The 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V: A Veteran’s Take on Supercharged American Luxury
After a decade immersed in the automotive world, from wrenching in the shop to consulting on luxury vehicle design, I’ve seen trends come and go. And right now, the high-performance SUV segment is at a crossroads. Everyone’s chasing Nürburgring lap times, seemingly forgetting that these are SUVs, meant for hauling families and cargo in comfort, not setting track records. That’s where the Cadillac Escalade-V ($151,090 MSRP) comes in, a refreshing blast from the past that understands its identity. The Cadillac Escalade-V delivers a supercharged experience, blending American muscle with Cadillac’s legacy of luxury.
Think of it as a modern-day Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG, the OG high-performance SUV. (Purists might argue for the Lamborghini LM002, but let’s be honest, the ML55 started the craze.) Cadillac took a large, body-on-frame luxury SUV and shoehorned a 682-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8 under the hood. The result? A tall, plush muscle car that prioritizes comfort and usability over track-day theatrics. This is the supercharged luxury SUV of choice for those seeking something outside the norm.
Luxury First, Performance Second: A Winning Formula
What sets the Escalade-V apart in the luxury SUV segment is its unwavering commitment to luxury. Too many competitors sacrifice ride quality and comfort in the name of “sportiness.” The Cadillac Escalade-V doesn’t. It offers blistering acceleration and a menacing exhaust note, but it never forgets that it’s a Cadillac. The plush, comfortable seating, the supple air suspension, and the overall relaxed demeanor make it a joy to drive, whether you’re cruising down the highway or navigating city streets. The interior features high-end materials and cutting-edge technology, befitting its premium price point.
The transformation from a standard Escalade to the Escalade-V involves more than just bolting on a supercharger. Although that 2.65-liter blower is definitely the star of the show. Cadillac also beefed up the brakes with six-piston Brembo calipers, added a quad-tipped exhaust system for that glorious V8 rumble, stiffened the rear air springs, and fitted unique 22-inch wheels. Software calibrations optimize the 10-speed automatic transmission, the air suspension with Magnetic Ride Control, and the all-wheel-drive system, ensuring that all 682 horses are put to good use.
The Heart of the Beast: The Supercharged V8
The supercharged V8 dominates the driving experience. The moment you hit the start button, the engine roars to life with a ferocity usually reserved for Italian supercars. Plant your foot, and the Escalade-V squats on its rear haunches and rockets forward with surprising speed. This engine, borrowed from the CT5-V Blackwing and massaged to produce 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, defies the laws of physics. Yes, the Escalade-V weighs a hefty 6,217 pounds (6,407 pounds for the extended-length ESV version). But it sprints to 60 mph in a blistering 4.4 seconds, outperforming many sports cars. If you’re in the market for a luxury SUV near [Your City], the Escalade-V is worth a look.
The suspension tells you everything you need to know about the Escalade-V’s priorities. While it offers Tour and Sport modes, with the latter firming things up slightly and lowering the ride height by 0.8 inches, it’s never harsh. Push it hard, and you’ll feel the body roll and float at higher speeds. The quick-shifting 10-speed automatic, limited-slip differential, and all-wheel-drive system do their best to manage the power, but on a twisty road, the Cadillac Escalade-V feels like it’s being pulled around by the monster under the hood, not carving corners with precision.
But that’s okay. Because the handling trade-offs are worth it. The Escalade-V isn’t about setting lap records. It’s about effortless acceleration, comfortable cruising, and making a statement. It’s a genuinely comfortable machine for daily driving and long road trips, something many of its rivals can’t claim. Even in its most aggressive settings, the Escalade-V’s inputs are smooth and refined. There’s a slight delay that ensures you’re always in control, even when unleashing all that power. This is especially true for the Cadillac Escalade-V ESV ($154,000 MSRP), offering even more space and comfort.
