Cadillac is expanding its V-Series lineup with the Escalade-V, the industry's most powerful full-size SUV
Parth
Auto Tech
5 min read

Cadillac is expanding its V-Series lineup with the Escalade-V, the industry’s most powerful full-size SUV

  • Unique V-Series front and rear fascias 
  • Quad exhaust outlets
  • Exclusive Six-Piston Brembo front brakes  
  • Edge Red brake calipers
  • Unique 22-inch aluminum wheels 
  • Standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, with uniquely tuned rear air springs and damper hardware, as well as V-Series specific software calibrations 
  • Selectable V-Mode with driver-customizable performance driving settings, lowered suspension, and active exhaust valves that control the throaty V-8 growl
  • V-Series badging on the driver and front passenger doors, liftgate, and throughout the interior, including the steering wheel
  • Platinum trim interior featuring Zebra Wood decor with semi-aniline leather on all three rows, and heated/ventilated and massaging1 front seats 
  • Escalade’s signature curved OLED with 38 inches of total diagonal display
  • AKG Studio Reference 36-speaker audio system

With the full-time active all-wheel-drive system to enhance traction, along with the supercharged engine, Cadillac expects the Escalade-V to be capable of 0-60 mph sprints in under 4.4 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.74 seconds at 110 mph based on initial GM testing.

A supercharged legacy and AWD grip 

Rated at a GM-estimated 682 horsepower at 6,000 engine rpm and 885 Nm of torque at 4,400 engine rpm, the Escalade-V’s 6.2L hand-built supercharged and intercooled engine builds on a legacy of supercharged V-8 engines offered in Cadillac V-Series models, those being the second-and third-generation CTS-V models, the XLR-V, and most recently, the CT5-V Blackwing. 

The Escalade-V’s engine shares architectural similarities with the CT5-V Blackwing’s supercharged V-8 but features a larger, 2.65L R2650 TVS supercharger that helps overcome the higher inlet and exhaust restrictions on the full-size SUV application. It spins at up to 13,500 rpm to produce approximately 10 pounds of boost and has an electronically controlled bypass valve for optimal drivability. The supercharger’s unique four-lobe rotors are designed to broaden the engine’s power band, with great low-end torque production and strong high-rpm power.

 

Cadillac is expanding its V-Series lineup with the Escalade-V, the industry's most powerful full-size SUV

The rest of the engine is designed to support the high output and the greater cylinder pressures that come with forced induction, including a durable forged-steel crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods, and forged aluminum pistons. The aluminum cylinder heads are stronger and handle heat better than conventional castings. The heads also feature lightweight titanium intake valves.

A 10-speed automatic transmission pairs with the engine and features calibration for the unique powerband characteristics of its supercharging system.

The transmission sends transferred torque to an advanced, full-time active all-wheel-drive system that splits torque between the front and rear wheels for optimal traction and driver control in all conditions. The system varies the torque split depending on conditions, but some torque is always directed to the front wheels.