Cadillac Escalade-V Comes To Embarrass Mercedes and BMW

The long-awaited Cadillac Escalade V-Series is finally here, with its sights set on the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 and Alpina XB7. It's the first Cadillac SUV to wear the highly acclaimed V badge, and the only high-performance full-size SUV coming from America. This monstrous performance SUV is arriving for the 2023 model year, but that is all that Cadillac is willing to tell us for now. A full reveal is slated for this spring, where the Escalade-V's performance specs, features and availability will be announced.

The Cadillac Escalade-V manages to look the part without appearing too gaudy, with a black mesh grille, dark gray rims with red brake calipers, large exhaust tips, an aggressive front spoiler, darkened headlights, and of course, the V badge above the side bumper. Sportier front and rear fascias are reminiscent of the CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing sedans, with body-color bumpers and a larger lower intake. New additional air intakes accompany the slim vertical LEDs on each side of the vehicle. To finish off the look, black gloss trim is found on the two-tone side mirrors, roof rails, side bumper and window trim, and surrounding the grille. So far, we have been shown two exterior color options, including a deep shade of red and a powdery gray.

What we'll see under the Escalade-V's hood remains to be seen, but Cadillac has left a hint. According to the short video Cadillac has released, this sporty SUV features a roaring engine soundtrack, which promises that this isn't just an Escalade covered in gloss black trim. We suspect that Cadillac used the astounding 6.2 liter V8 engine found in the CT5-V Blackwing, which means German competitors should be on high alert. Also expect to see the non-V Escalade's 38-inch curved display, as well as third row seating and sporty leather materials inside.

Do you prefer this Escalade-V over its European competition?

Images / Video: Cadillac