• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Archives for August 14, 2014

Living Large With a 2015 Cadillac Escalade Premium 4WD

August 14, 2014 by admin 7 Comments

2015 Cadillac Escalade Premium

The 2015 Cadillac Escalade marks the start of this luxury SUV’s fourth generation and remains the largest and most expensive model in the brand’s lineup. As always, the Escalade rests on the platform that underpins GM’s pickup trucks and other large SUVs, and is sold in rear- and four-wheel drive configurations. Standard and stretched (ESV) wheelbase versions are available, the latter adding 14 inches to the wheelbase and nearly two feet overall.

2015 Cadillac Escalade Premium 4WD

My test vehicle was an Escalade Premium 4WD with a base price of $82,795. This model is also sold in Standard ($71,695) and Luxury ($75,695) editions. An all-new Platinum ($90,270) edition will be introduced this fall.

As equipped, my weekly driver came with a few options including: power retractable assist steps ($1,695), 22-inch, 7-spoke aluminum wheels ($500) and majestic plum metallic paint ($495). With options and destination charge, this model cost $86,480. Add upwards of $3,000 for a stretched version.

For 2015, you get one engine and transmission combination: a 6.2-liter V-8 engine making 420 horsepower and 460 foot-pounds of torque and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission (an eight-speed automatic will arrive later in the model year).

The engine is a third generation EcoTec3, what comes with direct injection, variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management (AFM). AFM is technology that shuts down half the cylinders at highway cruising speed in a bid to save gasoline. This model is EPA-rated at 14 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. It takes regular grade gasoline — I averaged 16.4 mpg for the week.

2015 Cadillac Escalade Premium

The Cadillac Escalade has always been massive in its proportions and the current iteration upholds that theme. The new design complements Cadillac’s current design language, the latest version of its art & science look. Flanking the oversized grille is full LED lighting, including stacked daytime running lights. To the rear, massive LED tail lamps span from the top of the roof to the bumper for a design that is (literally) punctuated by a pair of exclamation points.

The slab profile of the Escalade is a familiar look and is enhanced with chrome touches, but you will not find as much “bling” as on some of the previous models. With a key fob present, the door handles light up and any door will open when pressing the proximity button located on the respective handle. The optional retractable side steps are familiar to Escalade fans and come in handy for ease of access and egress.


2015 Cadillac Escalade Premium 4WD

View manufacturer details and pricing


2015 Cadillac Escalade Premium

Luxurious Interior, Generous Amenities

Inside, the Cadillac Escalade is cavernous, bright and outfitted with generous amounts of leather. Cut and sewn leather is on the seats and is also found across the dashboard, wrapping the steering wheel and on the doors. Wood accents are on the doors, across the lower dashboard and cover the front center console. Aluminum door handles and accents complete the refined look.

Standard seating is for seven with bucket seats up front, captain’s chairs in the second row and a power flip 60-40 split bench seat for three in the third row. The second row seats fold down and flip forward, making access to the third row a snap. Individual power buttons drop each seat and flip them forward. You can also opt for a middle bench seat to gain an eighth seating position.

The driver’s seat offered no surprises: it is as comfortable and supportive as you would expect. Cadillac puts the emphasis on “cushy” and that’s the way that you will feel as you glide your way down the highway.

The Escalade was the second Cadillac model that I have tested that also came outfitted with a LCD instrument gauge display. When the vehicle is off, you see a blank screen. When it is on, a 12.3-inch configurable display with 3D images provides the usual vehicle data you want: speedometer, tachometer, fuel information and more. You can also adjust it to place navigation information or entertainment information front and center, changes that can be made by way of the steering wheel-mounted controls. I may be a traditional two- or three-analog driver, but this Cadillac panel is beautiful. The head-up display is another welcome feature.

2015 Cadillac Escalade Premium

CUE: Cadillac User Experience

As with the earlier Cadillac XTS, the Escalade come outfitted with CUE — Cadillac User Experience — an infotainment system with its own bright, colorful display located at the top of the center stack. The system “knows” when you want to do something: the very moment it senses your hand in front of the screen, a menu panel emerges at the top and bottom of the screen. Control the audio, your connected phone, set up navigation and adjust the climate control with each app.

Other apps allow you to access Pandora, pull up weather reports, control the Blu-Ray DVD system or contact OnStar, the latter giving you live support for directions and a host of other services. Cue is one of the easiest systems to use. However, the voice commands failed more often than they were understood — one area in need of improvement.

