Is the $150,000 2023 Cadillac Escalade V the Most Luxurious Full-Size SUV?
Buying a luxury full-size SUV means you’re ready to spend a lot of money. One of the most costly models in this segment is the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V. Does all that money make it the most luxurious model you can buy? Is it even worth spending $150,000 on the most premium Escalade trim? Here are all the details on the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V and whether or not it’s worth as much as a small house.
How much is a 2023 Cadillac Escalade V?
According to Edmunds, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V starts at $150,990. Although it’s far more costly than other Escalade models, there are a few reasons it warrants such a high price. As the performance version of the popular full-size SUV, it’s got everything you could ask for, plus more power. Standard on the Escalade is a 6.2-liter V8 engine making 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque with rear-wheel drive. However, the V trim comes with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing a whopping 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. A specialized all-wheel drive system is standard.
Escalade V performance features
In addition to many other luxurious items, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V has a few exclusive performance features. For example, a performance-tuned adaptive air suspension allows owners to alter the height of the full-size SUV. Next, Brembo high-performance brakes are necessary to stop all that horsepower more quickly and smoothly. Finally, V-specific driving modes mean you’ll always be able to take on any climate or driving style in the $150,000 SUV. Since all these features are performance-focused, it adds to the luxuriousness provided in more affordable trims.
2023 Cadillac Escalade V luxurious features
According to Edmunds, the Escalade V has everything included with the Premium Luxury Platinum model, plus more. In short, the Premium Luxury Platinum model has about everything you can ask for in a full-size SUV. Screaming upscale comfort, features include soft-closing doors, massaging front seats, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, a 36-speaker AKG premium audio system, Bluetooth headphones, and a rear seat entertainment system. Additionally, it has features from previous models as well as many optional packages.
For example, the Touring, Performance, and Heavy-Duty Trailering packages, plus a few standalone options. Highlighted features include an upgraded suspension, an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential, trailer hitch assist, a trailer brake controller, an upgraded cooling system, an auxiliary trailer camera, a trailer tire pressure monitoring system, and the Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system.
Is this the most luxurious full-size SUV?
The most similarly-sized luxury full-size SUV to the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V is the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. However, the most costly version, Series III, costs just $109,995. That’s a massive difference in price under the Escalade V. Of course, you could buy a Bentley or Rolls-Royce, which are most luxurious than the Escalade V, but that’s a whole other world of pricing. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan starts at $348,500 MSRP. We think comparing the Grand Wagoneer is much more accurate than these models.
Like the Escalade V, the Grand Wagoneer Series III has features from all other models plus optional packages. Ventilated second-row seats, a 23-speaker McIntosh sound system, a front console cooling box, and much more. As the price shows, we don’t think it comes close to the most costly Escalade. Most prominently, it has a 6.4-liter V8 good for 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. Optionally, a turbocharged inline six-cylinder is available with 510 hp and 500 lb-ft. It’s clear that the Grand Wagoneer is far behind regarding performance, and luxurious features aren’t quite there either.
In conclusion, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V is the most luxurious full-size SUV. It has everything a buyer could ask for in a comfortable family hauler. Performance, features, style, and more are ever-present in the premium model. It can only be compared to Bentleys and Rolls-Royce, which are far more costly. However, the Escalade V is obviously only worth buying if your budget allows it, as it’s quite the purchase.
