Car Brief: 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV

Written By: MyRide.com
Reprinted under license.

Powerful luxury with an extra dose of chrome

Introduction

Like a multi-carat ring paraded on the finger of an NBA wife, some things are just so damn shiny and flashy that they don't require a formal introduction because there's just no escaping their brilliance. This was the case with the 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV and EXT models that were officially, yet unceremoniously, unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. There was no press conference rally, no fireworks -- the sharp new look, generous use of chrome, and lustrous black paint said all that needed to be said. Following the recent debut of the 2007 Cadillac Escalade, the Chevrolet Suburban-based ESV adds 21 inches to the regular model and will hits the market with the same fresh face, accented by vertically-stacked bright headlight housings and an expansive chrome grille inspired by the Cadillac Sixteen concept car. As with its Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon XL, the Escalade ESV features all-new bodywork marked with sharp and clean lines, tighter gap tolerances, hidden rocker panels, portholes cut into the front fenders, and unique running boards. While all of GM's large SUVs get a new interior for 2007, the Escalade gets special treatment with a specific dash layout and generous use of fine leather. Options include a heated steering wheel, a touch-screen navigation system, DVD entertainment systems for second- and third-row passengers, a kickin' Bose surround sound system, and chrome alloys measuring either 18 or 22 inches. That's in addition to GM's new power fold-and-tumble second-row seats, designed to allow easier access to the third row, with the quick extension of the cargo area being an added benefit. A power tailgate is a feature found on all of GM's redesigned full-size SUVs, opening at the touch of a button to expose up to 137.4 cubic feet of storage space. Safety is addressed by antilock disc brakes, StabiliTrak stability control, OnStar telematics with one year of complimentary service, and side-curtain airbags for all three rows. Built in Texas on a new, fully-boxed frame and weighing in at a portly 6,000 pounds, the 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV is a vehicle that needs some serious power. No worries. Under the hood is an all-aluminum 6.2-liter V8 with variable valve timing that pushes 403 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and cranks out 417 lb.-ft. of earth-moving torque. You might not want to expect gas mileage in the 30s, but off-the-line acceleration shouldn't be much of an issue. Distributing power to all four wheels is a new six-speed automatic transmission. This potent powertrain allows the Escalade ESV to tow up to 7,600 pounds. Of special note, the Two-Mode Hybrid system recently introduced for the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe will be available on future Escalade models. Given GM's goal to lower prices across its lineup, expect the 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV to be competitively priced when it arrives on lots during the summer of 2006.

By Staff
Photo Credit: Ron Perry

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