In recent months, the Escalade and Escalade EXT have infused new life into Cadillac, attracting younger, more affluent and more diverse customers to the division. Now, Cadillac introduces a new member to the family - the full-size Escalade ESV and its luxurious offspring, the Escalade ESV Platinum Edition. Combining power, size and strength with trademark Cadillac styling and technology, the Escalade ESV complements Cadillac's luxury utility lineup.
The vehicle is the roomiest, most powerful full-size luxury SUV available. It's 22 inches (55.9 cm) longer than Escalade, with more than 20 extra inches (50.8 cm) of interior length, translating into more premium seating and cargo-carrying capability.
"The Escalade ESV moves Cadillac into an all-new area of the luxury SUV market," said Kimberly McGill, Escalade marketing director. "Its unique blend of size, performance, comfort and sophistication set a high standard."
Its Vortec H.O. 6000 V-8 engine cranks out 345 hp (257 kw) at 5200 rpm and 380 lb.-ft. of torque (515 Nm) at 4000 rpm. That's more than enough power to handle steep grades or a heavily weighted two-horse trailer. The vehicle shares the same bold exterior design and commanding road presence as Escalade and Escalade EXT, along with the advanced-technology premium features that have made Escalade the leader - and an icon - in the full-size luxury utility segment.
In addition to AWD and StabiliTrak with Road Sensing Suspension (RSS), the vehicle offers Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, OnStar, XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only), a premium Bose sound system and a Bvlgari-designed analog clock, as well as a number of other standard luxury amenities. Plus, it has an available rear seat DVD system and a DVD-based navigation system that provides turn-by-turn directions to thousands of points of interest.
The Escalade ESV began production in December 2002.
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition
Cadillac has created the ultimate full-size luxury SUV with the Escalade ESV Platinum Edition, featuring the most lavishly appointed interior available in an Escalade, along with power, technology and a new level of sophistication.
The ESV Platinum Edition offers all of the amenities of the Escalade ESV, but adds numerous premium interior features and materials. "The exclusive Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition offers buyers unparalleled interior luxury," said McGill. "The vehicle caters to the customer who is seeking the highest level of premium content in a SUV."
The interior features an ebony and shale dash, as well as shale leather seating surfaces and pleated door panel bolsters. Walnut burl wood accents appear on the steering wheel, console, door pulls, window switch bezels and dashboard trim. Chrome trim highlights the steering wheel, speaker covers and gauge cluster, which features new, highly detailed graphics. New HVAC outlets have rubber thumbwheels and chrome-accented controls. A new, jeweled wreath and crest horn-pad emblem is found on all Escalades. A premium headliner with cloth-wrapped pillars creates a recording studio-like atmosphere for the driver and passengers.
The Platinum Edition is the first SUV to have heated and cooled first- and second-row bucket seats, and a center console with heated and cooled cupholders (with exclusive metallic mugs). Aluminum sill plates display the Cadillac script in the first and second row, and embroidered floor mats serve as finishing touches to the most luxurious Escalade interior yet.
The Escalade ESV Platinum Edition offers multiple forms of in-vehicle entertainment, including a Bose premium music system with a six-CD changer and nine speakers, XM Satellite Radio and a DVD-based navigation system. The navigation system has turn-by-turn directions and points of interest, such as banks, ATMs and gas stations, when needed. An industry exclusive, factory-installed rear-seat entertainment system with dual 7-inch screens and two sets of wireless headphones gives second and third row passengers a close, clear view of DVD movies or video games.
The boldly styled exterior receives tasteful enhancements, including factory-installed 20-inch chrome wheels with P275/55R20 tires, a slightly lowered stance (20 mm front/23 mm rear), a chrome grille and tasteful Platinum lettering on the liftgate.
The Platinum model comes in four exterior colors: White Diamond, Black Raven, Quicksilver and Red E.
Production begins in the fourth quarter of 2003, with a limited run of 5,000 vehicles per year.
Escalade ESV exterior style
Like all Escalades, the ESV's aggressive front-end is the vehicle's most distinctive exterior feature, distinguished by a large Cadillac wreath and crest and Cadillac's signature egg-crate grille. High intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with chrome bezels deliver a jewel-like appearance, and are integrated with rectangular parking lamps and turn signals. The vehicle's front fascia incorporates recessed tow hooks and rectangular fog lamps.
Harmonious, integrated interior
Inside, the instrument panel and cluster place more crucial operating data in front of the driver. Italian luxury brand Bvlgari designed the face of the analog clock, located in the console extension. An ebony background offsets the white facing of the graphics, as well as all control knobs, for a harmonious, integrated look. The cluster gauges feature a simpler design, with brushed painted halos highlighting only the tachometer and speedometer.