The center console features sliding and folding compartments for holding your smartphone and two drinks. Another smartphone compartment is located on top of the covered storage compartment, which holds a pair of headphones and is large enough to house your purse. A “secret” storage panel is located directly behind the audio and climate controls. I had no idea that is was there until I accidentally pressed a button and the door flipped up. The compartment has a USB port and is also large enough to hold your wallet.

2015 Cadillac Escalade Premium


See Also — A Trio of Cadillac Crossovers


All four doors come with two drink holders apiece along with other storage trays. Three additional drink holders are found in the third row — two on the left side and one on the right side of the vehicle.

The 2015 Cadillac Escalade Premium comes with more standard equipment than can possibly be mentioned or at least given the justice necessary to describe the benefit of each one. A tilt and slide moonroof, the drop-down Blu-Ray video screen, ventilated front seats, heated front and second-row seats, second-row climate controls, a 110-volt outlet, and a 16-speaker Bose audio system were included. Not available with the test model, but rolling out during the model year is an OnStar 4G LTE system with available Wi-Fi hotspot.

On the Road

The Escalade’s big V-8 engine is up to the task. It moves this nearly three-ton road yacht from 0 to 60 mph in just under six seconds. The engine is quiet — or at least the sound deadening materials effectively muffle the noise — and the transmission shifts smoothly up and down through each gear.

Electric power steering helps this SUV take each turn with ease. It is a no-drama system that makes it easy to handle the Escalade. Four-wheel disc brakes bring this SUV to a smooth stop.

For 2015, Cadillac made some changes in the safety department. A front center airbag is new, the first time one has been included in this segment. This model also comes with a safety alert seat, forward collision alert, and lane departure warning. Also available across the Escalade line — standard with the test vehicle — is a driver assist package that brings in adaptive cruise control, automatic collision preparation, front and rear automatic braking and automatic seat belt-tightening.

2015 Cadillac Escalade

Pop open the lift-gate and you have a generous amount of storage room along with a concealed storage compartment. The spare tire resides underneath the vehicle. On the right side of the compartment are four switches that control the second and third-row seats. If desired, you can have everything folded flat inside of 10 seconds.

The Cadillac Escalade sells itself — you either like this type of vehicle or you do not. In the past, a sedan would have served as this marque’s flagship vehicle, but that honor now resides with the Escalade. This model still has its fans and the 2015 edition will meet their expectations with several current and pending improvements offering further enticements.

2015 Cadillac Escalade Premium

EDITOR’S NOTE — While this vehicle was being tested by Auto Trends, we received a notice by Cadillac for the new Platinum edition or collection. Cadillac also announced that all Escalade models built from the fourth quarter 2014 on would receive technology upgrades that would add $1,275 to the base sticker price. Those upgrades will include a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, a Surround View camera system and OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and WiFi hotspot capability. Those changes were announced here.

2015 Cadillac Escalade Premium 4WD

  • Sticker price from $82,795
  • Price as tested: from $86,480
  • Seats 7 occupants
  • 6.2-liter 16-valve V-8 gasoline engine
  • 420 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
  • 460 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,100 rpm
  • 4.06 inches bore by 3.62 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 11.5-to-1
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 116 inches
  • Length: 203.9 inches
  • Width: 80.5 inches
  • Height: 74.4 inches
  • Passenger volume: 120.8/li>
  • Storage volume: 39.3/94.2/120.9 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 8,100 pounds
  • EPA: 14 mpg city, 21 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 26 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 5,840 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Good; NR
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 6 years/Unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Arlington, Texas

More Car Reviews

Grand and Efficient Sedan: Toyota Avalon Hybrid

Active Hybrid: 2014 Lexus CT 200h

Now Competitive: 2015 Chrysler 200S

Extended Electric Range: 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-In


2015 Cadillac Escalade Premium 4WD photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2015 MODELS, BOSE, Cadillac Escalade, CUE, four-wheel drive, GM, luxury, SUV

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival

Recent Comments

  • Buying Guide: 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Highlights of the 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Minivan Surprise: 2016 Kia Sedona SXL — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Compact Crossover Extraordinaire: Mazda CX-5 — Auto Trends Magazine on The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • Compact Crossover Extraordinaire: Mazda CX-5 — Auto Trends Magazine on Compact, Luxury SUV: 2019 Volvo XC40

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
August 2014
S M T W T F S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31  
« Jul   Sep »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in