2021 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum Review

Remember back in the 1990s when they put a Cadillac grille on a GMC Yukon and we got the Cadillac Escalade? Who’d have thought that in 2021 we’d be welcoming the fifth generation, and the first full redesign of this iconic American SUV in six model years. We tried out the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum. It doesn’t get much better than this. Here’s our review of America’s newest $110,500 premium SUV.

New Features for 2021

The fifth generation of the Escalade is arguably the most luxurious and most ambitious step forward for this marque in years. That goes for all the trim levels, really, but the Sport Platinum level is off the hook with new features. First, there’s an independent rear suspension with air springs. This makes the ride more comfortable for everyone, including the previously shaky third row which in the past may have only been used in emergencies. It’s among the first things we noticed about the ride when we set out on the road.

Other upgrades include more cargo and passenger space – 43 cubic feet of cargo space and 180 cubic feet of passenger space. That’s a lot more family gear you can get in there before it’s full. Speaking of the interior, we were blown away by how far the quality and standard of the interior has come when you compare this Escalade to previous generations. It used to be all “wow” on the outside but a bit “hmm” on the inside. Now the two sides are in harmony.

Interior

At the center of the new interior is the massive 3-screen touchscreen display system. It offers a total of 38 diagonal inches of flawless displays with twice the pixel density of a 4K television. It comprises three screens in total: a 7,2” touchscreen to the left of the driver’s view, a 16.9” infotainment screen to the driver’s right, and a massive 14.2” digital instrument and drive information cluster right in front of the driver. It’s like driving a space shuttle!

The seats feature power-adjustability, sumptuous leather upholstery, massage function and there’s even a refrigerated center console with a freezer setting! From the driver’s seat, you get the most commanding view of the road ahead, but you’ll be struggling not to admire the beauty and apparent craftsmanship of the rest of the interior. It’s hard to do it justice.

Tech and Drive Quality

We mentioned the screen array up above, but believe me when I say that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Other great tech upgrades for this premium SUV include Augmented-Reality (AR) navigation. This uses live street views and places directional overlays so you can get your navigational directions while looking right at the road. There’s also a 2-megapixel birds-eye view camera of the vehicle and its surrounding view.

Second-row passengers will adore the 12.6” touch displays with streaming, games, HDMI/USB connection for video and more. Rear passengers can even input navigation info and send it up to the driver’s screen when the driver is in need.

Our test model didn’t have this yet, but we heard that soon all this trim level of Escalade models will receive Cadillac’s Super Cruise self-driving system. It’s said that on certain highways, the Super Cruise system can be truly hands-free —- a world first —- and will also include automatic lane changing.

What we were so delighted to see was how the former truck-like ride quality in the Escalade has finally been given the boot to make way for a more luxurious and comfortable time. The cabin is whisper quiet, even when driving at speed. You’d think riding on 22” wheels would be a little rough, but it’s still floaty light. The steering is keen and responsive, another surprise given how massive this SUV is.

Same Powertrain

GM knew that while the interior badly needed a refresh and a tech update, there was nothing wrong with the mighty powertrain. Under the hood you’ll find a 6.2L V8 engine delivering 420hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and is coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission and AWD. A new diesel option will be coming to the Escalade for those who desire better fuel-economy and a longer driving range.

It’s Pricey, but Stunning and Hard to Resist

After testing the Escalade Sport Platinum, it was tough coming up with things to fault. It’s so packed with features inside and out, as well as being truly stunning from the very first look. It’s a true “premium” machine, and at $110,500 it should be. What the Escalade really is, I think, is a great representation of the American sense of aspiration. What we have here, ladies and gentlemen, is the American dream on 4 wheels.