DAN SHAPIRO
This story begins in traffic. The worst traffic I’ve ever experienced, in fact. So how does 75 minutes of bumper-to-bumper gridlock on U.S. 101 outside of Mussel Shoals translate into an amazing driving experience? Well, the massage chairs in the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V (the V stands for V Mode) are a pretty good place to start.
Even before I embarked on this 850-mile road trip and test drive, Keanu, my trusty valet who delivered the 2023 Cadillac, went through a rundown of some of the Escalade V’s lesser known features, making specific mention of the massage function. At the time, I sort of brushed him off, instead focusing on the refrigerated center console. Thinking of all the sodas and beverages I could keep cool in the Escalade’s cabin, I paid minimal attention to Keanu’s tutorial. Fortunately, I retained just enough information to enable the massage seats when it really mattered. Oh, and I had a nice, crisp, perfectly chilled Waterloo to enjoy in this brutal traffic.
Feeling the rollers knead across my back, I found a calm and resolve that I’ve never felt in this type of standstill. Normally, I’m a bit impatient and eager to slam my foot on the accelerator, especially on the open road. However, on this beautiful August day, I was unbothered by the circumstances, instead enjoying every moment inside this luxurious beast of an SUV.
THE ENGINE
With the traffic dissipating just south of Santa Barbara, I continued the trek up to San Simeon. Nearing San Luis Obispo, I was finally able to hit some decent speeds and feel the might and power of Escalade V’s 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine and its 10-speed automatic transmission, which delivers 682 horsepower and 460 lb-ft torque. Impressive numbers to say the least.
Sure, the engine has a direct link to this Cadillac’s 13 mpg fuel economy (11 mpg in the city/19 mpg on the highway), but for a vehicle of this size, well, it’s just understood that it’s going to take quite a bit of gas to deliver the punch and power that makes driving the Escalade V so enjoyable. Whether on the open road, the switchbacks of Highway 1, or the steep climbs on Route 46 towards Paso Robles, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V handles any terrain with ease.
IT’S WHAT’S ON THE INSIDE THAT COUNTS
More than impressed with the Escalade V’s engine, I must make note of the vehicle’s interior, which is way more than some massage chairs and a mini-fridge in the console. It’s a first-class cabin on wheels and ideal for any long haul drive with the family.
The dark auburn with black accents give the all-leather interior a sophisticated luxury vibe, while the Escalade V possesses a bevy of bells and whistles that improve the overall driving experience, like a 16.9” infotainment screen (with Apple CarPlay), 36-speaker audio system (including one in the headrest), power panoramic sunroof, and a rear entertainment system. It’s literally the perfect vehicle to load up the family for a big road trip.
MORE FEATURES
Beyond the engine and the slick interior, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V is a total stunner. On the surface, the Argent Metallic Silver exterior is sharp and eye-catching, as are the 22” 18-spoke alloy wheels. And there’s a whole lot of substance to backup all this style.
With its enhanced automatic emergency braking system, forward collision alert, and trailer side blind zone alert, the Escalade V places an equal emphasis on safety and style. Unfortunately, there’s no added protection from the wild seagulls in Morro Bay that flocked to the shiny twinkle of Escalade.
Don’t worry though, I was eventually able to coax this particularly stubborn bird away from the Cadillac with the promise of some french fries.
@drivingtotheedge A nice little look at the 2023 @Cadillac Escalade V. This luxury SUV can be yours for $154,756. Review coming soon to @BroBible. #car #truck #suv #cadillac #escalade
IN SUMMATION
Having driven quite a few of the top SUVs on the market, I can easily assert that the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V is a perfect blend between luxury and function. With this particular model priced at $154,756, the Escalade V price certainly lives in luxury territory, but it’s much more affordable and practical than many other high-end brands and makes, not to mention it has a certain rugged appeal that is tough enough for truck enthusiasts and Cadillac connoisseurs.
More Car Content From Dan Shapiro
- 2023 Aston Martin DBX707 Review
- 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Review
- 2022 Maserati MC20 Review
- 2022 Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo Review
- 2022 Audi e-tron GT Review
Dan Shapiro is a writer, editor, musician, and producer currently based in Los Angeles. In addition to covering some of the biggest fights in combat sports history, he’s also hunted down the world’s best sushi, skied the northern hemisphere in July, and chronicled Chinese underground music for publications like CNN, the New York Daily News, VICE, and Time Out. Dan also conjured up a ghost at the Chateau Marmont while out on assignment for RoadTrippers. Follow him on Twitter here.
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