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    Categories: Cadillac

2011 Cadillac Escalade

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade is ranked number 1 out of 9 Luxury large SUVs. It sets the standard by which other luxury sport utility vehicles (SUV) are measured because of its luxurious interior, impressive technology and powerful presence. The Escalade has been a favorite luxury SUV of high profile individuals everywhere since it was introduced. It is a 4-door vehicle that can seat up to 8 passengers.

The roomy interior is trimmed in elegant brushed aluminum accents and polished chrome than can comfortably accommodate 8 adults. Luxurious details feature supple leather trims, 14-way adjustable front seats and an audio system with a premium 10-speaker 5.1 surround system and a leather-wood trimmed steering wheel that’s adjustable.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SUV Base Price: $63,455.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 26 gallons (98 liters) MPG: 14 city / 18 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 202.5 in. (514 cm) Width: 79 in. (200.6 cm)
Height: 75.9 in. (192.7 cm) Wheel Base: 116 in. (295 cm)
Curb Weight: 5488 lbs (2489 kg) Ground Clearance: 9 in. (22.8 cm)
Luggage Capacity w/ all Seats in: 16.9 cu ft Maximum Seating: 7 people
Performance
Engine: 16-valve OHV V8 Displacement: 6.7 liters
Horsepower: 403 HP Max RPM: 5700 RPM
Torque: 417 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 7.0 seconds Max Towing Capacity: 8100 lbs (3674 kgs)
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Escalade Luxury MSRP: $69,570; MPG: 14 city / 18 hwy
Option:Escalade Premium MSRP: $71,960; MPG: 14 city / 18 hwy
Option:Escalade Platinum MSRP: $82,585; MPG: 14 city / 18 hwy

Performance

The Escalade has been a favorite of the test drivers because of its powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine that achieves 403-horsepower and a 417 pound-feet of torque. It is a six-speed automatic with a standard manual-shift feature. The escalade further features a cylinder deactivation technology that shuts down four of the engine’s eight cylinders for improved fuel economy. The Escalade runs 14mpg-in the city and 18-mpg in the highway.

Exterior

The Escalade comes in four trim levels: Base, Luxury, Premium and Platinum Editions. There are also hybrid, extended length model (ESV) and the pick-up style (EXT) available. The Base model comes with standard 18-inch wheel, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, power folding and driver-side auto-dimming outside mirrors, power lift gate, automatic xenon headlights, fog lights and running boards. Escalade Luxury features a 22-inch cast-aluminum wheel, automatic headlight high-beams, a blind-spot warning system, a suspension that comes with an active damping system, a sunroof, a power-folding and tumbling second-row seats and heated steering wheel.

The Escalade Premium features a power-retractable running boards and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with a single roof-mounted display. Additional features includes chromed 22-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, upgraded leather upholstery, leather-trimmed dashboard and door tops with contrast stitching, heated and cooled cup holders and a headrest-mounted-dual screen DVD entertainment system. The Platinum offers a blend of technical innovations and aesthetic enhancements, including a unique 22-inch wheel and exterior badges exclusive only to Escalade Platinum. A unique feature in the Platinum is the Magnetic Ride Control that gives more precise body motion control. The instrument panel, center storage console and door trim are all leather wrapped.

The 2011 Escalade’s design has taken SUV’s into a more elegant status. The Escalade has three exterior stylings namely the Escalade with a four-door SUV; Escalade ESV with an extended wheelbase model; and the Escalade EXT with a small truck bed-feature with an enclosed cargo area.

Interior

The interior of the Escalade has a unique instrument panel that is a defining attribute to the SUV. It includes gauges with white needles and blue inlays and white LED backlighting. The spacious cabin includes heated and cooled 14-way powered leather seats that can accommodate 7 to 8 passengers comfortably. The second row seat can be folded for easy access to the third-row seat. The cargo space behind the third row seat is 16.9 cubic feet.

When the third row seat is removed, it creates cargo space of up to 60.3 cubic feet. But removing the third row means removing it from the SUV unlike other competitors that the third row seat folds into the floor. A standard power-assisted rear lift gate that opens and closes with only a touch of a button is also featured. The Escalade also features an eight-inch touch screen navigation system and a digital surround sound system with dual play (CD/DVD) and MP3.

Safety & Handling

On the road, the Cadillac Escalade delivers a swift acceleration at all speeds. Its handling gives confidence especially with the Magnetic Ride Control suspension. It comes with four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes and StabiliTrak that uses a computer to detect unsafe conditions which then selectively applies the brakes to each wheel and uses the throttle to maintain vehicle control.

The federal government gave the Escalade a score of five stars for the occupant protection in front crash test and five stars in the side crash test rating. The Escalade has a 10-year/100,000 mile transferrable warranty which is longer than most luxury SUV has to offer.

Reliability

The Escalade earned a score of 8.0 out of 10 in the Predicted Reliability rating done by J.D. Power. These Safety and Reliability scores are based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality dependability data specifically on the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS).

The Competition

Because of certain feature on the Escalade, such as the third row seat situation when it comes to cargo loading, the Infiniti QX56 (MSRP $58,700; 14 city / 20 hwy), Land Rover LR4 (MSRP $47,650; 12 city / 17 hwy), and the Mercedes Benz GL-Class (MSRP $60,950; 17 city / 21 hwy) are better suited for frequently carrying of full load or passengers. They are also easier and more responsive when it comes to handling. But the Land Rover LR4’s 22 inch rims that don’t look fit on an SUV and Mercedes Benz GL’s which does not fit well as good as it does on the Escalade.

Pricewise, the Infiniti QX56 is less than the Escalade while the Mercedes Benz costs way more than the Escalade.

Here is a list of the Pros and Cons of the 2011 Cadillac Escalade:

Pros:

  • Virtual presence is unmatched
  • Has a ling list of standard features
  • Good V8 engine
  • Strong Acceleration
  • Decent Handling

Cons

  • Lack of leg room on the third row seat
  • Third row seat must be removed to maximize cargo space
  • Low fuel economy

Overall Rating
74 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Cadillac Escalade delivers solid, luxurious, and spacious accommodations with an advanced feature set. If you can live with the thirst of non-Hybrid models, it’s unbeatable.”Car Connection

“Though this is a large vehicle, Escalades are stable and confident in low-to-moderate speed changes of direction.”Consumer Guide

“The plush interior is quiet and the ride is comfortable, but handling is clumsy and braking distances are long.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Unmatched visual presence; long list of standard features; gutsy V8; civilized road manners.”Edmunds

“Fuel economy is not the Escalade’s strong suit (nor is being inconspicuous). There is an Escalade Hybrid for the fuel-conscious and a host of less-flashy but equally-comfortable competitors for those who prefer something less ostentatious.”KBB

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