2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV First Look: The New Long One
Cadillac’s latest Escalade is packed with updates—from its all-new independent rear suspension and upscale, price-appropriate interior to the addition of an available diesel engine. Despite the changes, it remains the bold, full-size luxury SUV it’s known to be, offered once again in both standard and extended-wheelbase versions: the Escalade and Escalade ESV.
When Cadillac unveiled the redesigned Escalade earlier this year, only the standard-length model was shown. Now, the brand has revealed the larger 2021 Escalade ESV in the metal. However, details remain scarce. Cadillac has released limited images and information, stating simply that the ESV will carry “the same bold design and cutting-edge technologies” as the standard model. This includes the shift from a traditional solid rear axle to a modern independent rear suspension, the stunning curved OLED display inside, and the available Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system.
The Escalade ESV Is More Bigger
Compared to its smaller sibling, the 2021 Escalade ESV is 15.9 inches longer and sits on a 13.2-inch longer wheelbase, for totals of 226.9 inches and 134.1 inches, respectively. Both represent gains of several inches relative to the previous ESV and mimic the size relationships between the less-expensive 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and its smaller Tahoe sibling (as well as the GMC Yukon XL and Yukon). The dimensional increases are a boon to rear-seat space—both in the second and third rows. Expect a roomier interior, too, thanks to the Cadillac’s larger body and its more efficient cabin packaging—a result of that new rear-end suspension.
Cadillac has revealed some cargo dimensions for the ESV, and predictably, they’re more generous than those of the shorter Escalade. Fold the second- and third-row seats down, and the Escalade ESV can swallow 142.8 cubic feet of cargo behind the first row, an 18.1-percent improvement over its predecessor and a full 21 cubic feet more than the non-ESV model holds. Similar to before, the ESV soundly bests the regular Escalade in cargo volume behind its third-row (i.e., without any seats folded). The 2021 Escalade holds 25.5 cubic feet back there, but the ESV can fit 41.1 cubes aft of the third row.
Same Tech, Longer Body
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV shares the dramatically upgraded interior of its shorter sibling, including the stunning 38.0-inch diagonal OLED display that stretches from the driver’s side to the center of the dashboard. This impressive setup actually consists of three separate screens: a 7.2-inch touchscreen to the left of the steering wheel, a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 16.9-inch central touchscreen. The main display supports augmented reality features and can also be controlled via a rotary dial on the center console.
All interior touchpoints have been elevated in quality, creating a more premium experience throughout. Cadillac has also taken its audio game to new heights. The standard AKG sound system in the regular Escalade includes 19 speakers, while the available Studio Reference package boosts that number to 36 and introduces 3D surround sound. Given the ESV’s additional cabin space, it may offer even more speakers in both standard and upgraded configurations.
Same Muscle, New Diesel
As before, the 2021 Escalade ESV is powered by the same 420-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine found in the standard Escalade. However, this V8 has received a slight upgrade with the addition of GM’s advanced Dynamic Fuel Management system. Unlike traditional cylinder deactivation—which shuts down half the cylinders—the new system can selectively skip firing individual cylinders in real time based on engine load, improving efficiency without sacrificing performance. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
While Cadillac hasn’t officially confirmed it, the ESV is expected to offer the same no-cost optional diesel engine as the standard model—a 277-hp 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six shared with the Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon. This diesel unit delivers 460 lb-ft of torque (matching the V8) and is anticipated to offer significantly better fuel economy.
Buyers will be able to choose between rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the ESV should offer the same three suspension options as the regular Escalade: a standard coil-spring setup, a version with Magnetic Ride Control adaptive dampers, and an air suspension system combined with those same high-performance dampers.
