The 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V: A Veteran’s Take on American Muscle Refinement
After a decade immersed in the automotive world, from wrenching in the shop to evaluating the latest models on the track, I’ve developed a keen sense for what makes a vehicle truly exceptional. And when it comes to the 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V, my assessment is clear: it’s a masterclass in embracing its identity. This isn’t just another performance SUV chasing lap times; it’s a luxurious behemoth that unapologetically delivers raw power and supreme comfort. The Cadillac Escalade-V knows exactly what it is, and it executes its mission with remarkable confidence.
The landscape of high-performance SUVs has, in recent years, become a rather predictable affair. Automakers seem locked in an arms race, sacrificing the very essence of luxury and refinement in pursuit of ever-more-aggressive handling and track prowess. We’ve seen suspensions become punishingly stiff, interiors stripped bare, and overall driving experiences that feel more at home on a race circuit than on Main Street.
But then there’s the Escalade-V. It’s a refreshing return to the roots of the segment, reminiscent of the original Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG – a vehicle that understood the assignment: deliver exceptional power in a supremely comfortable and luxurious package. The Escalade-V takes the iconic body-on-frame SUV and injects it with a monstrous 682-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8. The result is nothing short of a rolling testament to American muscle, wrapped in a cocoon of Cadillac luxury.
Luxury SUV is the operative term here. While its European competitors are busy trying to one-up each other with increasingly track-focused attributes, the Cadillac Escalade-V remains steadfastly committed to providing a premium experience. Yes, it boasts a prodigious engine, but it also features plush seating, an advanced air suspension system, and an overall demeanor that prioritizes comfort and refinement. It’s a performance vehicle that doesn’t punish you for simply wanting to enjoy the ride.
Under the Hood: The Heart of the Beast
The transformation from a standard Escalade to the V variant involves a surprisingly concise list of hardware upgrades. The centerpiece, of course, is the 2.65-liter supercharger bolted atop the V8 engine. Beyond that, you’ll find six-piston Brembo brakes, a distinctive quad-tipped exhaust system, revised rear air springs for enhanced stability, stylish 22-inch wheels, and updated front and rear fascias. The remaining enhancements are primarily achieved through sophisticated software calibrations that fine-tune the 10-speed automatic transmission, the air suspension with Magnetic Ride Control, and the standard all-wheel-drive system.
The supercharged V8 undeniably dominates the driving experience. From the moment you press the start button, unleashing a ferocious roar that rivals even exotic Italian sports cars, to the instant you plant your foot on the accelerator and feel the Escalade-V’s rear end squat as it catapults forward, the engine commands attention. Sharing its DNA with the legendary CT5-V Blackwing, this powerplant generates a staggering 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque, effortlessly defying the laws of physics. Despite weighing in at a hefty 6,217 pounds (or 6,407 pounds in the extended ESV configuration), the Escalade-V can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 4.4 seconds – a feat that would shame many sports cars.
This tendency to squat under hard acceleration reveals a crucial aspect of the Escalade-V’s suspension tuning. While it offers two distinct driving modes – Tour and Sport – even the latter, which slightly firms up the ride and lowers the vehicle by 0.8 inches, doesn’t transform the Escalade-V into a rigid track machine. At higher speeds, you’ll still experience a degree of body float, and cornering will be accompanied by noticeable body roll. The quick-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, the electronic limited-slip differential, and the standard all-wheel-drive system, which ensures optimal power delivery, further highlight that on winding roads, the Escalade-V feels like it’s being propelled by the engine rather than dancing with the asphalt.
Comfort and Refinement: The Hallmark of Luxury
The handling trade-offs are more than justified. While the Escalade-V has been engineered for enhanced balance and control, its true forte lies in exhilarating stoplight sprints and effortless high-speed cruising. It’s a remarkably comfortable vehicle for navigating city streets or racking up long distances on the open highway – a stark contrast to many of its competitors, which often prioritize performance over everyday usability. Even with the steering, suspension, brakes, and engine set to their most aggressive settings, the Escalade-V’s inputs remain smooth and measured. There’s a deliberate sense of refinement that ensures you can unleash its immense power without sacrificing comfort or composure. This is where the Cadillac Escalade-V truly shines, a perfect blend of power and luxury.
