Cadillac News: Cadillac Adds Some Platinum On The 2015 Escalade

[William Maley]

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Even though the Cadillac Escalade is quite fresh, Cadillac has a number of changes in store for it in the coming year to keep it the thick of the luxury SUV battleground.

The big change is the introduction of the Platinum trim for the Escalade. The Platinum trim adds a bit more shine on the exterior with additional chrome trim, twenty-two inch wheels, Cadillac's new crest, and Platinum badges. Inside, the Escalade Platinum gets Nappa semi-aniline leather in a choice of either beige or gray; suede microfiber headliner, heated and cooled seats for the front, eighteen-way power seats, and three screens for rear seat passengers (two seven-inch screens in the headrests, and a nine-inch screen in the center).

Other changes for the 2015 model include an eight-speed automatic taking the place of the six-speed, a new two-speed transfer case for four-wheel drive models, Surround View camera system, 4G LTE connectivity, and a hands-free power liftgate.

Pricing for the 2015 Escalade will start at $73,965 (includes $995 destination charge), while the new Escalade Platinum model kicks off at $90,270.

Source: Cadillac

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

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New Platinum Collection, Added Features Elevate Escalade Craftsmanship and Technology

• Entire SUV line gets 8-Speed transmission, Surround View camera and 4G LTE connectivity
  

DETROIT – Cadillac today announced numerous enhancements to the just-launched 2015 Escalade, including the new range-topping Platinum Collection model launching in the fourth quarter this year.

Escalade Platinum features elegant, hand-crafted luxury additions to both the exterior and interior while the entire Escalade range gets new technical features, highlighted by the addition of 4G LTE connectivity, a new 8-speed automatic transmission and a Surround View camera system to help increase visibility.

"Since the launch just a few months ago, the next-generation Escalade has proved exceptionally desirable among luxury SUV buyers," said Uwe Ellinghaus, chief marketing officer, Cadillac. "Now, within the same year we are able to elevate the Escalade line with the Platinum Collection, as well as deliver enhancements through the entire Escalade range."

The 2015 Escalade Platinum extends and upgrades the use of premium materials within the Escalade's cut and sewn interior. First- and second-row seats are wrapped in Nappa semi-aniline leather, while the dashboard, upper door panels and center console are clad in hand-stitched and hand-wrapped leather. Customers can choose between two distinct interior environments, each paired with sueded microfiber headliner trim and unique exotic wood accents.

Escalade Platinum Collection is also designed to provide passengers with unsurpassed comfort and convenience. Heated and cooled 18-way power front seats are standard, and include a massaging function on the driver's seat. A pair of seven-inch LCD screens, embedded in the front head rests, supplement the overhead 9-inch screen, while a cooled center console compartment can keep chilled beverages handy. Platinum models also include premium floor mats and Platinum-branded door sill plates.

Escalade Platinum models ride on 22-inch wheels and the model is distinguished by chrome accents, Platinum exterior badging, and a unique grille mesh design. All Escalade models wear the new, streamlined Cadillac Crest.

In addition, all Escalade models – from the standard Collection through to the Platinum – feature a host of technology upgrades. Vehicle performance is aided by the new eight-speed automatic transmission that is standard on all models, as well as a two-speed transfer case standard on four-wheel drive models. An electronic hands-free liftgate already standard on Escalade will also feature hands-free closing capability.

Like the new ATS sport sedan, Escalade includes OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity with a WiFi hotspot capable of connecting up to seven devices and inductive wireless device charging. Surround View, which provides a bird's eye view of the area immediately surrounding the vehicle.

The enhancements add just $1275 to Escalade's starting price in the U.S., for a total of $73,965, including destination.

The top-of-the-range 2015 Escalade Platinum is priced from $90,270, including $995 in destination.

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[riviera74]

The new Escalade seems to be the only model GM has (Corvette aside) that can be priced north of $75K and no one laughs at the price.  Even though I am not a truck fan generally, I do hope that the LTS is as feature packed as this 2015 Escalade and is priced accordingly.

[G. David Felt]

For me, many know I am an SUV person, so the Platinum edition is my LTS or S class, 7 series, A8, etc of auto's. I still love my 2006 Escalade ESV Platinum and have come to really like the new 2015 models. I could see myself in a Purple ESV Platinum edition.

[Cmicasa the Great]

The new Escalade seems to be the only model GM has (Corvette aside) that can be priced north of $75K and no one laughs at the price.  Even though I am not a truck fan generally, I do hope that the LTS is as feature packed as this 2015 Escalade and is priced accordingly.

 

 

Simply not true. My CTS-V Coupe cost lil over $75K and I didn't flinch once when writing the check. The current CTS-Vsport and XTS-VSport both can reach $75K and I see plenty of them. U are most likely saying that because of the screwed launch of the ELR... a VIRTUAL two seater compact car that, while sporting one of the most technological drivelines on the planet, should have simply been priced $15k less due to packaging. I maintain that if the ELR had of been simply done in a package the size of the CTS or XTS it could have commanded and got +$20K on top of the current price no problem. Unless its a sports car or hi-Performance variant (M3, C63AMG, ATS-V), the market very seldom is gonna buy a car that small for over $60K