Cadillac’s most expensive model series, the Escalade, is getting old and GM knows it. The numbers speak for themselves with the regular Escalade seeing its sales drop by 16.3 percent last year; from 15,079 units in 2011 to 12,615, the long wheelbase ESV by -3.6 percent to 8,083 deliveries and the EXT pickup truck version by -5.0 percent to 1,934 units.
The General isn’t sitting with its arms crossed, though, as work on the fourth generation of Cadillac’s full-size premium SUV is reaching its end.
Riding on the company’s new truck platform that also underpins the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, the next Escalade will boast a more contemporary design both inside and out. It will also feature the latest gadgets from Cadillac’s tech bin like the CUE system with an integrated touchscreen.
The large SUV will be offered once again with the option of rear- or all-wheel drive, while power will come from GM’s new small-block V8 featuring direct injection and a cylinder deactivation system, which together with a new transmission (possibly an 8sp automatic, though, GM may offer this gearbox at a later stage), will help improve its fuel economy numbers.
We expect to see the new Escalade later this year. For the time being, hop over the jump to see a scoop video of Cadillac’s SUV on the road.
Video Credits: KGP Photography/YouTube
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