On January 20th, Cadillac released a 12-second video teasing “something exciting” that would soon be introduced, indicating that a high-performance Escalade was imminent. Today, the luxury marque has removed the veil, officially revealing the 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V.
When it launches, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V will be the first SUV to don the high-performance V-Series badge.
“With nearly two decades of racing-inspired prowess, the V-Series designation is reserved for vehicles that encompass the peak of Cadillac performance, bold, distinguished design, and innovative technology,” reads Cadillac’s press release.
The full-size, high-performance luxury SUV now joins the ranks of the other high-performance V-Series machines, including the CT4-V and CT4-V Blackwing, along with the CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing sedans. Its design language fits right in with that of the sedans, carrying the same blacked-out grille and black trim as the Blackwings, along with a modified front fascia and race car-like splitter. It also has quad-exhaust tips in a dark finish. The black accents in place of traditional chrome lend it a far more defiant, sinister look that takes the blacked-out aesthetic of the Escalade Sport and Sport Platinum to a whole new level.
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V bears the multicolor “racing Mondrian” V-Series logo emblazoned on its doors, as well as on its steering wheel.
The finer details about the Cadillac Escalade-V are still under wraps at the moment, but full specs will be revealed in the spring of 2022. As Cadillac Society has previously reported, the Escalade-V will be powered by the supercharged 6.2L V8 engine (production code LT4), the same engine that is under the hood of the CT5-V Blackwing, where it’s rated at 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque. The supercharged V8’s output for the Escalade-V will likely be different, but sources have told Cadillac Society that it will be capable of at least 640 horsepower.
The reveal of the Cadillac Escalade-V comes soon after a prototype version was spied undergoing testing on public roads, which gave us a hint of just how mean its exhaust sounds under wide open throttle. We also caught a different prototype undergoing real-life testing way back in May 2021, indicating that the high-performance SUV has been in development for quite some time.
We’ll be sure to bring you the latest updates on the Cadillac Escalade-V. In the meantime, subscribe to Cadillac Society for the latest Cadillac Escalade news and around-the-clock Cadillac news coverage. We also invite you to join the latest discussions in our Cadillac forums.
But still less than the industry average.
No, the V badge doesn't add horsepower... but nice try.
Due to an issue with oversized lifter bores.
Applicable only to models that are NOT eligible for the tax credit.
Dressed in black with bright silver accents.
Caddy swept both first and second.
