The 2023 Cadillac Escalade will be the first SUV to don the high-performance V-Series badge. Preproduction model shown. Actual production model will vary. Escalade-V availability will be announced spring 2022.
Initially expected to be a full-blown announcement, Cadillac has elected to release some early, pre-production photos to the general public for the 2023 Escalade-V as opposed to a proper full-unveiling. It’s a model that’s been anticipated, dreamt about and practically warranted for over a decade, so I suppose we can wait a few more months.
When the Escalade was first released in 1999, it was literally a rebadged GMC Yukon Denali that was released during the height of the first SUV craze in the late 1990s. The only deviations were a slightly different grille, badging, and interior stitching. Even the body cladding and the wheels were identical.
When the all-new second-generation Escalade was released in 2002, with LS-based truck engines in 5.3L and 6.0L format, it didn’t take long for hot-rodders to build their own “V-series” Escalade using aftermarket speed parts.
With an XLR-V, STS-V and a second-gen CTS-V already in production by 2009, we were almost certain we’d see a production Escalade-V sometime during the third-generation truck’s production run, expecting LS9 or LSA power, but it never happened.
To some, it may seem odd to even offer such a vehicle in the first place, but with the Europeans bringing us supercharged Range Rovers, M-tuned X5s and even SUVs from Porsche and Lamborghini, it would seem like a no-brainer for GM to follow suit. But nope, it didn’t happen for the third-generation, or even the fourth-generation that ran from the 2015-2020 model years.
Here we are in 2022, and with Rollys-Royce and Bentley now throwing their high-horsepower SUV hats into the ring, evidently, the time has finally come. While the official details won’t be released until Spring of this year, the video clip that Cadillac has spread all over social media this morning has already caused something of a stir. It’s evident that it’ll be a gas-powered V8, probably supercharged, and more than likely an engine that’s already in production.
Some speculate it may be equipped with the Cadillac-developed 550hp twin-turbocharged Blackwing V8 (LTA), but we believe the 650hp C7 Corvette-derived LT4 is more accurate. Considering the sheer girth of the truck, probably more necessary and well. What very little details that Cadillac is willing to share at the moment can be found below, but we’ll update you with the facts once they have been released.
Official Release:
Cadillac V-Series Lineup Expands to Include Escalade
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade 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.
More information about the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V-Series, including full vehicle specs, will be revealed in spring 2022.
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of AutoCentric Media, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles; GM, Ford, Dodge, imports, trucks — you name it! When he isn’t clacking away on his keyboard, he’s building, tuning, driving or testing his current crop of personal projects!
