The all-new 2015 Cadillac->ke18 Escalade has arrived! Official images followed a posh event in New York last night, debuting the production version of the new Cadillac->ke18 flagship.

After becoming quite familiar with the updates to the similar 2015 Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon Denali, it is clear that all three of these machines are vastly improved in almost every way. As the Cadillac->ke18 of the line, the Escalade naturally brings the best 420-horsepower, V-8 engine and third-gen magnetic shocks as standard.

The Caddy's exterior is defined by some striking LED lighting front and back. Luxury details abound inside the cabin, including special leathers and better seats than its cheaper siblings. Offered as a gurgling rear-drive or refined all-wheel-drive setup in regular or ESV sizes, the new Escalade is faster, smoother and more efficient than ever before.

The Escalade is still the king of the road in many places, and the new grille is certainly enough to grab some flash bulbs. This big truck looks great versus the previous three generations of Cadillac->ke18 full-size SUVs. With pricing and dimensions that put most other SUVs in "time out," the Escalade is tipped for pricing between $65,000 and $95,000 when it arrives in early Spring 2014.

Update 11/8/2013: The 2015 Cadillac Escalade is making tis auto show debut at the 2013 Miami International Auto Show->ke1718 today. We will bring you any new information that comes from this debut as soon as we hear it. Stay tuned!

Updated 01/20/2014: A leaked image of the 2015 Escalade reveals that the new SUV will arrive at dealerships this spring at a price of $71,695 - which represents a price increase of $3,725 over the previous year. (GM Inside News)

Updated 02/11/2014: Cadillac revealed a new video in which it highlights the SUV's new headlamps that combine the precision and execution of advanced technology with elegance and beauty of fine artistry.

Updated 06/02/2014: Cadillac unveiled a series of new images - about 80 - revealing new details of the exterior and the interior. Check them out in the "Images" tab.

Click past the jump for all the official launch details from Cadillac on the exciting new 2015 Escalade.

2015 Cadillac Escalade

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Cadillac Escalade
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 420
  • Torque: 455
  • Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The exterior of the Escalade is defined by the same glitterati strategy used to redecorate the previous Tahoe-based models. A huge, new grille features a chrome exterior edge lining the lower part of the hood and the bumper corners.

Inside the grille, yet more chrome appears in three flowing wings of horizontal stakes. The gigantic Wreath and Crest logo appears without the latest Elmiraj badge and other cues, indicating this big boy was approved well before this latest brand strategy re-think.

Lined in more chrome, the grille emblem is also a clear face for the active safety tech on this generation of SUVs.

To the side of the massive grille, which only comes in chrome as of yet, and not a more subtle stainless or matte finish, are twin stacks of LED lights.

There are five sections of the LED headlamps:

- LED daytime running light blades, lower bumpers

- LED daytime running light blades, outer headlights

- LED indicator blade and side light, outer headlights

- LED low beam crystal lenses, middle headlight stack

- LED high beam crystal lenses, inner headlight stack

The lights look good, and promise to be more affordable than the previous Escalade option of LED lights on the top-range Platinum trim. Interesting fact, the Escalade Platinum was the first-ever car to offer LED lighting for low and high beams.

So, the LED tradition continues with a new look that more closely matches the latest CTS. It is overall slightly underwhelming from up front though.

In profile, the big Caddy is defined by the same graceful and Audi-esque shoulder crease and hugely refined shapes for all the doors. Flush fitting and now triple sealed, the Escalade also brings power-operated running boards. These flop down quickly, making it less likely to trip over them when exiting the car. This is no fun, and causes head splat against pavement in the Navigator, with its slow power running boards.Finishing off the side view are standard 20-inch rims or with optional 22s.

In back, yet more underwhelming features are barely more interesting than the Suburban and Yukon. A new LED tube design shoots up the D-pillars before making a point just below the roof. While perhaps interesting on the road at night, these are pretty blatant recreations of the Volvo 850 wagon from two decades ago.

The central brake light is now just a small line at the top of the tailgate, in a pinkish red that does not match the red of the other LEDs.

Pretty disappointing how few new ideas are present in the Escalade versus the Chevy and GMC models.