Exceptional seating comfort
The tailored seats are exceptionally soft and supportive with Nuance leather seating surfaces on the first and second row and leather appointed surfaces on the third row. Standard front bucket seats have 10-way power cushion adjusters for the driver and passenger, power adjustable side bolsters and power lumbar, power seatback recliners and independent heated seatbacks and cushions (three settings).
The second row also offers standard reclining bucket seats with heated cushions, and a second-row bench seat with heated outboard cushions is optional. The second-row seats can be flipped and folded for stowing cargo. The third-row bench seat can be flipped, folded or removed for maximum cargo flexibility, yet still offers spacious seating even for adults. In addition, the second and third-row seatbacks can be folded to create a flat load surface.
Strong, stiff body
Engineers built a high level of safety and security into Escalade ESV, beginning with an exceptionally strong and stiff body structure, thanks to a three-piece modular, full-length boxed frame featuring hydroformed rails and a stamped steel midsection.
Safety features
The Escalade ESV has dual-stage frontal air bags for both driver and passenger. The system is designed to detect vehicle deceleration and provide an appropriate amount of air-bag inflation. The system senses crash severity and deploys the air bag with the primary or "lower" amount of inflation or with primary and secondary "higher" amount of inflation.
The Escalade ESV features an automatic passenger-sensing air bag system that automatically deactivates the passenger-side front air bag under certain conditions to help protect smaller occupants. The system assesses the size of the occupant in the seat, based on the measured weight in the seat cushion and tension in the belt system, if any. If these measurements are typical for a small occupant or a child in a booster seat, for example, the air bag is disabled. If they are typical for a larger occupant, the air bag is enabled. As no system is perfect, there is a tell-tale in the rearview mirror that lets the occupant know if the system is ON or OFF. Also, children are always safer in the back seat. Side impact air bags are also standard for both the driver and front passenger. In addition, side-impact door beams and energy-absorbing foam blocks on the interior help protect occupants against head injuries.
Powertrain
The best-in-class Vortec H.O. 6000 6.0L V-8 makes the Escalade ESV the most powerful full-size SUV in the world with 345 horsepower at 5200 rpm (257 kw) and 380 lb.-ft. of torque (515 Nm) at 4000 rpm. The high-output engine links to the Hydra-Matic 4L60-E HD electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
The high-compression engine delivers strong acceleration with impressive low-end power and a strong, flat torque curve for excellent pull throughout the rev range. The key to the increased output is a set of special cast-aluminum cylinder heads that reduce weight, aid in engine cooling, produce a 10:1 compression ratio and provide better airflow in and out of the combustion chambers via bigger intake and exhaust ports. A larger, 75-mm throttle-body and a revised camshaft profile allow the engine to take full advantage of the increased airflow. The Vortec 6000 also incorporates an advanced electronic throttle control (ETC) system, which precisely tailors throttle progression to improve driveability, fuel economy and emissions. A specially tuned, less-restrictive exhaust with a redesigned catalytic converter system increases performance, eliminates the need for an air injection reaction system and helps Escalade ESV meet ultra low emissions vehicle (ULEV) certification requirements in California and other states with similar laws.
Hydra-Matic transmission
To handle the power of the Escalade's V-8, the ESV employs a Hydra-Matic 4L60-E HD electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. This smooth-shifting workhorse features a variety of internal enhancements to improve both torque capacity and durability. The Escalade ESV features a standard Trailer Towing Package, and has a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds (3,493 kg) - the equivalent to a fully loaded two-horse trailer.
Full-time all-wheel drive
High-performance engineers maintain the only amount of useful power is what can be delivered to the pavement. That's why the Escalade ESV features a standard full-time, all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. It automatically and continuously transfers power to the wheels in a smooth, imperceptible manner to maintain an optimum front-to-rear torque split and the best balance of handling characteristics under all operating conditions. Working seamlessly in conjunction with GM's advanced traction and stability control systems, the Escalade ESV uses the latest technology to optimize control and ride characteristics under any road or load conditions.
World-class technology, highly equipped
True to Cadillac's breakthrough engineering heritage, Escalade ESV combines some of the world's leading automotive technologies. Perhaps the most notable is GM's StabiliTrak System, which improves stability and traction on all road surfaces at all speeds, and is standard on Escalade ESV. With StabiliTrak also comes GM's computer-controlled Road-Sensing Suspension, a fully automatic system that improves body stability, ride comfort, trailering performance, wheel control and overall handling under all load conditions.
