Although it was initially planned for the 2020 model year, we will have to wait for one more year to see the next generation of the company’s flagship SUV. The new 2021 Cadillac Escalade is about to come during the next year and we have pretty big expectations from it. The Navigator currently dominates the market and we are waiting for GM’s response. Therefore, the new model should come with loads of improvements. We are about to see a completely new design, as well as various kinds of tech features and other upgrades. The platform is ready, while the company is still brushing the final look.
Of course, we are about to see a completely new cabin, with more luxury and features. Finally, there’s a chance to see new powertrain options, although the current one will carry over for sure. Details about the launch date are still unavailable, but we expect to see the 2021 Cadillac Escalade sometime in the third quarter of the years. Of course, the premier could happen a little bit earlier, maybe even in the first half of 2020, at some of the major car shows.
2021 Cadillac Escalade Redesign
Big novelties are expected from this overhaul. Everyone talks about revolutionary styling changes. On the other side, mechanical changes will be rather evolutionary. There is a new T1 platform, which evolved from the previous one. However, this doesn’t mean anything bad. Moreover. The new architecture brings significant improvements in various aspects.
Thanks to the use of lightweight materials, the new model is expected to be lighter for about 200-300 pounds, which will surely make a notable improvement in terms of efficiency and overall driving characteristics. Among interesting novelties, we should also mention a new chassis setup, which would include an independent rear suspension. This should be a standard feature across the whole range of models, just like it’s the case with the new Navigator.
Styling
We still can’t talk about exact details, as the new model is still under a camouflage. On the other side, we may presume how the overall shape and some more basic characteristics would look like. First of all, we may expect that the 2021 Cadillac Escalade will become a little bit bigger and gain a couple of more inches in the wheelbase. This refers to the standard version. On the other side, a long-wheelbase model probably won’t get bigger changes in terms of size.
The overall styling philosophy should take a lot of inspiration from the Escala concept. We also expect many details borrowed from new XT4 and XT5 crossover, particularly in terms of lighting groups, which combine horizontal and vertical elements. The only thing that can be clearly seen at the moment is a new grille. It will be more massive than before and feature a new mesh pattern. Of course, the famous shield shape will remain.
Interior
When it comes to interior design, big novelties are about to come as well. Naturally, the most notable will be those on the dashboard. A completely new dash is about to come and it will include things like a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen on the center stack. We expect that most controls will be digitalized. Moreover, you may expect a new, shift-by-wire shifter at the center console, as one of the interesting novelties.
As we’ve just mentioned, the new model will probably get a couple of more inches in the wheelbase. This should solve some of the issues that characterize the current version. This primarily refers to the third row of seats, which is a little bit tight for the standards of full-size SUVs. Also, we presume that the company’s autonomous driving system called Super Cruise should be at least available as an option.
2021 Cadillac Escalade Engines
At this point, we know for sure that the current V8 engine will remain in the offer. Unlike the Lincoln, Cadillac will stick to eight cylinders. Base models will continue with a 6.2-liter V8, which is good for about 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Some reports also suggest a hi-performance version, which would probably feature the upgraded version of this engine, the same one we can find in Chevy Camaro, which delivers around 650 horsepower.
Finally, there is a big chance to see Cadillac’s new, 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8, which is characterized by pretty amazing efficiency. A max output would probably go around 550 horsepower. Of course, all engines would be paired with a new 10-speed automatic gearbox.
2021 Cadillac Escalade Release Date and Price
We expect to see the 2021 Cadillac Escalade in the next year. Most likely, sales will start in the third quarter. When it comes to the price, we probably won’t see a more significant increase, at least when it comes to the base version. The current model starts at around 75.000 dollars. The Navigator is definitely the biggest rivals, but there are also competitors like Toyota Land Cruiser, Range Rover, Lexus LX etc.
