Background: Cadillac’s biggest machine gets even brawnier in 2003. The folks from General Motors’ luxury division dropped off a 2003 jet black Escalade ESV to the Daily Herald driveway this month… it barely fit. With a length measuring in at 221 inches, it’s stretched 22 inches longer than a standard Escalade and won’t be easily lost in mall parking lots. Escalade is now firmly established in the large, full-size, four-door luxury SUV camp. When it first debuted in the fall of 1998 as a 1999 edition, it was the first truck ever from Cadillac. Problem was the first-generation version was rushed to market too quickly for those accustomed to Cadillac’s refined touch. Ford Motor Co. introduced the upscale Lincoln Navigator one year earlier and Cadillac found itself playing catch up. General Motors rebadged some newly redesigned 1999 GMC Denali SUVs as Cadillacs, added OnStar and a few other cosmetic extras and Escalade was born. Escalade received a second-generation makeover in the 2002 model year, incorporating more substantial touches for which Cadillac is known. Cadillac’s largest vehicle, built off a truck platform, can handle off-road terrain better than many smaller, car-based sport utilities. General Motors assembles the Escalade ESV in Sialo, Mexico. While Escalade is certainly big news at GM’s luxury division, the biggest splash this year may be the introduction of one of its smallest entries ever. The luxury-appointed two-seat XLR roadster debuts this fall with a $76,200 price tag.
Engine/Trim level: To set the record straight, the extended Escalade ESV is all-new for 2003 and the same size as Chevrolet’s full-size Suburban. In the 2002 model year, Escalade introduced the five-passenger EXT edition, a versatile automotive twin of the Chevrolet Avalanche featuring a flat-bed exterior cargo area and removable midgate structure. The standard-sized Escalade with three rows of seating has similar dimensions to the mid-size Chevrolet Tahoe. Escalade ESV is powered by GM’s 6.0-liter, overhead valve V-8 engine generating 345 horsepower mated to a four-speed electronically-controlled, automatic transmission; it’s the most potent engine in its segment. This vehicle has full-time all-wheel drive for enhanced traction. There are no buttons to push or levers to pull. This system automatically sends power to the wheels needing it most. Other Escalade models with two-wheel drive feature GM’s 5.3-liter, V-8 engine. Escalade’s key domestic competitor in the full-size Luxury SUV category, the Lincoln Navigator, features a 5.4-liter, V-8 engine delivering 300 horsepower. Lexus, Toyota’s luxury brand, offers the big LX470 SUV, generating 235 horses through a 4.7-liter V-8. While Escalade’s 12 miles per gallon city and 16 m.p.g. highway are nothing to write home about, these figures are slightly better than the popular H2 from GM’s Hummer division. The Escalade ESV fuel tank holds 31 gallons of regular unleaded fuel, not more expensive premium. Most GM pickup trucks and SUVs require only regular fuel.
Standard equipment: The ESV comes with a host of features standard and few options. Six-disc in-dash CD player with cassette and nine-speaker stereo are standard along with dual zone climate control with air conditioning, rear window defroster, intermittent front and rear wipers, roof rack, 10-way power driver and front passenger seats, power retractable mirrors, power windows, power locks, cruise control, power steering and tilt adjustable steering wheel.
Price: Starting price for a ESV edition is $55,370. With a limited number of extras including rear entertainment system ($1,295), chrome wheels ($795), XM Satellite Radio ($325) and trailering package ($190), the bottom line ended up at $57,765 including a $790 destination charge. About the only option not included in our test car was the $1,550 sunroof. A two-wheel-drive Navigator Ultimate edition checks in at $50,995; four-wheel drive bumps the price up to $54,505. A Lexus LX470 starts at $63,625.
