What you're looking at is not just the most powerful Escalade, but the most powerful Cadillac and the most powerful Full-Size SUV ever. Yes, the 6.2 small block under the hood has been worked on to offer some serious power upgrades. While it won't be no track weapon, the added performance hardware has certainly transformed this Escalade. But crucially, is it worthy of the revered V badge? Well, read on to find out.

Overview

It was earlier this year in January that Cadillac released just five images of a full-blown V-Spec Escalade. We had no idea about the interior or engine specs of the vehicle. Well, that wait is finally over, and just as Cadillac had promised that the Escalade-V would be here by spring, the performance SUV is finally here.

Now the V moniker is only reserved for the most high-performance models in Cadillac’s line up and sure enough, the folks at GM have worked hard to give it the full-blown V-treatment. The upgrades and enhancements aren’t just visual, but run skin deep.

Exterior

We already knew what the exterior looked like. In order to convey sportiness, this Caddy has ditched all the chrome for blacked-out trim and I have to say, it sure does help cut back on the bling that the Escalade is so synonymous with. Don’t get me wrong, the grille is still big and brash, but not as in your face, thanks to the black treatment.

You’ll also find more black trim around the window surrounds, and the trim around the aggressive rear diffuser. There are enough V badges on the bodywork and proper exhaust units to let people know exactly what they’re looking at and if that wasn’t enough, the 22” gunmetal gray wheels with sporty red Brembo brake calipers should be able to give it off.

2023 Cadillac Escalade-V exterior dimensions

Interior

We didn’t get to see the interior of the Escalade-V back in Jan. But in keeping with the sporty theme, the V builds on the already impressive cabin of the regular Escalade. The all-black theme that Cadillac likes to call the platinum interior. The glossy Zebra wood certainly adds a dash of panache and you’ll find semi-aniline leather seats in all three rows with the heated/cooled and massaging Blackwing front bucket seats.

As for the driver information and infotainment screen, you’ve got the same 38” OLED curved display that features GM’s brilliant super-cruise driver assistance system. It makes use of a bunch of sensors and LiDAR to offer Level 2 autonomy for a more relaxed drive. For a more immersive sound experience, you’ve got a 36-speaker AKG audio system. You’ve also got speakers in the headrests of the front seats.

2023 Cadillac Escalade-V interior dimensions

Performance

Okay, it's now time to address the elephant in the room. It is what makes this Caddy a true V, the engine. But it's not just any engine, it is in fact the same mill that we’ve seen in the proper speed machines like Cadillac’s very own CT5 Blacking and the Camaro ZL1. The 6.2-Liter small-block V-8 has been tinkered with and is now rocking a bigger 2.65-liter R2650 TVS Supercharger} as opposed to a 1.7-liter supercharger on the sedan.

It spins to an insane 13,000 rpm and offers 10 pounds of boost. The result? A colossal 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque. This engine is hand-built at Chevy’s Corvette assembly plant in Bowling green, Kentucky. These numbers puts the Escalade V in the company of some of the fastest SUVs on the market. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission, I can’t imagine a stick shift with the Escalade.

2023 Cadillac Escalade-V specifications

Ride & Handling

As for the ride, the Escalade V has to do justice to the badge and as a result, comes with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 along with an air-ride adaptive air suspension system, all in a bid to offer a superior drive. You’ve got four-wheel independent suspension and an electronic limited-slip diff. The added hardware should help contain body roll, allowing you to exploit the 6.2 mill to the fullest.

With the dedicated V-mode on the steering wheel, the driver can alter a bunch of stuff like the engine performance based on the drive mode, the sound of that V-8, the stiffness of the suspension, the steering ferocity, and the brake pedal feel, and finally the AWD system. Launch control is also offered and believe it or not, but the Escalade-V can also tow up to 7000 pounds. Not bad eh, especially since it is unlikely that any V owner will ever use it.

Conclusion

Impressed with what you see? Well first of all, with the ongoing chip crisis, it’ll be a while before you can get your hands on one. When you’re ready for it, be prepared to write out a cheque for a whopping $149,990. Also, not factoring in the dealer markups if any. The long-wheelbase Escalade ESV will also get the V-treatment and will set you back another three grand. Both SUVs will go on sale in late Summer this year.