The interior of the Escalade-V, based on the Escalade Platinum trim, further enhances its luxurious appeal. The cabin features plush, supportive seats in both the first and second rows. Even the often-neglected third-row seats offer a surprisingly comfortable experience.
Compared to previous generations, the latest Escalade boasts significantly improved fit and finish, as well as meticulous attention to detail. The cabin effectively isolates outside noise, creating a serene and peaceful environment despite the large wheels and performance-oriented suspension. However, some of the switchgear, particularly those on the steering wheel and center console, feel somewhat underwhelming, especially considering the vehicle’s hefty price tag. Despite this minor flaw, the Escalade-V’s impressive array of overlapping 16.9-inch, 14.2-inch, and 7.2-inch screens not only deliver crisp graphics and intuitive functionality but also contribute to the cabin’s distinctive and modern aesthetic.
However, the cabin’s greatest strength is its sheer volume. The Escalade-V offers a massive 72.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, significantly more than the Range Rover’s 40.7 cubic feet. The extended ESV variant takes this even further, providing a cavernous 94.1 cubic feet of space – equivalent to the Rover with its rear seats folded down. These are impressive figures, especially when combined with the Escalade-V’s remarkable performance capabilities.
A Bold and Understated Exterior
The exterior of the Escalade-V receives subtle yet impactful visual enhancements. The front fascia features a prominent black mesh grille, a large lower air intake, and subtle lower lip spoilers positioned beneath the daytime running lights. At the rear, an updated bumper with a body-colored central diffuser and quad exhaust tips gives the V a distinctive and aggressive appearance.
While it’s easy to distinguish the Escalade-V from other trim levels, its design isn’t overly ostentatious. The subtle use of gloss black trim and slightly sharpened bodywork adds a touch of sportiness without compromising its luxurious character. To the casual observer, it simply looks like a well-appointed Escalade – a quality that aligns perfectly with its refined and sophisticated nature.
Market Positioning and Value Proposition
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V carries a starting price of around $155,000, including destination charges. Given its extensive list of standard features, the as-tested price typically hovers around $160,000. This places it in direct competition with the BMW X5 M Competition and Audi RS Q8, although these models are significantly smaller in size.
For a slightly higher price, the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 and Alpina XB7 offer similar dimensions to the Escalade-V and boast impeccably crafted interiors. However, neither the Alpina nor the AMG can match the raw, untamed character of the Escalade-V’s supercharged V8. The choice ultimately comes down to prioritizing refinement and all-around performance versus unadulterated American muscle.
The Verdict: A Unique Blend of Power and Luxury
The Cadillac Escalade-V is a performance-oriented luxury SUV that knows precisely what it is and isn’t. While it harnesses the immense power of a supercharged V8, it avoids the trap of sacrificing comfort and refinement in pursuit of meaningless performance metrics. Its sheer brute force allows it to outpace most sports cars in a straight line, while its advanced suspension system effectively absorbs road imperfections, delivering a plush and composed ride that is increasingly rare in its segment. The Escalade-V perfectly captures the essence of American luxury performance.
It may not be the quickest or most agile performance SUV on the market, but the Escalade-V doesn’t seem particularly concerned with keeping up with the competition. Instead, by staying true to the core attributes that make the Escalade great while injecting a dose of exhilarating performance, Cadillac has created a unique and compelling offering in a crowded and increasingly homogenized segment.
Ready to experience the unmatched blend of power and luxury that only the 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V can deliver? Visit your local Cadillac dealer today to schedule a test drive and discover the true meaning of American muscle refinement. And for those seeking the ultimate in personalized service, explore Cadillac’s concierge program to tailor your Escalade-V to your exact specifications. The road awaits!