Exterior & Styling

When I saw the first press images of the all-new Escalade, I was aghast. The new front grille seemed way too extravagant for what is essentially an all-American SUV. Then I saw it in black-metallic painted flesh at the Detroit auto show and realized that this would be a big seller. I've only seen black Escalades on the streets, and I was delighted to receive the dark blue test vehicle. How do you tone down all the chrome? Get a subtle color like this blue. Overall I'm a bigger fan of the traditional look of the Range Rover, but it's easy to see why people are attracted to this Escalade.

The front is overwhelmed by the multi-faceted chrome grille, so much so that you barely notice the huge headlights. In back, vertical LED taillights add a high-end touch and — if you think about it — tie this un-car-like SUV right into the rest of Cadillac's lineup. Large chrome wheels finish off the package, and while I would opt for something more practical, they weren't at all gaudy. Even as someone well outside any of the target markets for the Escalade — I'm neither hip nor old enough to be a former Cadillac owner — I felt comfortable being seen behind the wheel.

    See also:

    RDS (Radio Data System)
    The radio may have RDS. The RDS feature is available for use only on FM stations that broadcast RDS information. This feature only works when the information from the radio station is available. In ...

    Antilock Brake System (ABS)
    This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent a braking skid. When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to drive away, ABS ...

    Remote Door Unlock Feedback
    This feature allows you to select the type of feedback you will receive when unlocking the vehicle with the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) or keyless access transmitter, or when the vehicle is a ...