The Cadillac Escalade may have lost its pop-culture credibility in recent years, but it's still a popular SUV->ke145 by all accounts. The launch of the all-new 2015 model continues a proud tradition for the American automaker. But Cadillac->ke18 still didn't take long to offer numerous enhancements to the just-launched Escalade when it announced the launch of the range-topping Escalade Platinum Collection.

As you can expect, the Platinum Collection has a lot of shiny, new hand-crafted luxury additions to both the exterior and interior of this hulking luxury SUV, providing new incentives for buyers to toss moolah in Cadillac's direction. That's what customers are expected to receive with the new Escalade Platinum Edition and yet, it's not the only change Cadillac has given to the new Escalade.

Equally important updates come in the form of new tech features for the entire Escalade range, beginning with the base model all the way to the Platinum Collection. A new eight-speed automatic transmission is now standard on all models, replacing the six-speed automatic version that came with the first wave of 2015 Escalade models. The new batch of luxury SUVs will also receive 4G LTE connectivity with a WiFi hotspot courtesy of OnStar, as well as the Surround View technology that provides a bird's-eye view of the immediate vicinity surrounding the Escalade.

It's a little surprising that Cadillac already has updates for the Escalade so soon after the new model was launched. It's unlikely we'll see the Escalade receive the same pop culture treatment it once did, but for what it's worth, this luxury SUV will continue to have a place in the market now and in the future.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Cadillac Platinum Collection.

2015 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Collection

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Collection
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 420
  • Torque: 455
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Its arrival in the market also continued a new styling era for Cadillac and the Escalade was the recipient of some strikingly new exterior details. The new LED lighting in the front and rear are unquestioned highlights of the new-look Escalade, but we already saw that when Caddy launched the model.

The Escalade Platinum Collection is different because it comes with a handful of updated design elements, beginning with its unique grille design and the increased amount of chrome accents.

It also has a new set of 22-inch wheels to call its own. Likewise, the new streamlined Cadillac Crest makes its debut on the Escalade and the "Platinum" exterior badging is a pretty good indicator that these models received more tender love and care than the first batch of 2015 Escalade models.

Interior

The exterior may not be dramatically different from the first batch of Escalade models; in fact, other than the new mesh grille on the outside, all the Platinum Collection's additions take a very keen eye to spot. The interior, on the other hand, is a different story. The upgrades are pretty remarkable for a model that's been on the market for such a short period of time.

The use of Nappa semi-aniline leather on the front- and second-row seats a key part of making the model feel much more upscale. The same can be said for the hand-stitched and hand-wrapped leather on the dash, center console, and upper door panels. Customers can even choose between two interior environments, each coming with exotic wood accents and a sueded microfiber headliner trim.

The Platinum Collection also features heated and cooled, 18-way power front seats. Shoot, there's even a massage function on the driver's seat.

Folks in the back also get some special treatment, as the Platinum Collection includes a pair of seven-inch LCD screens embedded in the rear head rests. In a strange twist, these screens actually complement an existing nine-inch, overhead screen.

Finally, a cooled center console compartment is a standard feature in the 2015 Escalade Platinum.

These are all big-boy improvements that I honestly didn't expect to happen this soon in the life of the new Escalade. But if it means driving more interest in the Escalade, then more power to Cadillac for thinking ahead of its own curve.

Drivetrain

The Cadillac Escalade Platinum Collection will continue to feature a 6.2-liter, V-8 engine that produces 420 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. Fortunately, Cadillac has mated that engine to a new, eight-speed automatic transmission, which should make for a more balanced drive across the added gears.

Its 0 to 60 mph sprint time is expected to stay at somewhere around the high-six-second mark, while top speed will also stay at about 130 mph.

Engine

6.2-liter EcoTec3 16-valve V-8 With DI, OHV And VVT

Fuel

Gasoline

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Power

420 HP

Torque

455 LB-FT

0-60 mph (Seconds)

6.8, est

Top Speed (MPH)

130, est


Prices

The 2015 Cadillac Escalade Platinum will carry a price tag of $90,270, including $995 in destination charges. That's almost $10,000 more expensive than the previous range-topping price tag of $81,190.

Meanwhile, the added enhancements on the entire range of Escalade models only tacks on an extra $1,275 into the equation for a new base price of $73,965, including destination.

Competition

GMC Yukon Denali XL

Remember when the 2014 Yukon Denali XL was being ridiculed for looking cartoonish? Well, GMC responded to those taunts by revamping the look of the Yukon Denali XL to make it more appropriate for the times.

The new GMC full-size SUV is also well-equipped with plenty of new tech features that would've given it an edge over its cousin, the Escalade, had Caddy kept the new Platinum Collection trim in its holster.

The base price of the Denali only hits at around $57,000 but with the XL trim, that price goes up into the neighborhood of the Escalade.

Conclusion

People might wonder why Cadillac seemed to rush an update on the Escalade so soon after the new-generation model was unveiled. I personally like the way Caddy kept working on the Escalade to make it better than we expected it to be after such a short time.I'm still not overly excited about paying that much for an Escalade, but for those who have no problems spending that kind of money, the Escalade Platinum Collection will serve these fine folks well. At the very least, they stand to get free back massages. That counts for something, right?