LED Headlights Detail

LED Brake Lights Detail

2015 Cadillac Escalade - Key Exterior Updates

- New inlaid doors fit into the body side openings instead of over the top of the body, significantly reducing wind noise and contributing to improved aerodynamics

- Laminated windshield and front door glass to enhance quietness

- Lightweight aluminum hood and liftgate panels enhance efficiency through reduced overall mass

- A standard rear spoiler on the liftgate houses a relocated rear window wiper that is hidden when not in use

- New worm screw-style liftgate arms take up less interior space than the previous gooseneck arms

- A stronger frame and a wider rear track that contributes to a more planted stance

- LTZ models include third-generation magnetic ride control, a real-time damping system that delivers more precise body motion control by “reading” the road every millisecond and changing damping in just five milliseconds.

- Eighteen-inch standard wheels that are a half-inch wider, reducing tire flex for improved cornering performance. Twenty- and 22-inch wheels are available.

- New, electric variable-assist power steering system enhances fuel economy and tailors steering assist to vehicle speed.

- New four-wheel-disc brake system with Duralife™ brake rotors that offer up to double the service life, along with brake pedal revisions that improve pedal feel for stronger-feeling, more-confident braking performance.

Interior

The Escalade is most altered inside versus the GMC and Chevy SUVs. A standard 12.3-inch display panel forms the main gauges with configurable settings, and the largest and newest CUE system steps in for Chevrolet's MyLink.

Cue is not well liked, with touch-sensitive buttons that register temp changes by a finger sliding across. Electrostatic switches are cool, but take a few tries to master versus simple knobs.

The interior is now much more comfortable and versatile for the hauling and family-transport duties that full-size SUVs are known for. An extra four inches of front legroom is welcome, as are the newly redesigned seats with far better support and adjustment that ever before.

An extra 1.5 inches of headroom up front was barely needed but is welcome for the extra visibility it offers. This is slightly less headroom than the Chevy `Burban and Yukon, which do not have the same moonroof as standard.

Connectivity takes a huge leap forward, as does smoothness and quietness on the road. The flush-mounting doors lessen wind noise dramatically versus the old doors whose edges continued into the roof.

Active safety tech is also front and center on the Escalade (as well as its siblings) via an optional Driver Assistance package.

The biggest news is regarding the back seats. This third row is now a power-operated folding design that creates a completely flat load floor.

Folding Seats Detail

2015 Cadillac Escalade - Cargo Area Comparison Detail

Note: these images show the previous 2013 Yukon Denali versus the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban, but all share the latest folding seats and revised power tailgate.

The second row, which previously folded but did not create a flat load floor, is also greatly improved with another flip forward function so make room to jump in the way back seat.

Total cargo hauling room is slightly less than last year, but the two numbers cannot be compared because of the previous seat removal requirement.

2015 Cadillac Escalade - Key Interior Updates

- Fold-flat second- and third-row seats that enhance cargo convenience – including an available power-folding feature

- Approximately two inches greater legroom for second-row passengers, along with easier entry/exit

- Up to six USB ports and six power outlets – including a 110-volt three-prong outlet – to support electronic devices of all kinds (up to 12 charging locations)

- Available rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens (Suburban only) and Blu-ray DVD player

- Conversation mirror in the overhead console that provides a panoramic view of the rear seats

- Keyless entry and push-button start

Powertrain, Suspension and Brakes

The Escalade gets the top-ranked 6.2-liter, V-8 engine as standard in rear-drive configuration. This engine now has direct injection and crates more NVH and insulation materials to keep it much quieter than ever before under acceleration.

The new Escalade is set to be one of the quietest and most refined cars ever made by General Motors, with a highway decibel rating far lower than the Chevy and even the GMC models.

Optional 4x4 setups ensure the Cadillac->ke18 will always be one of the most capable machines on the road in deep snow, rain or ice.

2015 Cadillac Escalade - Mechanical Details

Engine

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

Fuel

Gasoline

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Powertrain Layout

Font-engine, Rear-drive (4x4 Opt)

Power (Horsepower)

420

Torque (Torque)

455

0-60 mph (Seconds)

6.8, est

Top Speed (MPH)

130, est

EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined)

16/22/18, est


Safety

A new central airbag lives between the front seats, promising less contact between driver and passenger heads in certain crashes. Note: the photo above shows the Chevy Traverse - which also has this feature.

The 2015 trucks have totally redesigned stability, traction and ABS for better confidence on the roads. They also bring Brake Assist and brake force distribution as standard to all models.

The laundry list of active safety innovations is quite impressive, and they will most likely be offered together as part of a $2,000 Driver Assistance Package.

