Full 2009 Cadillac Escalade ESV Review
What's New for 2009For 2009, the Cadillac Escalade ESV gets a few notable additions. The 6.2-liter V8 is now E85 "FlexFuel" capable, and Cadillac has added Bluetooth connectivity, an updated OnStar system, a power tilt steering wheel, an optional Side Blind Zone Alert system and Magnetic Ride Control suspension (on trim levels with 22-inch wheels) to the features list. The navigation system is now standard, and it includes real-time traffic updates.
Introduction
For those who look at the nearly 17-foot-long Cadillac Escalade and think, "if only it were bigger," the 2009 Cadillac Escalade ESV won't disappoint. The ESV is the extended-wheelbase sibling of the Escalade, built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL, and it's more than 20 inches longer than the regular Escalade. Boasting a huge cabin and seating for eight, the ESV could easily transport the most discerning rap star, his entourage, a teetotaling chauffeur and enough Cristal to last through the weekend.
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade ESV is much more than a souped-up Chevy. In fact, it's tough to think of a more luxurious or capable full-size SUV on the market today. The current third-generation Escalade clearly stands apart from its more utilitarian Chevrolet and GMC brethren thanks to distinctive exterior styling, a sophisticated suspension, a unique interior layout and a more powerful, 403-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. And even though gas prices continue to rise, it's likely that a good portion of Escalade shoppers won't be deterred by the prospect of dropping the extra dough to get around -- after all, what's a few more dollars per trip when you've already plunked down anywhere from about $62,000 to $84,000 for the 'Slade itself?
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade ESV is a full-size luxury SUV that's available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Trim levels are identical for both drivetrains, consisting of either a base model or an upgraded "Platinum" trim. All are befittingly well-equipped. The base Escalade comes standard with 18-inch wheels, HID headlamps, a power liftgate, adaptive shock absorbers, rain-sensing front wipers with heated washer fluid and park assist. Inside, there's three-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable pedals, a power tilt steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted controls, heated first- and second-row seats, remote starting, Bluetooth connectivity and a navigation system with an integrated rearview camera and satellite-based real-time traffic updates. OnStar (which can automatically download updates to the navigation system) and a 10-speaker Bose premium stereo system with satellite radio, MP3 playback and an in-dash six-CD/DVD changer are also standard.
The V8 Ultra Luxury Collection package adds 22-inch chromed aluminum wheels, adaptive headlamps, heated and cooled front seats, a sunroof, a heated steering wheel, power-release second-row seats, and the Magnetic Ride Control suspension system, which is more advanced than the base adaptive suspension and utilizes electronically controlled fluid-filled shocks to adjust damping continuously. Additional options include power-retractable running boards, a sunroof and a rear-seat entertainment system.
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