Cadillac Escalade Looks Even More Imposing With Blacked-Out Trim

Black is the new chrome. Automakers across the spectrum have been embracing that trend with special editions and trim packages of their own. But this owner didn’t wait for Cadillac to offer that sort of treatment on his Escalade.

Where the big luxury sport-ute comes from the factory loaded with shiny chrome, this owner had his (or hers) darkened all around. The grille, side moldings, window surrounds, and other trim have all been blacked out. The windows look like they’ve been heavily tinted as well. And of course, so have the wheels.

Forgiato is showcasing this big Caddy with a set of its N-2 Naifu alloys in a monstrous 24-inch diameter, done up in black with just a hint of red for contrast.

The end result is an Escalade that looks decidedly different from how Cadillac builds it. No less imposing, just a little less glaring. And to our eyes, the black trim contrasts nicely with the silver paintjob.

As it is, Cadillac offers the Escalade and extra-long Escalade ESV in four suitably escalating levels of fit and finish – ranging from the $75k base model all the way up to the fully loaded Platinum model for $95k. Buyers can select between two- or four-wheel-drive models, but there’s just one engine on offer: a 6.2-liter V8 rated at 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission.

It’s enough to give the Lincoln Navigator a run for its money, for one. But also high-end imports like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Lexus LX570, and Infiniti QX80.