As much as active safety tech is irritating in most cars, the large dimensions of the Escalade are easier to manage with some technology helping out.

2015 Cadillac Escalade - Safety Features

- Forward collision alert

- Front park assist

- Lane departure warning

- Lane change assist

- Rear cross traffic alert

- Adaptive cruise control

- Front and rear automatic braking

- Safety Alert Seat

- Standard head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for both seating rows.

- Standard seat-mounted side-impact air bags for driver and right-front passenger provide thorax and pelvic protection.

- StabiliTrak electronic stability control system helps reduce the risk of rollover crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver’s intended path by applying throttle, braking or a combination of both.

- Available Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist that can detect certain stationary objects in the rearward path of the vehicle and send an audible warning sound.

- Rearview camera system

- Side blind zone alert is standard

- Standard four-wheel-disc brake system with ABS featuring smooth, quiet operation, longer pad life and more resistance to brake pulsation.

- Pretensioners minimize forward movement during a collision, and are standard on the front safety belts. Load-limiting retractors cinch the belt more tightly.

- LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat attachment system, which is included in all second-row seating positions.

- Tire pressure monitoring system, standard on all models.

- Standard remote keyless entry (RKE) system provides a second function for the red panic button. Drivers can it to locate their cars without sounding the panic alarm.

- Strong body structure to absorb crash energy and provide a protective “safety cage” around occupants.

Pricing

The 2015 Cadillac Escalade is priced from $72,690. For that sticker, customers can take home an SUV in standard trim and with two-wheel drive. The range-topping model begins at $81,190. The four-wheel drive option adds $3,000 to each trim level. The slightly longer ESV model fetches $3,000 more than each of its regular body counterparts.

2015 Chevy, GMC and Cadillac SUV - Styling Comparison

Competition

Lexus LX 570

We're still waiting for information on the 2014 Lexus LX 570, but we're nearly 100-percent certain that it will simply carry over from the 2013 model year. Under its hood is a 5.7-liter, V-8 powerplant that produces 383 horsepower and 403 pound-feet of torque.

The LX 570 is plenty posh and roomy on the inside, with up to 83.1 cubic feet of room and 158.9 cubic feet of total interior room.

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

The 2014 GL-Class comes in four flavors, making it far more versatile than the current Escalade, and we can only hope that Cadillac ups the ante to add more driveline options for 2015. The GL-Class starts with the GL350 BlueTEC with its 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine that produces 240 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. Then it moves up to the GL450 4MATIC, which comes with a 4.7-liter, V-8 engine that produces 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The GL550 4MATIC comes with a 4.7-liter, V-8 that produces 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Lastly, there is the GL63 AMG with a 5.5-liter, V-8 powerplant that produces 550 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque.

Granted, the upper levels of the GL-Class are far more expensive than the Escalade, but this just goes to show that the aging Caddy has plenty of room to grow.

Chevrolet Suburban

The Sub is very similar to the GMC Yukon XL in every way. In fact, before the Yukon XL name hit the GMC lineup, GMC called its biggest SUV the Suburban also.

The choice for the Sub versus Yukon XL in this generation looks tougher than ever, thanks to a classier nose up front than the Suburban's grin and far better LED headlight accents than the simple slash of the Chevy models.

Ultimately, most people will just buy whichever one has the closest dealership.

GMC Yukon Denali XL

The Denali XL is also expect to move up a price bracket for 2015, from about $57,000 up to a base of around $59,000. While the Yukon and Suburban both come well-equipped as standard with the eight-inch touchscreen, they make the vast majority of all the other features optional by package or trim level. This can make buying one a bit more tedious than the Denali, which comes in only two flavors: loaded or ridiculously loaded.

Generally, the Denali XL will be around $5,000 less than a similarly-equipped Escalade.

Conclusion

A new Escalade is almost always met by a flurry of orders for people impatient with the old-fashioned features and driving of the previous trucks.

Something about the roll-up to the Escalade reveal seemed to indicate that the Escalade would really move the brand forward in both tech and style. Forward toward Range Rovers, but also past the current shared setups with the Yukon Denali.

Sadly, that does not seem to be the case. Much as Cadillac->ke18 is deservedly proud of its new interior craftsmanship, it usually takes more than some glued-on leatherette for the dashboard to sway luxury buyers.

Even so, the Escalade is really in a class of one. Nothing else offers this type of performance, interior seating and hauling room, and all-weather towing abilities.