Interior: The ESV handles three rows of seating holding seven or eight travelers; second-row heated bucket seats or a three-person bench are available. The three-passenger third row bench seat can be completely removed to open more cargo space. Cadillac needs to design easier access to the third row. Many mid and full-size SUVs have second-row seats that slide forward. In our test vehicle, the second row bucket seat back rests tilted forward, but the aisle between the outside and third row is limited. Leather seating is standard and heated front seats have three temperature settings found on the door. The driver’s door is also home to power window, outside mirror and power lock controls. Adjacent to the ceiling map lights are auxiliary rear seat ventilation control dials. The steering wheel includes wood enhancements as does the upper and lower dashboard. Above the glove box is a large horizontal grab handle. The dashboard’s top half swings around slightly to face the driver. Below the center dash is a handsome analog clock, easy to read at a glance and a disc feed system for the second-row DVD screen. For those who can’t exist without a digital clock, the ESV has one built into the radio frequency window. The stereo is directly above the dual-zoned ventilation system with dials for temperature, button for direction and toggle switch monitoring speed. The gear shift is found on the steering column. The back windshield wiper operates from a dashboard dial while front wipers activate from the turn signal stalk. In between the front buckets are two side-by-side, permanently molded beverage holders capable of handling biggie-sized cups. When not in use, a spring-loaded cover closes, creating a clean look. In back is a large armrest/storage bin combo, hinged on the right side capable of handling loads of compact discs and other goodies. The instrument panel has a center, three-quarter speedometer circle in the middle and also incorporates a digital odometer. To the right are four smaller analog gauges. To the left is a semi-circle tachometer. Digital readouts display 34 system functions from miles to empty to gallons remaining. Maneuvering in and out of the vehicle takes a big step. Those six feet and taller may not need to use the running boards but thier presence is welcome for many travelers.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 130 inches
Length: 221.4 inches
Height: 75.7 inches
Width: 79.5 inches
Weight: 5,869 inches
Towing capacity: 7,800 pounds
Exterior: Escalade’s 221-inch length measures more than 15 inches longer than the Lincoln Navigator. The rectangular-shaped exterior is not as rounded as more diminutive competitors. The rear hatch opens two ways: the entire door, hinged at the top, lifts up from the bottom or for quick trips into the cargo area, the window lifts up independently with the push of a button. The full-size spare tire mounts under the body, opening up more room in the cargo area. The non-locking, circular fuel door is on the left rear fender. The front end borrows cues from Cadillac’s refined CTS sedan that debuted in early 2002 as a 2003 model year product. A large grill and centered Cadillac wreath are flanked by big, square Xenon high-intensity discharge headlights. Strap-like door handles are chrome plated.
Safety features: The ESV edition includes dual, reduced-force front air bags standard along with four-wheel anti-lock brakes, side air bags, traction control, stability control, rear-door child safety locks, remote anti-theft alarm system, daytime running lights, remote keyless entry and front-mounted side air bags. Also standard are power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals. A great feature are turn signal indicators built into the large sideview mirrors. These large flashing arrows help communicate to those around your intentions. The passenger side mirror also tilts down when the transmission shifts into reverse for a better view of what’s in back. OnStar, General Motors’ satellite-linked communication system with instant connection to a 24-hour staffed center is also standard.
Warranty: Escalade is covered by a four-year/100,000-mile (whichever comes first) basic warranty. The powertrain and roadside assistance warranties are also covered for the same duration. The corrosion warranty is good for six years/100,000 miles.
Final thoughts: Ford Motor Co., the world’s second-largest auto company behind General Motors, said it will discontinue its largest SUV, the Excursion, next year. While Excursion was never intended as a true luxury SUV, it was the biggest. After retirement, the Chevrolet Suburban and Escalade ESV will be king of big with Ford Expedition and its automotive twin, the Lincoln Navigator, close behind. For a big, long vehicle, Escalade’s handling is remarkably nimble thanks to road-sensing suspension. However, one must pay extra attention when switching lanes or parking. All-wheel drive and V-8 power enhance towing capabilities. Not many vehicles can trailer 7,800 pounds. The Lexus LX470 tows only up to 6,500 pounds. A power liftgate and power retractable running boards are available in the Lincoln Navigator which may appeal to some buyers. These items are not currently available in Escalade. |