 kg) for the V-Series, and 7,100 lbs. (3,220 kg) for the V-Series ESV.

The enhancements should surely inspire some new songs and videos featuring Cadillac’s top-selling model.