- Cadillac has introduced the facelifted 2025 Escalade and Escalade-V.
- The refreshed SUV features a revised exterior and an all-new interior with a 55-inch display.
- The V8 engines carryover, but the 3.0-liter diesel has been dropped.
The Escalade defines American luxury, but Cadillac is elevating things for 2025. As part of this effort, they’ve unveiled a “mid-cycle major” facelift that brings the elegance and grandeur of the Escalade IQ to the gas-powered model.
The changes are immediately apparent as the luxury barrage adopts an Escalade IQ-inspired front fascia with vertical headlights and slender turn signals. They’re joined by a larger grille that sports a unique look depending on the trim.
More: 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Debuts As $130k Flagship Electric SUV With 450 Miles Of Range
Light has become a central design element for Cadillac, so it’s not surprising to see an illuminated front crest come standard. However, the V-Series and Premium Luxury Platinum go even further with an illuminated grille surround.
Moving further back, there are updated 22-inch wheels and newly available 24-inchers. The latter are available in three designs and are the largest wheel ever offered on an Escalade.
2025 Cadillac Escalade-V
Interestingly, the Escalade will be offered with power open-and-close doors. The driver’s door can be programmed to automatically open as you approach and there are sensors to prevent it from smashing into nearby obstacles. Once inside, you can simply tap on the brake pedal and the door will close. The other three doors can also be powered to give chauffeurs or parents a break.
Updates to the rear end are subtle, but there are new taillights as well as a repositioned Cadillac crest. Designers also updated the bumper and exhaust tips, while tweaking the trim. There’s also a revised color palette that includes three new options: Aegean Stone, Deep Sea Metallic, and Latte Metallic.
An Interior Worthy Of A Flagship
Despite being a facelift, Cadillac’s interior design team swung for the fences and hit a home run with an all-new interior that echoes the Escalade IQ and the ultra-luxury Celestiq. It’s dominated by a pillar-to-pillar curved display that combines a 35-inch driver display with a 20-inch front passenger display.
They’re joined by a lower command screen, which provides easy access to key vehicle settings. Buyers will also find a new steering wheel, a column-mounted shifter, and a 128-color ambient lighting system. We can also see higher-quality materials and a more modern design.
While the standard interior is a big leap forward, customers should check out the new Executive Second Row package. It adds a center console with a rear command center, dual wireless smartphone chargers, and retractable tray tables. The package also includes dual 12.6-inch displays and massaging seats with headrest-mounted speakers.
Speaking of options, there are new Renaissance Red and Jet Black / Sheer Gray interiors. Escalade-V buyers, on the other hand, will find exclusive seats and plenty of carbon fiber trim.
Rounding out the highlights are standard Super Cruise as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. They’re joined by a 19-speaker audio system, although an AKG Studio Reference system with up to 40 speakers is also available.
Two V8 Engines With Up To 682 HP
As you may have noticed, we referred to the 2025 Escalade as gas-powered and that’s not a mistake as the luxury SUV drops the 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six. As a result, all models are now powered by a 6.2-liter V8.
Mainstream versions are rated at 420 hp (313 kW / 426 PS) and 460 lb-ft (624 Nm) of torque, while the supercharged Escalade-V packs 682 hp (508 kW / 691 PS) and 653 lb-ft (885 Nm) of torque. Regardless of the engine, both are paired to a ten-speed automatic transmission.
The gas engines aren’t the only things that carry over as buyers will find an independent front and rear suspension, air ride tech, and Magnetic Ride Control. The latter comes standard on all trims except the entry-level Luxury.
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade will go into production late this year and pricing will be announced closer to launch.