Climbing into the new 2007 Cadillac Escalade, I get the feeling that I am seriously underdressed. No gold chains, no diamond stud in my ear. And my raggy jeans definitely would not pass muster on MTV.
Ever since the first 'Slade hit the streets, back in 1999, this massive SUV has proven the product of choice among rappers and rock stars. And if the looks we got tooling around San Diego during Caddy's recent preview were any indication, the new '07 model is likely to maintain its image as the king of all bling.
To be honest, I never quite understood the appeal of the original Escalade. It was a quick fix, little more than bolting a Cadillac wreath-and-crest onto a GMC Yukon Denali, and didn't really come together. The second and third-generation models were progressively better. The new version is, without question, the best yet. Though it does suffer from a few notable flaws, the 2007 Escalade is arguably the best full-size domestic ute on the market.
Visually, it finally fits into the new look of Cadillac. Sure, the new Escalade shares its platform, known internally as the GMT900, with the likes of the Denali and Chevrolet Tahoe, but the styling is distinctly Caddy. Gone is the kludgy cladding. There's plenty of chrome, but it's surprisingly tasteful in application. The new 'Slade's sheetmetal is taut and angular, in keeping with the Art & Science design theme popularized by Caddy's CTS sedan and SRX crossover. Gaps are tight, the bumpers flowing into the body. The oversized, crosshatch grille was strongly influenced by the popular Cadillac Sixteen concept vehicle.
Recognizing mounting concerns about fuel economy, GM engineers put a lot of emphasis on aerodynamics. Such things as the steeply raked windshield help reduce wind drag about 11 percent, according to Cadillac, and though 13 mpg city/17 highway might not sound like much, those are good numbers for a vehicle of this size and heft.
Cadillac also focused on noise and vibration and with one exception, we give the new SUV high grades. Our particular tester developed an annoying whistle once we hit 50 mph. We isolated it to the driver's mirror; there was no problem on the passenger side. Other test vehicles did not experience this problem, so we'll keep our fingers crossed this is an early snag that Caddy will quickly correct.
Best in showy
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The Escalade gets a new interior as well, and it is, in our opinion, the best in the entire Cadillac lineup. Though there's still a little bit of that chintzy black plastic in the center stack, the overall look is refined and elegant, just the right mix of wood and chrome to give meaning to the Cadillac badge in the center of the steering wheel.
The instrument panel has been moved forward and down a bit, improving visibility. The gauges are tastefully refined without being gimmicky. The clock, however, is absolutely useless in daylight. It's angled just right to ensure it's always in glare. There's a huge, widescreen video display that serves as the heart of the Escalade's electronics, including its navigation system and Bose audio.
What's missing is a Bluetooth hands-free phone link. With a growing number of states banning the use of handheld cellphones, this technology is not only convenient, but essential. Yes, you can opt for the OnStar system instead, but we're not fond of that feature, at least not for making cellphone calls. We'll stick with our little Palm Treo - at least once Caddy finally adds Bluetooth, most likely next year.
Gary White, the man in charge of General Motors' full-size trucks, doesn't deny the delay, though he does defend it, insisting his goal was to make the Escalade (and its sibling SUVs) the best trucks possible in terms of ride, handling, performance, and towing.
But Bluetooth is just one of several features you have reason to expect from a luxury vehicle, whether car or truck, but which are absent on the Escalade. Another is express, or power-up, windows. You'll find that feature in even a mid-level Hyundai, but not the Escalade, at least until next year. The 'Slade could also use a power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel. Indeed, there's no telescoping feature at all. Instead, you have to settle for power-adjustable pedals.
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