The 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V: A Veteran’s Take on American Excess Done Right
As someone who’s spent over a decade immersed in the automotive world, I’ve seen trends come and go, often leaving me scratching my head. The current obsession with transforming every SUV into a track-ready weapon is a prime example. It’s as if manufacturers are forgetting that many buyers want a vehicle that’s comfortable and practical first, and fast second. Enter the 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V, a glorious, unapologetic rebuttal to this trend, and a vehicle I think gets it just right.
The Cadillac Escalade-V isn’t trying to be a European sports SUV disguised in a larger body. It knows exactly what it is: a full-size, body-on-frame luxury SUV with a sledgehammer of an engine. Think of it as a modern-day muscle car, but one that can comfortably haul your family and their luggage across the country. It’s a refreshing take, reminiscent of the early days of performance SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG.
What sets the Escalade-V apart is its unwavering commitment to luxury. While competitors are busy stiffening suspensions and sacrificing ride quality in the name of Nürburgring lap times, Cadillac has doubled down on comfort. Yes, it boasts a monstrous engine, but it also offers plush seating, an advanced air suspension system, and a refined overall demeanor. You get tremendous performance without the bone-jarring ride. This is a luxury SUV that just happens to be incredibly fast.
Under the Hood: Where the Magic Happens
Let’s talk about that engine. The heart of the Escalade-V is a hand-built, supercharged 6.2-liter V8, churning out a staggering 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. This beast of an engine, borrowed from the CT5-V Blackwing, transforms this massive SUV into a rocket ship. The supercharged V8 delivers instant, relentless power, making overtaking a breeze and highway cruising an absolute joy.
Cadillac complements the engine upgrades with serious braking power, with 6-piston Brembo brakes providing the stopping force this behemoth needs. A quad-tipped exhaust system not only looks the part but also announces the Escalade-V’s arrival with a menacing roar. Stiffer rear air springs and unique 22-inch wheels round out the major mechanical changes. The 10-speed automatic transmission, air suspension with Magnetic Ride Control, and all-wheel-drive system get software updates to optimize performance.
Despite weighing in at over three tons (6,217 pounds, or 6,407 in the extended ESV version), the Escalade-V can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.4 seconds. That’s quicker than many sports cars, and it’s a testament to the engine’s sheer power and the effectiveness of the all-wheel-drive system.
On the Road: A Symphony of Power and Comfort
Behind the wheel, the Escalade-V is a unique experience. The supercharged V8 dominates the driving experience. From the moment it roars to life, it demands attention. Plant your foot, and the rear end squats as the SUV launches forward, defying its size and weight. It’s exhilarating and addictive.
The suspension offers two distinct profiles: Tour and Sport. While Sport mode does firm things up and lower the ride height slightly, it’s still far from stiff. Push it hard into a corner, and you’ll feel the body roll. But honestly, that’s perfectly fine. The Escalade-V isn’t designed for carving canyons.
Where the Cadillac Escalade-V truly shines is in straight-line speed and effortless cruising. It’s incredibly comfortable to drive around town or rack up serious miles on the open road. Even with the steering, suspension, and engine in their most aggressive settings, the inputs are smooth and deliberate. There’s a sense of refined power, a feeling that you can unleash fury at any moment, but always with control and composure. This level of refinement is something you’d definitely expect from a luxury SUV in Los Angeles.
Interior and Exterior: A Masterclass in American Luxury
The interior of the Escalade-V is a testament to Cadillac’s commitment to luxury. It starts with the already impressive Escalade Platinum trim and adds sporty touches. The Auburn and Black finish of my test vehicle complements its Argent Silver exterior beautifully. The seats are large and plush, providing exceptional comfort for both front and rear passengers. Even the third-row seats are surprisingly comfortable.
Compared to previous generations, the current Escalade boasts impressive detail work and overall fit and finish. The cabin is remarkably quiet, effectively isolating you from outside noise. While some of the switchgear on the steering wheel and center console feel a bit less premium than you might expect in an SUV with a price tag exceeding $150,000, the overall impression is one of luxury and sophistication.
The centerpiece of the cabin is the array of overlapping 16.9, 14.2, and 7.2-inch screens. These screens are bright, crisp, and intuitive to use, giving the cabin a modern, high-tech feel. The infotainment system is responsive and packed with features, making it easy to stay connected and entertained on the road.
One of the greatest strengths of the Escalade-V is its sheer size. There’s a massive 72.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, dwarfing competitors like the Range Rover. Opt for the ESV variant, and that number swells to an even more impressive 94.1 cubic feet. This is a vehicle that can comfortably accommodate passengers and their belongings, making it ideal for families or anyone who needs plenty of cargo space.
On the outside, 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 lower lip spoilers. At the rear, an updated bumper with a body-colored diffuser and quad exhaust tips gives the V a distinctive look.
While it’s easy to distinguish the Escalade-V from other trims, it isn’t overly sporty. There’s some gloss black trim and slightly sharpened bodywork, but the overall design remains understated and elegant. To most people, it simply looks like an Escalade, which is a good thing. It maintains the softer edges and luxurious intentions that make the Escalade so appealing in the first place. This is especially important for potential buyers in cities like Chicago, where a more subtle display of wealth is appreciated.
The Competition: Standing Out in a Crowded Field
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V starts at around $155,000. While that’s a significant amount of money, it’s in line with competitors like the BMW X5 M Competition and Audi RS Q8. However, it’s worth noting that those are much smaller SUVs.
For a bit more money, you could consider the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 or Alpina XB7. These offer closer matching footprints and interiors. However, even these contenders can’t quite match the raw, unadulterated sound and fury of the Escalade-V’s supercharged V8. It comes down to a choice between refined performance and unapologetic American muscle.
The Verdict: A Unique and Compelling Choice
The Cadillac Escalade-V is a performance-oriented luxury SUV that knows exactly what it is. It’s not trying to be something it’s not. It’s not overly compromised for the sake of pointless performance metrics. Instead, it embraces its size, its power, and its luxuriousness.
It may not be the quickest or most athletic SUV on the market, but the Escalade-V doesn’t seem to care. By staying true to the core attributes that make an Escalade great in the first place, but adding a serious dose of thrills, Cadillac has created a unique and compelling option in a crowded segment. This is an SUV that you can be proud to drive, whether you’re hauling your family to soccer practice or unleashing its fury on the open road. It is a true testament to American automotive engineering and a luxury SUV that won’t dissapoint.
If you’re looking for a luxury SUV that combines breathtaking performance with unparalleled comfort and a touch of American swagger, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V is worth considering. Contact your local Cadillac dealer today to schedule a test drive and experience the V difference for yourself. Experience the power, luxury and sheer presence that only a Cadillac Escalade-V can deliver.