Thursday, August 9, 2007

2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV

This was an abbreviated test but... the first thing that comes to mind is PLUSH. For a astronomical price tag of about $65k, you can have one of the largest, most plus vehicle on the road. The test vehicle came equipped with the optional 22" rim/tire package and even still managed to soak up bumps with ease. The seats were soft, the ride was smooth and comfy and the steering, feel oddly almost like a steer-by-wire system with no road feel what so ever.

Power was supplied by a massive 6.2L V8 engine which was plenty good enough to accelerate from a stop to freeway speed. Stopping however felt as if it was lacking. I found the brakes in the '06 Suburban Z71 to be better. Handling... well, was none existant, however... turning radius was extremely tight and welcomed. Unfortunately, this test route did not leave the option open for an off-road test, but in reality, how many people are going to off-road a $65k school bus anyway. My comments on the 4wheel drive system would normally go here, but no off-road testing was available. The exhaust system on this vehicle was superb. It is almost as if half the money of the SUV went into designing and developing the exhaust note. It's PERFECT.

The interior is covered in look-a-like woods and leather almost everywhere. A large touchscreen control panel for radio and navigation was installed in this vehicle and I found it's use to be functional, but screen updates could have happened a little faster. Using the touch screen to operate the control of the radio is you best bet as the little button under the screen were complicated. When you toss it into reverse, a rearview camera is switch on which helps navigate the huge behemoth into a parking space. Oh, speaking of parking... at a length of over 9 feet... it will not fit into your standard parking space. It will stick out or crunch some expensive running gear in the rear.

My largest complaint is the want-a-be waterford crystal looking clock on the dash. It was a poor attempt and only a man on a galloping horse would confuse this with a quality piece of art. First, the clock is at an angle, so any sunlight what so ever renders it unreadable. Second, the thing looks like cheap plastic and setting it, well... lets not even tackle functionality.

The beast... is large, but comfy. Would I own one? Perhaps if I was a rap star or basketball player... however, I couldn't justify spending $65k on something this large that I would be scared to drive on anything more severe than pavement or small grass.

Now you may be asking... how was the gas mileage? Suprisingly... this logged an impressive 12-14mpg in the city while the Suburban logged a dismal 10-11mpg on the highway.

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