The Cadillac Escalade-V is the high-performance version of the Escalade, launched for the 2023 model year. It uses a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 rated at 682 horsepower — the most powerful engine ever fitted to an Escalade — along with a performance exhaust, larger brakes and retuned air suspension. It is available as both the standard-length Escalade-V and the long-wheelbase Escalade-V ESV.

Escalade-V at a glance
Introduced 2023 model year
Engine 6.2-litre supercharged V8
Output 682 hp, 653 lb-ft of torque
Transmission 10-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Suspension Air Ride with Magnetic Ride Control, performance tuning
Versions Escalade-V and Escalade-V ESV

What “V” means at Cadillac

Cadillac’s V-Series began in 2004 with the CTS-V, a high-performance sedan meant to take on BMW’s M cars. Over two decades, V-Series models such as the CTS-V wagon and CT5-V Blackwing earned serious respect from enthusiasts. The Escalade-V applies that formula to a three-row, 6,000-pound SUV.

The engine

The supercharged V8 belongs to the same LT4 engine family used in the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing and the previous-generation Chevrolet Corvette Z06. In the Escalade-V it produces enough power to take the big SUV from rest to 60 mph in roughly 4.5 seconds, according to published tests. A four-mode performance exhaust lets the driver choose between a quiet setting and a full-throated V8 roar.

Chassis and styling

  • Air Ride adaptive air suspension with Magnetic Ride Control tuned for flatter cornering.
  • Larger Brembo brakes to handle the extra speed.
  • A unique grille, quad exhaust tips and V-Series badging.
  • Performance seats with more bolstering and V-Series trim inside.

Is it right for chauffeured travel?

The Escalade-V is spectacular, but its purpose is driver entertainment rather than passenger comfort. The standard Escalade’s V8 already provides effortless power for highway merging and hills, while the regular suspension tuning is better suited to a relaxed ride in the back. For chauffeured service, the standard Escalade or ESV is the better choice.

The wider Escalade family

The Escalade range now spans the standard model, the long-wheelbase ESV, the Escalade-V performance model and the electric Escalade IQ. Read how they all came to be in our Cadillac Escalade history, or see the SUV in our fleet on the Cadillac Escalade page.