Cadillac Adds Platinum to Escalade, As Well As 8-Speed Automatic

It’s interesting to see how much further GM can take its full-size SUV platform upscale, what with the 2015 Cadillac Escalade already approaching Range Rover money. And now, here’s the 2015 Escalade Platinum, with added premium.

The entire Escalade lineup benefits from a mid-model year enhancement, with a new 8-speed automatic transmission that is standard on all models, surround view camera and 4G LTE connection being useful upgrades to the vehicle that debuted earlier this year.

But the Escalade Platinum is the new top-trim that goes right after the most exclusive SUVs on the market. Nappa semi-aniline leather upholstery covers the first and second-row seats, and the dashboard, door panels and lower console are all covered in leather. There are heated and cooled 18-way power front seats, with massage settings for the driver. Twenty-two inch wheels round out the look outside.

Weirdly, the Platinum gets two 7-inch monitors in the back of the front seat headrests to supplement the 9-inch screen mounted to the roof for the rear entertainment system. That’s a lot of screens that already look like they came from RadioShack.

Also, all Escalades now wear Cadillac’s new wreath-less logo in the front.

The Escalade Platinum starts at $90,270 and goes on sale in the fourth quarter.

By Zac Estrada