Cadillac Escalade : History of a legend

Since its public debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Élégance in August 1998, the Cadillac Escalade has become a cultural phenomenon and defined the full-size luxury SUV segment.

“Over the past 20 years, the Escalade has prevailed not only as a highly regarded full-size luxury SUV, but also as a cultural icon that is synonymous with style and sophistication,” said Steve Carlisle, Cadillac president. “From the highway to the big screen, the Escalade has been embraced by drivers and fans around the world.”

Success Story

Born in the nascent days of the luxury SUV movement, the Escalade quickly established itself as the segment’s preeminent entry, channeling Cadillac’s signature design, technology and performance in an all-new proportion.

Customer response was quick and intense, as buyers embraced the Escalade’s spaciousness, capability and unmistakable presence.

“That combination immediately struck a chord,” said Carlisle. “It introduced Cadillac to an entirely new generation of luxury customers via popular culture and changed perceptions of what the brand could offer.”

The Escalade’s strong initial sales leaped more than 35 percent when the second-generation model was launched for 2002 and grew another 55 percent the following year, when the versatile Escalade EXT model entered full production.

By its fifth anniversary in 2004, Escalade sales had ballooned approximately 230 percent, and the vehicle had changed the lexicon of luxury vehicles for customers, trendsetting influencers and valets.

The Escalade established a history of innovation and earned a reputation as a technology leader, with features such as:

 - The first full LED headlamps (2009) and first LED high-beam headlamps and taillamps with total internal reflection (2015).

 - The first full-size luxury SUV to offer Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s quickest-reacting suspension system (2009).

 - The world’s first full-size luxury SUV hybrid, which offered a 50 percent improvement in EPA city fuel economy (2009), 20 mpg with the Hybrid and 12 mpg for the non-Hybrid (2WD models).

 - The first front-center airbag in a luxury SUV, along with the first haptic Safety Alert Seat (2015).

Industry accolades for Escalade continue to grow, and include Consumer Guide® Automotive’s Best Buy Award for five consecutive years and 16 J.D. Power study awards

ESCALADE FAST FACTS

The first Escalade rolled off the assembly line in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 8, 1998, and VIN 001 now resides at the GM Heritage Center.

Escalade generations are Gen 1, 1999-2000; Gen 2, 2002-2006; Gen 3, 2007-2014; and Gen 4, 2015-2020.

Escalade’s signature grille design has evolved with each generation and the Cadillac logo, making it arguably the vehicle’s most recognizable feature.

New chapter with 2021 edition

Cadillac unveiled earlier this year the all-new 2021 Escalade, completely redesigned with pioneering technologies that add new dimension to the iconic luxury SUV.

Featuring exclusive, first-to-market technology advances including a curved Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) screen, the first AKG automotive audio system and Cadillac’s acclaimed Super Cruise driver assistance technology, the fifth-generation of Cadillac’s flagship expands on its more than 20 years of segment-defining leadership.

Prior to the arrival of the 2021 model, take advantage of current promotions on the 2020 model, available with a cash purchase credit of up to 15% of MSRP ($ 16,365) and the Preferred Service Plan for 4 years*.