What Changed for 2008:

• New 2-wheel drive (2WD) model offered


• Integrated powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems


• Optional 22-inch chrome wheels


• Optional rearview camera


• Optional sunroof


• Optional remote starting


• Optional rear-seat entertainment system


• Power running boards optional with V-8 Ultra Luxury Collection package

Overview
Cadillac Escalade ESV, the extended-wheelbase version of the Escalade, all-new in 2007, returns in 2008 with added standard features and the addition of 2WD. Despite soaring gas prices, demand remains strong for the full-size luxury SUV market, and Cadillac is eager to keep its share of the market with the Escalade ESV. With its 130-inch wheelbase and interior cabin that seats up to 8 people, there’s also plenty of storage capacity behind the third-row seat with 46 cu. ft. of space. Towing capacity is 7900 pounds for the 2WD model and 7800 pounds for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) model.

Model Lineup
Consumers can choose a 2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV in (new) 2WD or AWD configurations. Standard features on all ESV models include 18-inch alloy wheels; Xenon headlamps; power adjustable heated front seats with 2-position driver memory setting; leather upholstery; tri-zone automatic climate control; power liftgate; power folding mirrors; remote start; and a 10-speaker, 5.1 Bose audio system with CD/DVD changer and XM satellite radio. The V-8 Ultra Luxury Collection package adds 22-inch wheels; adaptive headlights; heated steering wheel; multi-level front-seat cooling; power-folding second-row seats; navigation system with rearview camera; sunroof; and a rear DVD entertainment system. Stand-alone options include a rear DVD entertainment system and sunroof, while power running boards are available only with the V-8 Ultra Luxury Collection package.

Powertrain
Power for the 2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV comes from the Gen IV, 6.2-liter, all-aluminum, Vortec V-8 engine, delivering 403 hp at 5700 rpm and 417 lb.-ft. of torque at 4300 rpm. The engine utilizes variable valve timing to boost horsepower and torque through optimized camshaft timing. A heavy-duty 6-speed automatic transmission with two overdrive gears and tap up/tap down manual shift mode transfers the power to the wheels. EPA fuel economy estimates are not available for the Escalade ESV. Standard on every 2008 Cadillac is a 5-year/100,000-mile transferable powertrain limited warranty with no deductible, 24/7 roadside assistance, and courtesy transportation.

Safety
The Cadillac Escalade ESV receives perfect 5-star ratings for all occupants in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) frontal- and side-impact crash tests. In NHTSA rollover testing, Escalade ESV 2WD and AWD receive a 3-star rating. The list of safety features includes driver and front passenger dual-stage frontal air bags; automatic occupant-sensing system; roof-rail-mounted side curtain air bags with rollover sensor and coverage for first-, second-, and third-row seating; 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes; stability control with rollover mitigation; all-speed traction control; rear parking assist; 3-point seat belts for all seating positions with pre-tensioners for driver and front passenger; child security rear door locks; and the Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system.

Technology
Like its sibling, the regular-wheelbase Cadillac Escalade, the Escalade ESV features OnStar generation 7 technology and Turn-by-Turn navigation, the first factory-installed, fully-integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. An available 8-inch touch screen navigation system, along with a DVD system with a large, flip-down 8-inch screen, and Bose 5.1 digital surround sound system (a segment first, according to GM), integrated with its family of radios that play CD and DVD audio/video, MP3s and XM satellite radio, all add to the cool technology factor in Escalade ESV.