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Auto Express Car Reviews
Cadillac Escalade
The Escalade sure is distinctive, but it's let down by design and performance
King-sized Escalade fails to match the performance of its European rivals.
Text: Owen Mildenhall / Photos: Charlie Magee
January 2007
- Rating:
Chances are, you've seen a black Cadillac Escalade before. It's the best-selling luxury SUV in the US and a favourite of celebrities, from President Bush to sport stars and musicians.
In fact, the firm claims 62,000 have been sold since this latest version was first shown at the 2006 Detroit Motor Show, and now it hopes to add to that tally by bringing the car to the UK. So what can we expect? Early indications aren't good. While there's no question that the Escalade stands out from other large SUVs - it's 55mm longer and 47mm taller than the massive Mercedes GL-Class - it will only be available in left-hand drive. That will make it a real challenge on narrow urban streets.
While the cabin is well built, it's uninspiring, with plenty of dull plastic and fiddly ergonomics. The driving experience is way behind European rivals, too - the handling is cumbersome, the steering vague, and the soft suspension fails to isolate rough surfaces. The 6.2-litre engine is lazy, and returns 16.7mpg. CO2 emissions are 383g/km, and despite having 409bhp, top speed is 106mph - an indication of the car's poor aerodynamics.
In fact, from a driver's perspective, there's virtually nothing to recommend the Escalade - particularly when models such as the Range Rover Sport and new BMW X5 offer so much more. If ever there was a car to leave you thinking that the anti-4x4 brigade has a valid point, this is it.
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| ...the handling is cumbersome, the steering vague, and the soft suspension fails to isolate rough surfaces... | |
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In fact, the firm claims 62,000 have been sold since this latest version was first shown at the 2006 Detroit Motor Show, and now it hopes to add to that tally by bringing the car to the UK. So what can we expect? Early indications aren't good. While there's no question that the Escalade stands out from other large SUVs - it's 55mm longer and 47mm taller than the massive Mercedes GL-Class - it will only be available in left-hand drive. That will make it a real challenge on narrow urban streets.
While the cabin is well built, it's uninspiring, with plenty of dull plastic and fiddly ergonomics. The driving experience is way behind European rivals, too - the handling is cumbersome, the steering vague, and the soft suspension fails to isolate rough surfaces. The 6.2-litre engine is lazy, and returns 16.7mpg. CO2 emissions are 383g/km, and despite having 409bhp, top speed is 106mph - an indication of the car's poor aerodynamics.
In fact, from a driver's perspective, there's virtually nothing to recommend the Escalade - particularly when models such as the Range Rover Sport and new BMW X5 offer so much more. If ever there was a car to leave you thinking that the anti-4x4 brigade has a valid point, this is it.
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FIRST OPINION
- The Escalade is distinctive, but nearly all of its rivals offer improved practicality, more modern cabins and better dynamics. Poor fuel economy and high emissions are further drawbacks. Yet its unmistakable styling and huge road presence will still attract some buyers.
AT A GLANCE
- Engine: 6.2-litre V8, 409bhp
- Torque: 565Nm
- Top speed: 106mph
- Economy: 16.7mpg
- C02: 383g/km
- Trims: Two-model range comes in £46,895 Elegance and £49,895 Sport Luxury spec
- On sale: Now!
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