The all-new 2021 Cadillac Escalade is already proving to be a smash hit. Escalade buyers are a very loyal bunch and regularly return to replace their SUV with a new one when the lease is up or when the latest version arrives. Priced from $77,490 for the standard-length Luxury trim and $80,490 for the extended-length ESV, a significant number of buyers are spending thousands more.
Car and Driver has confirmed with GM that almost half - 43 percent - of 2021 Escalade customers are spending over $100,000. The automaker also stated in its fourth-quarter sales report that the "all-new Cadillac Escalade retook market leadership in its segment." It's no wonder Lincoln is working on a Navigator refresh likely due next year.
A total of 9,454 units, including 2020 models, were sold during that time, with Escalade's Q4 retail deliveries up by 19 percent. Remember that some 2021 Escalade trims already start north of $100k, specifically the top-of-the-line Platinum and Platinum Sport. A fully-loaded Lincoln Navigator L Black Label also surpasses the $100k mark, and Jeep admitted its reborn Grand Wagoneer will be similarly priced when fully specced.
The report didn't go into detail about which trim levels and options, such as Super Cruise, Escalade buyers prefer, but chances are this trend of spending big bucks won't end anytime soon.
Another major highlight of the fifth-generation Escalade is that it can be equipped with a Duramax 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six engine as a no-cost option. The standard engine is the familiar 6.2-liter V8. Unlike previous Escalades, Cadillac went to great lengths to differentiate this one from its corporate cousins, the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon.
The 2021 Escalade has a completely unique dashboard design augmented by a massive 38-inch curved OLED display screen. Plus, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are standard, as is a 19-speaker sound system. A 36-speaker system is optional. Other new features include an adaptive air suspension, an electronic limited-slip differential, and the automaker's excellent Magnetic Ride Control.