Smarter electrical systems
An advanced multiplexed electrical architecture makes running all of Escalade ESV's features and functions simple and effective. The architecture greatly reduces the number of wires, splices and connectors, minimizes weight, improves packaging efficiency, reliability, and durability and enables features such as the driver information center, infotainment and passenger-sensing system.
The vehicle is the roomiest, most powerful full-size luxury SUV available. It's 22 inches (55.9 cm) longer than Escalade, with more than 20 extra inches (50.8 cm) of interior length, translating into more premium seating and cargo-carrying capability.
"The Escalade ESV moves Cadillac into an all-new area of the luxury SUV market," said Kimberly McGill, Escalade marketing director. "Its unique blend of size, performance, comfort and sophistication set a high standard."
Its Vortec H.O. 6000 V-8 engine cranks out 345 hp (257 kw) at 5200 rpm and 380 lb.-ft. of torque (515 Nm) at 4000 rpm. That's more than enough power to handle steep grades or a heavily weighted two-horse trailer. The vehicle shares the same bold exterior design and commanding road presence as Escalade and Escalade EXT, along with the advanced-technology premium features that have made Escalade the leader - and an icon - in the full-size luxury utility segment.
In addition to AWD and StabiliTrak with Road Sensing Suspension (RSS), the vehicle offers Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, OnStar, XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only), a premium Bose sound system and a Bvlgari-designed analog clock, as well as a number of other standard luxury amenities. Plus, it has an available rear seat DVD system and a DVD-based navigation system that provides turn-by-turn directions to thousands of points of interest.
The Escalade ESV began production in December 2002.
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition
Cadillac has created the ultimate full-size luxury SUV with the Escalade ESV Platinum Edition, featuring the most lavishly appointed interior available in an Escalade, along with power, technology and a new level of sophistication.
The ESV Platinum Edition offers all of the amenities of the Escalade ESV, but adds numerous premium interior features and materials. "The exclusive Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition offers buyers unparalleled interior luxury," said McGill. "The vehicle caters to the customer who is seeking the highest level of premium content in a SUV."
The interior features an ebony and shale dash, as well as shale leather seating surfaces and pleated door panel bolsters. Walnut burl wood accents appear on the steering wheel, console, door pulls, window switch bezels and dashboard trim. Chrome trim highlights the steering wheel, speaker covers and gauge cluster, which features new, highly detailed graphics. New HVAC outlets have rubber thumbwheels and chrome-accented controls. A new, jeweled wreath and crest horn-pad emblem is found on all Escalades. A premium headliner with cloth-wrapped pillars creates a recording studio-like atmosphere for the driver and passengers.
The Platinum Edition is the first SUV to have heated and cooled first- and second-row bucket seats, and a center console with heated and cooled cupholders (with exclusive metallic mugs). Aluminum sill plates display the Cadillac script in the first and second row, and embroidered floor mats serve as finishing touches to the most luxurious Escalade interior yet.
The Escalade ESV Platinum Edition offers multiple forms of in-vehicle entertainment, including a Bose premium music system with a six-CD changer and nine speakers, XM Satellite Radio and a DVD-based navigation system. The navigation system has turn-by-turn directions and points of interest, such as banks, ATMs and gas stations, when needed. An industry exclusive, factory-installed rear-seat entertainment system with dual 7-inch screens and two sets of wireless headphones gives second and third row passengers a close, clear view of DVD movies or video games.
The boldly styled exterior receives tasteful enhancements, including factory-installed 20-inch chrome wheels with P275/55R20 tires, a slightly lowered stance (20 mm front/23 mm rear), a chrome grille and tasteful Platinum lettering on the liftgate.
The Platinum model comes in four exterior colors: White Diamond, Black Raven, Quicksilver and Red E.
Production begins in the fourth quarter of 2003, with a limited run of 5,000 vehicles per year.
Escalade ESV exterior style
Like all Escalades, the ESV's aggressive front-end is the vehicle's most distinctive exterior feature, distinguished by a large Cadillac wreath and crest and Cadillac's signature egg-crate grille. High intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with chrome bezels deliver a jewel-like appearance, and are integrated with rectangular parking lamps and turn signals. The vehicle's front fascia incorporates recessed tow hooks and rectangular fog lamps.
Harmonious, integrated interior
Inside, the instrument panel and cluster place more crucial operating data in front of the driver. Italian luxury brand Bvlgari designed the face of the analog clock, located in the console extension. An ebony background offsets the white facing of the graphics, as well as all control knobs, for a harmonious, integrated look. The cluster gauges feature a simpler design, with brushed painted halos highlighting only the tachometer and speedometer.
