The Cadillac Escalade 4WD V-Series

The Cadillac Escalade V-series on the run

Loud and proud are two words you can use to describe the new 2024 Cadillac Escalade 4WD V-Series. The loud emanates from the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine; the proud from its $161,980 price tag. We at Napleton News can get on board with being both. But when a huge SUV whose inside feels like a corporate jet comes our way, we’re ready to take off. So join us to see how the other half lives.

**Bird’s eye view of the 2024 Cadillac Escalade-V.**

What is the Cadillac Escalade 4WD V-Series?

Start with truck-based roots that began with the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon and then shoot for the moon. That’s pretty much what you’ll get with the Cadillac Escalade 4WD V-Series. Our sampler includes a brute of an engine. Here, that’s the monster 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that debuted in the C7 Corvette Z06 and gained legendary status in the Cadillac CTS-V and Cadillac CT5 Blackwing. In this application, it’s good for 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque.

**The Escalade-V’s 6.2-liter Supercharged engine shares architectural similarities with the CT5-V Blackwing’s supercharged V-8.**

But that’s not all.

Start with a 10-speed automatic transmission, as well as full-time active all-wheel drive and toss in an electronic limited slip differential for good measure. Then add GM’s air ride adaptive suspension and magnetic ride control found in cars ranging from the C8 Corvette Stingray to various Ferrari sports cars. Toss in adaptive cruise control, 22-inch wheels with 18-spokes per, and Cadillac V-series 20^th Anniversary badging because you can. The total package is good for a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.4 seconds.

How does the V-Series look?

**The rear fascia incorporates openings for quad exhaust outlets.**

Creased and angular, the 2024 Escalade is sharper than ever. While the lower trims are filled with brightwork, the V-Series features lots of blacked-out highlights, or in this case, lowlights that lend a more sinister look. The Cadillac grille is unmistakable, as is the massive size of this over-the-top sport utility vehicle.

What about inside the Escalade?

**The cabin’s appointments build on the Escalade’s Platinum trim interior.**

The inside is … massive. There’s that word again. It is huge, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row in the standard Escalade, but if it’s not big enough, there’s the Escalade V-Series ESV with 41.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat. With a pair of captain’s chairs in the second row, the Escalade V-Series carries seven passengers. Choose the no-cost bench seat in its place and there’s room for eight.

Technology wise, the V-Series doesn’t disappoint. Start with leather everywhere. Add a 38-inch OLED display which basically controls every feature inside. It’s a curved display that shows the vehicle’s gauges on the left and then displays controls for everything from navigation, smartphones, audio and climate control. It is especially useful in controlling the AKG 36-speaker premium audio system, which offered a full-throated audio experience.

**The view from the driver’s seat in the Escalade V-series.**

Super Cruise is on board but our sample was unsubscribed so we didn’t have a chance to put it through its paces.

Our tester also included the Escalade’s UltraView sunroof. It’s one of the largest in the industry and offers a true luxury feeling that opens up the interior even more.

How does the Escalade V-Series drive?

There’s just something about a supercharged engine. Is it the whirring of the supercharger itself? Is it the throaty growl from the exhaust manifold? Or is it just the roar of all those pulverized dinosaurs exploding in the eight cylinders of the 6.2-liter engine? Why, yes, to all three! The power from this big brute is massive, coming on with such a rush that it will surprise the driver and bystanders alike.

The Escalade V-Series SUV is a high-riding vehicle so we naturally took care to remain upright while turning in to a tight curve. The magnetic ride control firms up the suspension as needed. We could feel the Escalade hunker down when we accelerated. Once we achieved our desired velocity, we noticed the engine calms down, as did the noise that was coming into the cockpit.

It’s totally amazing this vehicle moves as quickly as it does. It’s even more so when you consider the Cadillac Escalade 4WD V-Series is nearly as big as a school bus.

Consider this the fastest school bus in the world.

2024 Cadillac Escalade 4WD V-Series Specification



Engine Type	6.2-liter Supercharged V8 engine
Horsepower	682 @ 6,000 hp
Torque	653 lb-ft @ 4,400
Transmission	10-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined/City/Hwy)	13/11/16 MPG
Suspension F/R	Independent / Independent Multi-link
Turning Circle	39.7 ft.
Also Available	Other engines and various trim levels.
Specs
Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	6 years/70,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	Not Rated
Max Seating Capacity	8 passengers
Wheelbase	120.9 inches
Overall Length	211.9 inches
Width	81.1 inches
Height	76.7 inches
Cargo Room (Behind 1st, 2nd 3rd row)	121.0/72.9/25.5 Cubic Feet
Headroom, Front	42.3 inches
Headroom, 2nd	38.9 inches
Headroom, 3rd	38.2 inches
Legroom, 1st	44.5 inches
Legroom, 2nd	41.7 inches
Legroom, 3rd	34.9 inches
Shoulder room, 1st row	65.5 inches
Shoulder room, 2nd row	64.6 inches
Shoulder room, 3rd row	62.7 inches