Hey there, Cadillac fans! It’s Andrew from editorial team, and today, I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on the brand new 2025 Cadillac Escalade V.
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to check out this beast at a special location in Motor City, and let me tell you, if you’re as obsessed with horsepower and luxury as I am, you’re in for a treat.
The Evolution of the V Series Family
Let’s kick things off by talking about the V Series family. It’s fascinating to see how it has evolved from its early beginnings into a lineup of vehicles that are truly Earth-shattering. For those worried that Cadillac might drop the V from their lineup in 2025, fear not. The great news is that the V series is here to stay, and even better, it still features the LT4 Supercharged V8, hand-assembled right in Bowling Green, Kentucky, at the GM Performance Center. This powerhouse delivers a jaw-dropping 682 horsepower, but that’s just the beginning of the excitement for 2025.
Exterior Design and Features
Now, let’s dive into the design of the Escalade V. One of the most noticeable changes is the new animation lighting effect that activates when you approach the vehicle. It’s similar to the lighting on the Cadillac Lyriq and gives the Escalade V a commanding presence. The all-new signature lighting around the crest adds a touch of personality, both inside and out. It’s great to see Cadillac bringing this electrified vehicle lighting effect to the good old-fashioned internal combustion engine of the Escalade V.
At the front, you’ll notice the reshaped housing with darker gloss black accents and sharp cut edges. These features give the Escalade V an extra dose of style. The V series Grill, with its gloss black finish and intricate etches, not only looks fantastic but also helps drag more cool air into the engine bay. And of course, there’s that iconic Cadillac badge with a rich history, dating back to the 1950s when Cadillac raced at Le Mans. Today, Cadillac continues to race in the 24-hour Le Mans race with their new hypercar class, blending performance with internal combustion engines and electrification.
Historical Significance
Speaking of history, did you know that Cadillac had two cars racing at Le Mans in the 1950s? One of them, dubbed “Le Monstre,” was known for its sheer size and performance. Fast forward to today, and Cadillac is still making waves at Le Mans, racing in the 24-hour race with their new hypercar class. It’s impressive to see how they’ve blended internal combustion engines with electrification in their performance cars.
Front Design Details
Moving further down the vehicle, you’ll love the lower notches that are not only stylish but also functional. The bottom portion of the front end is aggressive without being over the top. Cadillac struck the perfect balance, making sure the Escalade V stands out without looking too extreme. When you see this SUV in your rearview mirror, you’ll know it’s something special.
As we move up, the hood features a soft bend that meets the gloss black area at the top, seamlessly integrating with the V series Grill. Under the hood, you’ll find the hand-assembled LT4 Supercharged V8 engine, complete with the assembler’s signature. This engine delivers 682 horsepower and works in tandem with the MagneRide 4.0 suspension, which adjusts every nanosecond to provide both a competent and comfortable ride.
Lighting and Wheels
Cadillac has always been known for its signature lighting, and the Escalade V is no exception. The wraparound lighting design is a standout feature, complemented by all-new wheels and a new color option. The dark multi-spoke wheels with laser etching and massive Brembo calipers provide ultimate braking capability. With the rear-wheel-drive-based all-wheel-drive system, this SUV can send power to all four wheels, giving you incredible traction on any surface.
The red body color paired with red calipers is a perfect match, checking off all the right boxes for a performance SUV. The color-matched mirror caps and 360° cameras add to the overall sleek look. The V series badge is a testament to Cadillac’s racing heritage, with countless wins and championships in various racing series.
Side and Rear Design
The side profile of the Escalade V features dropping running boards and new diffused lighting along the bottom, enhancing the SUV’s overall style. As we move towards the rear, the biggest change is the LED lighting evolution, similar to the front. If you remember my review of the white Escalade, you’ll notice that for 2025, the gloss black center under the crest replaces the previous aluminum accents. The GM performance active exhaust allows you to keep it quiet or open it up for a more aggressive sound, making sure everyone knows it’s an Escalade V.
Interior Features
Stepping inside the 2025 Escalade V, you’ll find a host of upgrades. Although pricing isn’t available yet, expect these SUVs to hit dealerships soon. The door panels feature real carbon fiber, sleek aluminum trim, and white contrast stitching. The door pockets are spacious enough to hold your Detroit hoagie sub, and the AKG premium sound system delivers an immersive audio experience with 19 standard speakers and over 30 with the optional setup.
The new 55-inch screen on the dash is a standout feature, along with dark aluminum finishes on the AKG speaker grill covers and an abundance of carbon fiber accents. The secondary screen for AC controls, wireless charging, and two cup holders add to the convenience. The cool box can keep your snacks chilled, and the dark jet black leather seats with speaker systems in the headrests offer both comfort and style. The seats are fully electric, with perforations, stitching, and alcantara material, all under a massive panoramic glass roof.
Driver’s Perspective
Behind the wheel, the 682 horsepower under your right foot is exhilarating. The aluminum seal plate with the illuminated Escalade name, full seat controls, and two memory seat settings ensure a perfect fit. The new steering wheel features Super Cruise, an all-new horn button, and the V series badge. The V button has been moved to the steering wheel for 2025, offering easy access to performance settings. The electric tilting and telescoping steering wheel, along with laser etching within the wheel, adds to the luxurious feel.
Mid Row
In the mid row, the Escalade V offers optional executive package seating, or in this case, comfortable Captain’s chairs with soft leather, stitching, and perforations. The armrests are beefy, perfect for a human arm, and the touch screens on the back of the headrests provide entertainment. The command center includes two cup holders, USB-C ports, HDMI, and a home power source. These seats are comfortable, slide and recline, and provide easy access to the third row.
My Thoughts
Another fantastic day here in Motor City! A big thanks to the entire Cadillac team for allowing us to capture the revised 2025 Cadillac Escalade and share the details on the Escalade V. What do you think? Are you ready to make the move and get yourself into an Escalade V, especially with all the changes inside and out for 2025? Let me know in the comments.
