Its GM non-premium twins were spied for a couple of times. But now, we can witness that 2021 Cadillac Escalade will also get a huge redesign. The company is launching a new luxury SUV with a lot of changes. The latest rumors are mentioning the new engine as well.
After the success of the XT6, Cadillac launched XT4 and XT6 models. However, the XT lineup is not going to replace the legendary Escalade. Instead, General Motors is trying to make it the best full-size premium SUV in the US. Well, it will be one of the most versatile for sure. The upcoming model will perform better, on and off the road. A diesel engine is still possible, although its chances are lower since the new twin-turbo V8 is now in the game.
The redesign will bring a lot of interior and exterior changes. Heavily camouflaged mules are not showing too much. But, the good thing is that we see them. The entire industry will wait for more official information about the upcoming 2021 Cadillac Escalade. Here is what we know about it so far.
Possible Engines Updates
So, the rumors are speaking about the new drivetrain for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. We still don’t have clear info about it, but there are two most likely options. Engineers will use one of the existing powerplants. The first one coming to our mind is the Duramax diesel. A 3.0-liter I6 is producing 280 hp and 460 lb-ft for the Chevy Silverado truck. According to speculations, the entire GM’s SUV fleet will use it in the future. Well, this is a significant drop in power from the current level, but the turbodiesel is still a powerful engine to deliver enough energy for the big Escalade.
The other option is 4.2-l twin-turbo petrol V8. It is smaller than the current 6.2-liter unit, but the drivetrain is capable to create 500-550 horsepower. This could be a solution if the GM wants to deliver the performance-oriented version. The engine is currently available only for a similar model of the CTS sedan. The torque goes up to 650 lb-ft.
2021 Cadillac Escalade Will Carry Over A 6.2-Liter Unit
Well, both of these options are optional. The company will continue to use a 6.2-liter V8 as the main source of power for its largest premium SUV. We doubt a 5.3-liter will be offered, like for the Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon. The big V8 is ready to burst 420 horsepower for 8,400 pounds of towing capacity. Some experts say the new independent rear suspension will help Escalade achieve nearly 9,000 pounds or more.
A 10-speed auto transmission is smooth and transfers power to rear wheels. All-wheel drive is optional, while the big rig maintains a respectable fuel economy. Believe it or not, the V8 returns 18 mpg combined. Its main rivals can’t do better than 16, or even less.
The hybrid drivetrain is currently written off. The GM is not showing the enthusiasm for electrifying the smaller segment. So, we cannot expect big things in the full-size class. Ford is a step ahead here.
What is 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
The standard model is currently 202 inches long. However, there is an extended version that adds 22 inches. We believe the size of the new 2021 Cadillac Escalade will be pretty much the same. The ESV is the version with extra length and it will remain part of the lineup. The main advantage is huge cargo space. With 121 cubic feet, it is currently nearly 28 cu.ft. more than the base model can offer. The base SUV will be a seven-seater with plenty of space for all passengers. The capacity can raise to eight seats.
Will the EXT Truck Come Back?
From this point of view, we wouldn’t say so. However, there is a tiny chance of this to happen. The premium truck segment is missing members. Well, with reason – the interest is low. Also, GM is in some way present here. We can call the GMC Sierra Denali the only luxury truck in the market. So, the company doesn’t need another one, but it seems that the premium market is recovering.
Full-size trucks cost from $30,000 and the average price paid for such vehicles in the US is $45,000. So, definitely the truckers are willing to spend extra for the model they want. But, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade EXT wouldn’t be cheaper than $60k.
2021 Cadillac Escalade Release Date
Well, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade SUV will cost at least $80,000. New engines will make its price written by six digits. Precise pricing and details we will know after the Detroit Auto Show. Next summer will give a lot of responses, including the news about the new engines and redesign.
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