What’s New?
The Escalade is completely redesigned inside and out for 2007. It is built on GM’s stronger, all-new full-size SUV platform and features a roomier interior with upgraded components, a 360-degree perimeter safety system, optional power-folding second-row seats, and a new, all-aluminum, 6.2L V-8 engine coupled to a smooth-as-silk 6-speed automatic transmission.

Overview
The Escalade first hit the pavement back in the fall of 1998, looking conspicuously like a GMC Yukon Denali hiding behind a Cadillac wreath-and-crest emblem. A revamped Escalade rolled out in 2002, sporting more Cadillac-inspired design cues and amenities. It is the all-new 2007 Escalade, however, where this luxury full-size SUV finally hits its stride. The new model shows off a streamlined, more athletic shape that not only makes it look smart, but simultaneously improves aerodynamics. With styling cues taken from the Cadillac Sixteen concept vehicle, the new Escalade sets its own tone.

The Escalade’s interior has likewise been completely redone, with a new design-flow set off by premium materials that make it as distinct inside as it is outside, with features that will not be found on other GM full-size SUVs. The instrument panel has been lowered and moved forward, and an industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat makes access to the third-row a breeze. An added benefit of the makeover is that the cabin is more spacious. Cargo capacity has increased 4.2 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 2.3 cubic feet behind the third row. When the second-row seat is folded and tumbled forward and the third-row seat is removed, cargo capacity is a whopping 108.9 cubic feet.

The new 6.2L V-8 engine features variable valve timing and pumps out an impressive 403 hp and 417 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is exclusive to Escalade—at least for the time being. The new Hydra-Matic 6L80 6-speed automatic transmission includes two overdrive gears to improve both performance and fuel economy, and a tap up/down manual shift mode. Other noteworthy features available on the 2007 Escalade include a power-assisted rear liftgate, remote engine starting, tri-zone automatic climate control, a coil-over-shock front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, larger four-wheel-disc brakes, an all-new Bosch ABS system, and a host of other items.

The Competition
The Cadillac Escalade competes in the Large Premium Utility segment, which consists of 13 models. Buyers in this segment look for exterior styling, performance, and comfort, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Cadillac Escalade (39,017 units sold), Lincoln Navigator (23,947), and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (18,776) in its first year on the market. The Cadillac Escalade’s 39,017 sales in 2006 represent an increase of 30.6 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Large Premium Utility segment include the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Cadillac Escalade ESV, HUMMER H2, Land Rover Range Rover, and Infiniti QX-Series. Joining the segment in 2007 are the Lincoln Navigator L and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.