Sam Krahn 
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is a massive step on for the pinnacle of the Cadillac brand. Revealed in February, the new Escalade brought more size, tech, luxury and boldness than the car it replaces. Because of this, it’s fairly understandable to see a price jump over the outgoing model.
Cadillac disclosed pricing information on the new Escalade with dealers earlier this month.
At the base level, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Luxury starts at $77,490, a $1000 increase. The longer ESV model of the same trim is $80,490, which is $500 more than before. These price increases aren’t too bad, but it’s a different story as you climb the trim levels. Slotting in the middle of the Escalade family are the Premium Luxury and Sport models, starting at $84,290 and $86,690 respectively. The top level Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum models start at a whopping $101,290, a massive $8,000 more than before.
Then again, have you seen the interior?
As for the competition, the Escalade’s chief rival is the Lincoln Navigator, which has been praised for elevating the full size American luxury SUV market into new levels of refinement and posh. The base level Navigator undercuts the new Escalade at $76,185. As for the top level trim, the Navigator Black Label also comes in less than the top tier Escalade at under $100,000.
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is the SUV Cadillac needs, and can’t afford to mess up. Especially when comparing the quality and success of the current Navigator, introduced in 2018. Luckily, it looks like Cadillac has delivered. The main attraction that will be immediately tangible to customers is the all-new interior, which, to put it mildly, is a leap ahead of the previous model in terms of design, quality and tech. The centerpiece is the multilayered, curved 38 inch diagonal OLED screen. Also inside is an optional 36 speaker AKG sound system.
In addition, the new Escalade features independent rear suspension for the first time ever. In effect, both third row passenger room and ride comfort are greatly improved compared to before. Powertrain options include a 420 hp, 460 lb-ft 6.2L L87 V8 as standard, with a segment exclusive 277 hp 460 lb-ft LM2 3.0L Duramax Diesel engine as a no cost option.
This is a pricing strategy that’s currently observed in both the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2020 GMC Sierra 1500; pricing for the L87 and LM2 are the same on trim levels that offer both. Like the Escalade, this pricing strategy is expected on the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, as well as the 2021 GMC Yukon family.
Order books for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade officially open tomorrow.
