High-Performance Cadillac Escalade-V Is Coming

Oct. 13, 2020 11:35 AM ET by Jay Traugott Luxury / 18 Comments

Cadillac seems to be getting serious about this long sought after model.

The Cadillac Escalade has been around since 1998. Although the first-generation SUV was little more than a rebadged Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon, built in response to the then-new Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac's full-size SUV has continued to evolve and the all-new fifth-gen model takes technology and luxury to new levels. But there is one thing the Escalade has not had all of these years which many customers are still clamoring for: an Escalade-V.

It's not like Cadillac is incapable of squeezing more power out of the 2021 Escalade's 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8, currently with 420 horsepower, but will it? Bear in mind customers have been asking Cadillac for a V-branded Escalade for over a decade. Their wish may soon be granted. Speaking to Muscle Cars and Trucks, Escalade Product Manager, Dave Schiavone, made clear all options are on the table.

"Ever since we came out with the V-Series on the CTS, we've had dealers and customers always asking for (an Escalade-V)," he said. "We're always looking at opportunities, and where we can take portfolios."

Unfortunately, Schiavone refused to outright confirm nor deny a hotter Escalade is planned, his words imply the brand is fully aware of the potential. Last year, there was a rumor claiming the Escalade-V was in some stage of development and could come powered by the LT4 supercharged V8 that will soon be seen again in the upcoming Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. Capable of producing 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, there's no question this would be the engine of choice for a V-branded Escalade.

At the same time, we know Cadillac is busy preparing the Escalade EV that'll feature GM's new Ultium battery technology. Like the Escalade EV, the new GMC Hummer will also have this tech and we'll get our first preview of its SUV/truck capabilities later this month. Although the demand for the Escalade-V (or Blackwing) exists, power-hungry customers may be best waiting for the EV. Why? Because the Hummer could pack some 1,000 hp. If the new Hummer has this output, then surely the Escalade EV will offer something similar.

As the Escalade makes the transition to electrification, offering longtime loyal customers the ultimate ICE variant would be a very smart move.