If having the choice of two models in the Escalade line-up is good, then providing the potential for three must be even better.

So was the thinking of Cadillac in 2003 when it introduced the Escalade ESV, its biggest model to date. For 2004, the Suburban based SUV receives several minor changes, plus the addition of an upscale Platinum Edition to go along with it's already football field sized dimensions and ultra-lux, bad boy attitude.

Propelling a vehicle this size down the road with authority is no easy task. At just shy of two tons, the Escalade ESV required an engine that would provide excellent acceleration and yet offer reasonable fuel economy for such a large SUV.

At the heart of every Cadillac Escalade is the 6.0L Vortec H.O. V8 engine. Built on a cast iron block with aluminum cylinder heads, it develops 345 hp @ 5200 rpm and cranks out 380 lb-ft of torque @ 4000 rpm. For a driving enthusiast like me, the sound of the Vortec engine at full throttle is music to my ears. A deep, guttural bass booms from under the hood as the accelerator is pressed firmly to the floor and the Escalade ESV leaps off the line like the thoroughbred it is. Acceleration is strong; 0-60 mph is reached in 8.4 seconds. Maximum engine speed and top speed are limited at 6000 rpm and 106 mph respectively.

Equally amazing as to how fast the Escalade ESV gets going, is how easily it stops. Four-wheel disc brakes with dual-piston calipers and anti-lock are standard, along with road-sensing suspension, rear load leveling and traction control. Each piece of gadgetry works in concert to provide control in almost every driving situation.

Cadillac incorporates StabiliTrak technology to keep the Escalade ESV firmly pointed in the right direction at all times. Through a network of sensors, StabiliTrak constantly monitors the vehicle's movement. The moment it senses motion in an undesired direction, i.e. a skid or spin, it applies the appropriate braking in order to get the vehicle back on course. Working completely behind the scenes, StabiliTrak never requires driver activation. In fact, you may not even realize it's working until one day it provides the added control you thought wasn't available.

By now you may be saying to yourself, if driving the Escalade ESV is so effortless, surely parking it must be a chore?

The short answer to this question is yes. But here again, Cadillac makes it easier through the use of their Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist system. Sliding the transmission into reverse automatically activates the system. Employing sonar technology, four rear bumper sensors provide a search and alert function for any object at least 3 inches wide and a minimum of 10 inches tall. A series of three warning lights and chimes indicates the proximity of an object. Reaching three chimes indicates it's time to stop.

In practical experience, I found this most useful in underground parking garages, or in the tight confines of a shopping mall parking lot. Though parking a vehicle this big will always be a challenge, the series of warning lights and sounds make it much easier.

Inside, the Escalade ESV spoils passengers with leather seating, chrome accents and genuine wood trim. A tri-zone automatic climate control system allows for individual hot and cold adjustments in both front and back.

The large center console offers excellent storage, dual cupholders and a decorative analog clock. Dual power front seats, with 14-way adjustment, make finding a comfortable seating position trouble-free. Power solar-ray tinted windows; remote keyless entry and heated mirrors are standard.

A 9-speaker Premium Bose digital music system with 6-disc CD changer provides crystal clear sound inside the cabin of the Escalade ESV. For those in back, dual 7", fold-down DVD screens, do an excellent job of keeping everyone entertained.

Driving the Cadillac Escalade is a satisfying experience. Not only does it offer the very best technology available, it provides it all in an ultra-luxurious package even the most elite, or hip will embrace.


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For the Cadillac 2004 Model Guide : Click Here