The 403-horsepower, 6.2L aluminum V8 exclusively powers the Escalade. The new engine incorporates variable valve timing to allow both low-rev torque and high-rev passing power, and it's hooked up to a new six-speed automatic transmission with a wide ratio to balance performance and fuel efficiency.
A strong boxed frame is shared with GM's other full-size SUVs and brings increased strength and stiffness, for a more controlled ride and improved handling.
The Escalade gets extra stopping power as well, with larger, stronger disc brakes on all four wheels and improved Bosch anti-lock braking. The anti-lock brakes now function together with the rollover mitigation technology, included with the standard Stabilitrak stability control. The system applies the brakes to help avoid situations that may lead to a vehicle rollover.
Other safety features include side curtain air bags for all three rows of outboard seating, along with a new 360-degree front seatbelt pretensioner system.
The Escalade has a more aerodynamic appearance, with its windshield more sloped than before and a low 0.36 coefficient of drag. Overall, the look is more integrated, too, with wrap-around fascias, styled mirrors, and integral running boards.
The well-appointed cabin includes a power folding second-row seat along with plush leather upholstery and other premium materials inside, while the instrument panel has eye-catching white LED backlighting with blue inlays and white indicator needles. The interior comes in two colors, Ebony and Cashmere.
Big, shiny wheels have become part of the Escalade's look, and stylish 22-inch wheels are available on the Escalade and ESV as a factory option for the first time.
Audiophiles will be interested in the Bose 5.1 Digital Surround Sound system that's available, and all audio systems on the Escalade play DVD, CD, and MP3 formats, along with XM satellite radio. An eight-inch in-dash touch-screen navigation system is available, as is a DVD player with eight-inch flip-down screen. Even if you don't opt for the navigation system, the standard Generation 7 OnStar system now has Turn-by-Turn navigation through the vehicle's sound system.
The Escalade ESV is nearly identical in features and equipment to the standard Escalade, but it adds 21 inches of additional length, for improved rear seating space and cargo capacity.
The Escalade EXT closely resembles the other Escalade models from the front, and includes many of the same features, but it follows a so-called Sport-Utility Truck (SUT) body style. Part SUV, part pickup, it has a midgate panel that allows one to easily convert the EXT from a five-passenger SUV with a small cargo bed to a two-passenger SUV with a larger bed. With the midgate, the bed can either be five or eight feet long. The EXT comes with a lockable tonneau cover to secure items in the cargo bed.
Significant standard luxury equipment on the Escalade and ESV models include tri-zone climate control, rear parking assist, remote vehicle start, and a power-assisted rear liftgate.
For 2008 Cadillac's flagship Escalade luxury SUV is available as a 2WD on the ESV. In addition, the V8 Ultra Luxury Collection package, which includes an audio system with navigation, rearview camera system, Intellibeam headlamps, heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, 22" chromed aluminum wheels and a sunroof is available on the Escalade, ESV and EXT. New exterior colors for 2008 include Stealth Gray and Infrared Tintcoat for the Escalade and ESV and Sonoma Red for the EXT.
The 2008 Cadillac Escalade stands out from its competitors with its powerful, 403-horsepower engine, plush interior appointments and entertainment options, and an interior design that's possibly the most opulent of any American-produced vehicle. The EXT also offers more luxury and comfort features, and makes more of a style statement, than nearly any other pickup truck available.
