2007 Cadillac Escalade Preview

Introduction

Cadillac is cool again, and you need look no further than the Escalade SUV for the reason why. Instantly adopted as the hot wheels of choice by influential young celebrities and musicians when it debuted as a barely-modified version of the 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe, the Escalade hit its stride when the 2001 version introduced Cadillac’s current hard-edged design theme. But it’s not just the hip Hollywood crowd that loves the ‘Slade. This Cadillac truck is popular nationwide, proven by its status as the best-selling model in its class. As one of the more important vehicles in Cadillac’s portfolio and a major profit center for General Motors, the Escalade gets a complete redesign for the 2007 model year. Highlights of the new 2007 Cadillac Escalade include a stiffer frame, a more powerful V8 engine, higher-quality interior materials, and a more refined appearance inside and out. Given its stylish design and interior improvements, the 2007 Cadillac Escalade is sure to appeal to current owners looking for even more comfort and luxury. But the recipe is still the same – body-on-frame architecture, fuel-guzzling V8 engine, high-riding and hard to enter or exit passenger compartment – in a marketplace that shows a distinct preference for crossover SUVs that look like trucks, drive like cars, and get better fuel economy. Until we get behind the wheel and drive this new-and-improved version of the Escalade, we question whether good looks and a hot brand will be enough to sustain the ‘Slade’s sales success.

Why It Matters

The 2007 Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV that seats up to eight passengers while towing up to 7,400 pounds. Available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, the 2007 Escalade shares its foundation and structure with the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2007 GMC Yukon, though the Cadillac is the most luxurious of the trio. Shown here is the standard Escalade; the extended-length Escalade ESV and the crew-cab Escalade EXT pickup are slated to debut at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. A gasoline/electric hybrid model is slated to arrive for the 2008 model year.

A pop culture icon and the luxury SUV sales leader, the Cadillac Escalade has cemented itself as one of the few gotta-have-it products built by General Motors. Young, old, rich, poor, male, female – everyone knows about the Cadillac Escalade, Drawing younger, more sophisticated customers to showrooms, the Escalade is a favorite of celebrities, musicians, professional athletes, and influential businesspeople. Add the fact that General Motors relies heavily on full-size SUV sales to generate profits, and it’s clear that this is one cash cow that Cadillac needs to be successful.