The 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V: A Veteran’s Take on American Muscle and Luxury
After a decade immersed in the automotive world, from wrenching in the garage to evaluating the latest luxury SUVs, I’ve learned a few things. One of the most important? Authenticity reigns supreme. And the Cadillac Escalade-V ($150,000 – $160,000), a titan among SUVs, delivers authenticity in spades. It’s a refreshingly honest machine in a market saturated with vehicles trying too hard to be something they’re not.
Let’s be frank: the high-performance SUV segment has become a bit…confused. It seems every automaker is chasing Nürburgring lap times, sacrificing ride quality and everyday usability in the pursuit of some arbitrary notion of “sportiness.” We’re seeing air suspensions replaced with stiff steel springs, interiors that prioritize carbon fiber over comfort, and exhaust notes tuned for aggression rather than refinement. This is where the Cadillac Escalade-V sets itself apart.
A Throwback to the Golden Age of American Muscle (with a Luxury Twist)
Think back to the late 90s and early 2000s. The original Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG (or even the audacious Lamborghini LM002, depending on your definition) showed us the recipe: take a comfortable, capable SUV and shoehorn in a massive engine. The result? A glorious blend of practicality and power. The Escalade-V channels this spirit, delivering raw performance without compromising on the luxurious experience that defines the Cadillac brand. It is a true luxury SUV that brings the heat.
Under the hood lies the heart of the beast: a hand-built, supercharged 6.2-liter V8, churning out a staggering 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. This isn’t some highly-strung, turbocharged four-cylinder trying to punch above its weight. This is pure, unadulterated American muscle. High horsepower SUVs are more in demand than ever.
The beauty of the Escalade-V lies in its duality. Yes, it can launch from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 4.4 seconds, defying its considerable curb weight. But it also coddles you in a sumptuous interior, isolates you from the harsh realities of the road, and provides enough space for the whole family and their luggage. It’s a performance SUV that doesn’t punish you for driving it every day.
What Makes the V Special? (Beyond the Supercharger)
The transformation from a standard Escalade to the V variant is more than just an engine swap. Cadillac’s engineers have carefully curated a package of upgrades that enhance performance without sacrificing comfort. Key upgrades include:
Supercharged 6.2L V8: The star of the show, this engine delivers instant torque and a symphony of supercharger whine and exhaust rumble.
Brembo Brakes: Massive six-piston Brembo brakes provide exceptional stopping power and inspire confidence, even when hauling this behemoth down from triple-digit speeds.
Adaptive Air Suspension with Magnetic Ride Control: This sophisticated system balances ride comfort and handling prowess.
Quad-Tip Exhaust: A throaty exhaust note announces the V’s arrival, but it’s never obnoxiously loud.
Upgraded 10-Speed Automatic Transmission: The transmission is calibrated to handle the engine’s immense power, delivering quick and seamless shifts.
All-Wheel Drive with Electronic Limited-Slip Differential: Ensures optimal traction in all conditions, allowing you to put all that power to the ground.
While some competitors opt for stiffer suspension setups, the Escalade-V maintains a comfortable ride, even in Sport mode. The air suspension soaks up bumps and imperfections with ease, making long road trips a pleasure rather than a chore. This commitment to comfort is what truly sets the Escalade-V apart.
On the Road: Power and Poise
Behind the wheel, the Escalade-V is an experience. The engine dominates, of course. The slightest touch of the throttle unleashes a wave of effortless acceleration. Overtaking is a breeze, and merging onto the highway becomes an addictive exercise in controlled mayhem.
The handling is surprisingly composed for such a large vehicle. The steering is well-weighted and provides decent feedback, and the body roll is kept in check thanks to the adaptive suspension. While it’s not going to carve corners like a sports car, the Escalade-V feels confident and stable, even when pushed hard.
Around town, the Escalade-V is surprisingly docile. The engine is happy to cruise at low speeds, and the transmission shifts smoothly and seamlessly. Parking can be a bit challenging due to its size, but the available driver-assistance features, such as surround-view cameras and parking sensors, make it manageable.
A Cabin Fit for a King (or Queen)
The interior of the Escalade-V is a testament to Cadillac’s commitment to luxury. High-quality materials abound, from the supple leather upholstery to the meticulously crafted wood trim. The seats are supportive and comfortable, perfect for long journeys.
The technology is also top-notch. The massive curved OLED display dominates the dashboard, providing crisp graphics and intuitive controls. The available Super Cruise hands-free driving system is a game-changer on long highway stretches.
One of the biggest advantages of the Escalade-V is its spaciousness. There’s plenty of room for passengers in all three rows, and the cargo area is cavernous. Whether you’re hauling kids, luggage, or groceries, the Escalade-V can handle it with ease. Compared to European competitors like the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS, or Audi Q7, the Escalade-V offers significantly more cargo space.
The Competition: Where Does the Escalade-V Stand?
The high-performance SUV segment is crowded, but the Escalade-V carves out a unique niche. It’s not as overtly sporty as the Lamborghini Urus or Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, but it’s also more comfortable and practical.
Compared to the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 and the Alpina XB7, the Escalade-V offers a more visceral and engaging driving experience. While the AMG and Alpina are undoubtedly luxurious, they lack the raw power and personality of the Cadillac. For luxury car buyers, the choice is difficult.
The Land Rover Range Rover Sport SV offers a similar blend of performance and luxury, but the Escalade-V often comes in at a more competitive price point.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities. If you value ultimate performance and track-day prowess, there are better options available. But if you want a powerful, luxurious, and practical SUV that makes a statement, the Escalade-V is hard to beat.
A Few Minor Gripes
No vehicle is perfect, and the Escalade-V has a few minor shortcomings. Some of the interior trim feels a bit cheap for a vehicle in this price range. Fuel economy is predictably atrocious, especially when you’re enjoying the engine’s full potential. And the sheer size of the vehicle can make it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces. However, these are relatively minor quibbles in an otherwise exceptional package.
The Verdict: A True American Original
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V is a breath of fresh air in a segment that’s become increasingly homogenous. It’s a powerful, luxurious, and practical SUV that doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It embraces its American roots, delivering a uniquely engaging driving experience that’s sure to put a smile on your face. While Cadillac dealerships push the car hard, it truly speaks for itself.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best approach is to simply do what you do well, and the Escalade-V excels at being a big, bold, and unapologetically American luxury SUV. The Cadillac Escalade-V proves that you can have your cake and eat it too. You can have blistering performance and a comfortable ride. You can have luxurious amenities and a spacious interior. You can have it all.
Ready to experience the power and luxury of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V for yourself? Visit your local Cadillac dealer today for a test drive and discover what makes this SUV a true icon.