Exceptional seating comfort
The tailored seats are exceptionally soft and supportive with Nuance leather seating surfaces on the first and second row and leather appointed surfaces on the third row. Standard front bucket seats have 10-way power cushion adjusters for the driver and passenger, power adjustable side bolsters and power lumbar, power seatback recliners and independent heated seatbacks and cushions (three settings).
The second row also offers standard reclining bucket seats with heated cushions, and a second-row bench seat with heated outboard cushions is optional. The second-row seats can be flipped and folded for stowing cargo. The third-row bench seat can be flipped, folded or removed for maximum cargo flexibility, yet still offers spacious seating even for adults. In addition, the second and third-row seatbacks can be folded to create a flat load surface.
Strong, stiff body
Engineers built a high level of safety and security into Escalade ESV, beginning with an exceptionally strong and stiff body structure, thanks to a three-piece modular, full-length boxed frame featuring hydroformed rails and a stamped steel midsection.
Safety features
The Escalade ESV has dual-stage frontal air bags for both driver and passenger. The system is designed to detect vehicle deceleration and provide an appropriate amount of air-bag inflation. The system senses crash severity and deploys the air bag with the primary or "lower" amount of inflation or with primary and secondary "higher" amount of inflation.
The Escalade ESV features an automatic passenger-sensing air bag system that automatically deactivates the passenger-side front air bag under certain conditions to help protect smaller occupants. The system assesses the size of the occupant in the seat, based on the measured weight in the seat cushion and tension in the belt system, if any. If these measurements are typical for a small occupant or a child in a booster seat, for example, the air bag is disabled. If they are typical for a larger occupant, the air bag is enabled. As no system is perfect, there is a tell-tale in the rearview mirror that lets the occupant know if the system is ON or OFF. Also, children are always safer in the back seat. Side impact air bags are also standard for both the driver and front passenger. In addition, side-impact door beams and energy-absorbing foam blocks on the interior help protect occupants against head injuries.
Powertrain
The best-in-class Vortec H.O. 6000 6.0L V-8 makes the Escalade ESV the most powerful full-size SUV in the world with 345 horsepower at 5200 rpm (257 kw) and 380 lb.-ft. of torque (515 Nm) at 4000 rpm. The high-output engine links to the Hydra-Matic 4L60-E HD electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
The high-compression engine delivers strong acceleration with impressive low-end power and a strong, flat torque curve for excellent pull throughout the rev range. The key to the increased output is a set of special cast-aluminum cylinder heads that reduce weight, aid in engine cooling, produce a 10:1 compression ratio and provide better airflow in and out of the combustion chambers via bigger intake and exhaust ports. A larger, 75-mm throttle-body and a revised camshaft profile allow the engine to take full advantage of the increased airflow. The Vortec 6000 also incorporates an advanced electronic throttle control (ETC) system, which precisely tailors throttle progression to improve driveability, fuel economy and emissions. A specially tuned, less-restrictive exhaust with a redesigned catalytic converter system increases performance, eliminates the need for an air injection reaction system and helps Escalade ESV meet ultra low emissions vehicle (ULEV) certification requirements in California and other states with similar laws.
Hydra-Matic transmission
To handle the power of the Escalade's V-8, the ESV employs a Hydra-Matic 4L60-E HD electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. This smooth-shifting workhorse features a variety of internal enhancements to improve both torque capacity and durability. The Escalade ESV features a standard Trailer Towing Package, and has a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds (3,493 kg) - the equivalent to a fully loaded two-horse trailer.
Full-time all-wheel drive
High-performance engineers maintain the only amount of useful power is what can be delivered to the pavement. That's why the Escalade ESV features a standard full-time, all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. It automatically and continuously transfers power to the wheels in a smooth, imperceptible manner to maintain an optimum front-to-rear torque split and the best balance of handling characteristics under all operating conditions. Working seamlessly in conjunction with GM's advanced traction and stability control systems, the Escalade ESV uses the latest technology to optimize control and ride characteristics under any road or load conditions.
World-class technology, highly equipped
True to Cadillac's breakthrough engineering heritage, Escalade ESV combines some of the world's leading automotive technologies. Perhaps the most notable is GM's StabiliTrak System, which improves stability and traction on all road surfaces at all speeds, and is standard on Escalade ESV. With StabiliTrak also comes GM's computer-controlled Road-Sensing Suspension, a fully automatic system that improves body stability, ride comfort, trailering performance, wheel control and overall handling under all load conditions.
Smarter electrical systems
An advanced multiplexed electrical architecture makes running all of Escalade ESV's features and functions simple and effective. The architecture greatly reduces the number of wires, splices and connectors, minimizes weight, improves packaging efficiency, reliability, and durability and enables features such as the driver information center, infotainment and passenger-sensing system.