Cadillac Supercharges Escalade-V to 682 HP

We’re all for an SUV with a supercharged V-8. Take a useful shape and throw gobs of power at it and it’s bound to be a good time—or at least a fun way to burn through copious amounts of premium. Cadillac has finally jumped on the super-SUV bandwagon with the Escalade-V.

This is the first time Caddy has stuck its high-performance “V” designation on an Escalade. Better yet, it’s the most powerful Cadillac ever. The Escalade-V’s heart is derived from the LT4 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 that powers the phenomenal CT5-V Blackwing, as well as the current Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and last-generation Corvette Z06. To deal with the Escalade’s need for additional cooling (thanks to its hefty curb weight) and to raise the horsepower figure closer to the moon, Cadillac stuck a massive, 2.65-liter supercharger on the Escalade-V. Total power is an astounding 682 hp and 653 pound-feet torque. That means 0–60 disappears in “under 4.4 seconds,” according to the automaker.

The Escalade-V starts with Cadillac’s Platinum trim and builds from there. The 10-speed automatic has been recalibrated, there is full-time AWD to prevent mile-long burnouts, and the suspension has been retuned to handle the power and speed. The V gets unique wheels and plenty of appearance accouterments to help beef up the visual appeal. Inside, there’s a 36-speaker stereo system and a 36-inch curved OLED display. Cadillac has not said how much the Escalade-V will be able to tow, but we hope it’s unchanged from other Escalade models.

Pricing for the 2023 Escalade-V starts at $149,990, and those with deep pockets can place an order starting this summer. We’ve tested other versions of the Escalade in the past and can’t wait to test this one. It’s an excellent product that will be made much less efficient by this supercharged V-8, but we’re only on this planet for a limited time. Might as well enjoy it.

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