Rejecting the European Obsession with Performance
The Cadillac Escalade-V is a clear rejection of the European obsession with track-focused performance in the luxury SUV segment. Could I criticize it for being a pricey, truck-based, body-on-frame SUV with a massive engine? Sure. But its plushness and comfort are so impressive that I can’t. The Escalade-V knows what it is. It’s not trying to be something it’s not. With a supercharged engine and performance upgrades, you’ll be grinning every time you put your foot down, whether you’re heading to work or taking a weekend road trip.
Blistering 0-60 times and record-breaking lap times are great for bragging rights. But are they really that valuable when you’re stuck in afternoon traffic in what’s supposed to be your quick, practical daily driver? The Cadillac Escalade-V answers this question with a resounding “no.”
A Sanctuary of Space and Comfort
The Escalade-V’s interior is a significant contributor to its overall comfort. It starts with the already luxurious Escalade Platinum trim and adds sporty touches. The large, plush seats in the first and second rows are incredibly comfortable, and even the third-row seats are surprisingly spacious.
Compared to previous generations, the current Escalade’s fit and finish are noticeably improved. The cabin is quiet and refined, effectively blocking out outside noise. The impressive array of overlapping 16.9, 14.2, and 7.2-inch screens are bright, crisp, and give the cabin a modern, high-tech feel. The new 2025 model is expected to include updated tech features based on customer feedback.
However, some of the switchgear, particularly those on the steering wheel and center console, feel a bit flimsy, especially in an SUV with a price tag north of $150,000. This is an area where Cadillac could improve to truly compete with the best in the luxury segment.
The cabin’s greatest strength is its sheer size. There’s a massive 72.9 cubic feet of space behind the second row, compared to just 40.7 cu-ft in a Range Rover. Opt for the ESV variant, and that number grows to a cavernous 94.1 cu-ft, rivaling the Rover with its back seats folded. These are impressive figures, even before you consider the Escalade-V’s staggering performance.
Subtle but Impactful Visual Updates
The Cadillac Escalade-V receives subtle but impactful visual updates. The front fascia features a prominent black mesh grille, a large lower air intake, and subtle lip spoilers below the daytime running lights. Out back, an updated rear bumper with a body-colored diffuser and quad exhaust tips gives the V its distinct look.
While it’s easy to differentiate the Escalade-V from other Escalade trim levels, it’s not overly sporty. There’s some gloss black trim and some slightly sharpened bodywork, but it’s not over-the-top. To most people, it just looks like a regular Escalade, which I think is a good thing, given its luxurious intentions. The design choices allow it to stand out without being too flashy.
The Competition and the Verdict
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V started at $151,090, including destination charges. The current 2025 model is expected to be similarly priced, making it competitive with the BMW X5 M Competition and Audi RS Q8, although those are significantly smaller SUVs. For a bit more money, the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 and Alpina XB7 offer a similar footprint and nicer-trimmed cabins. However, neither the Alpina nor the AMG can match the raw power and visceral experience of the Escalade-V’s supercharged V8. It’s a choice between quick and refined, or soft but rowdy.
The Cadillac Escalade-V is a performance-oriented luxury SUV that knows exactly what it is and isn’t. It houses a powerhouse of a supercharged V8. But it’s not overly compromised for the sake of pointless performance metrics. Its sheer brute force allows it to outpace most sports cars off the line, while its suspension smooths out road imperfections, creating a plush ride that’s becoming increasingly rare in this segment. With the rise of electric vehicles, supercharged SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade-V may become a thing of the past.
It may not be the quickest or most athletic performance SUV, but the Escalade-V doesn’t care. It sticks to the attributes that make an Escalade great in the first place and sprinkles in some proper thrills. This makes it a unique and compelling option in a crowded segment. For drivers in Los Angeles or New York City, the Escalade-V offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and performance.
The Cadillac Escalade-V is a statement. It’s a bold, unapologetic celebration of American muscle and luxury. And after a decade in this industry, I can confidently say that it’s a refreshing and welcome addition to the high-performance SUV landscape.
Ready to experience the supercharged luxury of the Cadillac Escalade-V for yourself? Visit your local Cadillac dealer today and schedule a test drive. Discover the perfect blend of power, comfort, and style that only the Escalade-V can offer.