• General Motors claims that the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is the world’s first large luxury hybrid SUV.

• GM’s Two-Mode hybrid technology was tested in city transit buses for years before its introduction to the public.

• According to Cadillac, the 2009 Escalade Hybrid gets approximately 50-percent better fuel economy in the city.

• The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid can launch from a stop and travel at low speeds on electrical power supplied by an onboard, rechargeable battery pack, which Cadillac calls the Energy Storage System (ESS).

• The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid’s 300-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack is located under the rear seats, and consumes virtually no additional space, according to Cadillac.

• The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid’s ESS has an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty.

• The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid’s gasoline-fired, Atkinson-cycle, 6.0-liter V-8 engine is equipped with Active Fuel Management, which automatically shuts half the cylinders off during low-load cruising to conserve fuel, effectively turning the engine into a four-cylinder powerplant.

• The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid’s engine automatically shuts off when the SUV is at a standstill, to conserve fuel and reduce emissions in traffic or at stoplights.

• The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is equipped with a specially-tuned exhaust system to “ensure comfortable cabin acoustics” and “a pleasant exhaust note” whether operated in V-8 or V-4 mode.

• The 2009 Cadillac Escalade’s use of an electric steering system adds 0.5 mpg to the SUV’s fuel economy rating.

• The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid can tow 5,800 pounds with two-wheel drive, and 5,600 pounds with four-wheel drive.

• The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid weighs 5,727 pounds with two-wheel drive and 6,016 pounds with four-wheel drive.

• The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is equipped with standard 22-inch wheels.

• The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid’s minimum ground clearance is 9 inches.

• It is 31.9 inches from the ground to the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid’s load floor.

• With all three rows of seats raised, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid can carry 16.9 cubic feet of cargo.

• With the third-row seat removed from the SUV, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid can carry 60.3 cubic feet of cargo.

• With the second-row seats folded down, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid can carry 108.9 cubic feet of cargo.

• With the third-row seat installed, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid can carry a payload of 1,573 pounds with two-wheel drive and 1,484 pounds with four-wheel drive.

• The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid’s approach angle is 17 degrees.

• The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid’s departure angle is 21.9 degrees.

• The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is built in Arlington, Texas.