2021 Cadillac Escalade: Redesign, Changes, Release

The 2021 model year will be the year of the full-size, truck-based SUVs. General Motors will introduce several all-new models designed around the platform used in the recently redesigned, full-size trucks Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. The brand will bring the new Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon. Cadillac is also working on its SUV range and after the recent introduction of the uni-body, three-row XT6 model, the truck-based 2021 Cadillac Escalade will come a fully redesigned to go against the impressive Lincoln Navigator.

The new 2021 Escalade will arrive on the upgraded platform with significant weight reduction, improved ride, and modernized styling. The reports promise also a major interior overhaul with the large technology leap. The model will again return with the standard and long wheelbase and should expand the powertrain range. The model could get a powerful twin-turbo V-8 engine and likely the plug-in hybrid version at some point.   

2021 Cadillac Escalade

2021 Cadillac Escalade: Platform, Design

The new, fifth-generation 2021 Cadillac Escalade will stay loyal to the truck heritage and will return with the body-on-frame design. The model will adopt GM’s new T1XX platform that debuted on the new 2019 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. The T1XX body-on-frame architecture is an evolution of the K2XX unit and should provide multiple benefits to the full-size SUV. The new platform uses lightweight materials more extensively than the previous design and that should lead to significant weight reduction. The model should weigh about 300 pounds less as some sources indicate.  The platform will also allow the adoption of the electrified powertrain.

The new Escalade will also follow the trend of swapping the live real axle for the independent rear suspension. With that, the full-size SUV should improve the ride comfort significantly while the lack of the live rear axle will also open more room in the third row.

Styling:

The styling of the model will also be more modern as we can conclude from the spy phots. The new Escalade will keep its boxy figure bit with chiseled body lines and redesigned styling elements it should look more elegant and less boxy.

The front section of the model should adopt the styling cues seen on the brand’s recent models like the new XT6. The Escalade will have a similar shield-like grille as the XT6 but much larger. The model will also come with slimmer more modern headlights combined again with the vertical daytime running lights.

The rear will also keep the vertical taillights but with a more modern design and more sculpted tailgate.

Techier Interior, Equipment:

The cabin of the new generation Escalade will also go through the radical redesign with the focus on the technology upgrades.  

The model should use a new infotainment system with a much larger center display. The reports indicate that the current 8-inch unit could be replaced with the new possibly twice larger unit. Tesla is using a 15-inch display in the Model 3 and 17-inch unit in the Model S. The new infotainment platform will also provide communication between the center display and the new, modernized instrument cluster as the reports indicate. There should also be a rotary controller like in the recent Cadillac models.

The model will also employ high-quality materials and come equipped with heated and ventilated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, active safety systems and more from the base version.

2021 Cadillac Escalade

2021 Cadillac Escalade: Powertrains

The redesigned 2021 Cadillac Escalade should gain multiple powertrain options as the reports suggest although it could debut with the single unit.

A naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 engine should remain the base powering unit. The engine will benefit from the efficiency and possibly performance upgrades. The current version delivers 420 hp and torque of 460 pound-feet. The engine will be in pair with the 10-speed automatic transmission.

The reports also suggest that the version could arrive with a 4.2-liter twin-turbo V-8 under the hood. The engine should provide more than 500 hp. Some sources indicate also that a V-badged model with the supercharged V-8 engine could appear. This engine makes 640 hp in the CTS-V.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain should also be installed to the new Escalade but probably later in the fifth-generation life span.   

2021 Cadillac Escalade: Release, Price

The all-new 2021 Cadillac Escalade will be introduced through the 2020 year. The price of the base version should be close to $80,000.  

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  1. Pingback: 2022 Chevy Suburban Spied With Numerous Updates - SUV 2021: New and Upcoming Models, News, Reviews and Rumors

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