America seems mesmerized with the art of Supersizing. Not just with fast-food happy meals, but fast-fueled happy wheels as well. Take Cadillac's Escalade, Already beefy to start with, customers can add approximately 21 inches of mouth-watering sheet metal to the already luxurious sport utility by ordering a supersized ESV for just pennies extra (relatively speaking).
Pricewise, Escalade ESV easily wins the most expensive consumer Cadillac at the checkout counter honors. Coupon clipping won't help much. Size wise, this beast is longer than Chevrolet's venerable Suburban, the granddaddy of big sport utilities (born in 1935). Our ESV tester measures 21 inches longer than a standard length, three-row Escalade.
The five-door ESV comes with the choice of rear-drive or all-wheel drive, same as standard length models. Additionally, two more Escalade variants are available: a gas-electric hybrid (sharing dimensions with the base model) and all-wheel-drive EXT sport truck with cargo bed akin to a luxury-appointed answer to Chevrolet's Avalanche.
The last major Escalade redesign was the third-generation makeover four years ago; and age is starting to show. Little changes from 2010 save for a maintenance care program of complimentary oil changes, tire rotation and vehicle inspections for four years or 50,000 miles; coverage some luxury imports have offered for a while. The navigation system also receives upgrades in 2011.
Four trim levels are available in standard-sized and ESV: Base, Luxury, Premium and Platinum. Our opulent Platinum tester boasted just about every available option. While a standard-length Base Escalade checks in at $63,455, our Platinum ESV listed on the menu board for $88,295, including $950 extra for fries...err destination charge.
Still troubled an ESV isn't enough to impress friends in the hood? Well, Cadillac has one more happy meal die cast prize stowed behind the secret sauce, but its target audience is oh so selective. The current White House occupant (a.k.a. Big Cheese) rolls around in a tricked out limousine version based in part on an extended Escalade (dubbed 'Cadillac One') when on his way to official business, or waiting his turn at the drive-thru. Consider 'Cadillac One' a thank-you gesture General Motors extended to the Obama Administration for approving the $50 billion pay day loan a couple years back.
Both the base Escalade and extended ESV are powered by a returning 6.2-liter V-8 generating 402 horsepower. By comparison, the three-row Lexus LX 570 boasts a 5.7-liter V-8 delivering 383 horses while Lincoln's elongated Navigator L (shorter than ESV by six inches) gets by with a 5.4-liter V-8 cranking out an underachieving 310 horses.
Premium fuel is recommended for ESV, but not required; opt for premium to deliver best results. Another option is E85 (eighty-five percent ethanol), which may cost less than premium, but returns lower fuel economy numbers.
Speaking of fuel economy...if the $88,000 price tag isn't a concern, neither will ESV's mileage estimates. Together with six-speed, heavy-duty automatic transmission, our all-wheel-drive tester averaged 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. Keep in mind highway fuel mileage gets a boost from the 6.2-liter V-8's active fuel management, which temporarily and seamlessly shuts down four cylinders when cruising at highway speeds to conserve petro.
The five-door Escalade ESV is almost two-and-a-half feet longer than the Lexus LX 570 (79,455 starting price). The key difference; LX 570 includes more off-roading capabilities while Escalade opts for on-road tweaks including third-seat comfort. Escalade ESV pulls off a trifecta of third-row superiority. In a region known for head banging, six-footers have decent clearance. Theatre-style flooring (raised two inches above the middle row) helps knee comfort while easy accessibility completes the circuit.
Second-row bucket backs fold onto the cushions, then units tilt forward. It all happens hands-free with two taps of a side-mounted power button. For those mechanically inclined, this can be accomplished by hand via an outboard seat lever. The aisle created is wide enough for even less-than-agile adults to maneuver into row three thanks in part to the much appreciated side running boards. All ESV trims include bucket seats in row two. Standard sized Escalades offer a three-seat second row option.
Third-row seats may also be completely removed and stowed elsewhere. It's not recommended unless burly secret service agents are nearby to tackle the heavy lifting. Folks are better off folding third-row seatbacks and tumbling the unit forward, gaining more cargo space. Plenty of storage room is available in the cargo bay even with row three in use. Platinum editions include DVD screens built into front seat headrests, in addition to a fold-down ceiling screen viewable by row three.
Running boards along bottom side frames systematically motor down once strap-like door handles are pulled, paving the way for a much appreciated lift into all rows. Front seat passengers make use of an A-frame grab handle noticeably absent from the driver's side.
Elegant appointments inside include a central, analog clock (the type with a face) sporting Roman numerals displayed every quarter hour. It's directly above the eight-inch navigation screen. Below, the dual ventilation system includes a cadre of buttons. The two-tone dash includes soft touch nuances and wood-like paneling. Between stitched, leather-type, very supportive front bucket seats is a huge bin with electronic USB port and 12-volt power source. Nearby, side-by-side beverage holders include heating/ cooling options to keep refreshments temperate depending on the beverage.
No push start as Escalade opts for an ignition cylinder on the power tilt steering column's right side near the transmission shifter; just wish the column telescoped out as well (although it's heated). The four-spoke steering wheel, wrapped in leather, includes cruise control and secondary audio controls.
A power latch opens in dual fashion; the top window pops open for quick cargo bay trips, or the entire unit motors up via the key fob. A touch sensor on a horizontal grab handle also activates the gate, which when opened, provides enough head clearance for those up to six-feet tall. The prominent grille borrows CTS sedan cues with vertical headlight housing surrounding a large grille with horizontal planks and Cadillac's prominent crest front and center. Platinum editions include Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights that not only look elegant, but last 10 times longer than standard halogen bulbs. Rear side windows are deep tinted. The back end's squared off top corner differs from the more curved nuances of many crossover rivals. More than a couple of the DuPage County neighbors mockingly commented on the black test vehicle's hearse-like length (although there are worse ways of travel to a final resting spot).
While driver and passenger side mirrors tilt down when shifting into reverse, concaved glass tucked somewhere inside the housing would better monitor blind spots. However, if a vehicle travels in the unforeseen zone, amber icons in the mirror illuminate. Mirrors include a secondary arrow which blinks upon turn signal activation. For those who desire good road command with a high-view perch, Cadillac ESV delivers.
Tire noise is sometimes audible thanks to stately 22-inch tires. Platinum editions (and all Escalades with hulking 22-inches of rolling rubber) have magnetic ride control technology for enhanced motion control. This system's electronically controlled shocks take the place of conventional mechanical-valve types. Indeed, little to no bounce is experienced. However, even veteran reviewers sometimes find themselves bumping curbs with this Goliath when exiting Valli Produce parking lots.
As with most GM vehicles, OnStar comes standard. Escalade includes a one-year free subscription, including turn-by-turn navigation. Operating via the push of a blue button, this system puts occupants in audio touch with real people 24 hours a day. Powertrain coverage is for five years or 100,000 miles.
When ordering a supersized luxury delight, Escalade ESV delivers maximum street cred. Hold the pickles to eliminate any sour taste.
2011 Cadillac EscaladeOverall Length: 229.9 inches
Overall Height: 73.1 inches
Wheelbase: 130 inches
Engine: 6.2-liter V-8
Horsepower: 403
Price as tested: $88,295
Fuel economy: 13 mpg city, 18 mpg hwy.
Assembly: Arlington, Texas