2023 Cadillac Escalade-V Has the Heart of a Blackwing (2024)

• The 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V debuts with a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 that makes 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque.
• Cadillac says it can hit 60 mph in under 4.4 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds at 110 mph.
• The Escalade-V will start at $149,990 when it goes on sale late this summer.

Certain Cadillacs are meant to be driven at the track, and others are meant to be driven to the track. The new 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V falls into the latter category. However, this three-ton SUV still makes for one helluva shuttle thanks to the 682-hp supercharged V-8 hiding under its hood.

This marks the first time an Escalade has worn the brand's V badge, which broadcasts its high-performance nature. Its 6.2-liter V-8 is essentially the same engine used by the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. In fact, they're both hand-built at the Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The biggest difference is the SUV has a 2.7-liter supercharger versus the sedan's 1.7-liter unit. This helps the Escalade-V generate 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque—14 more horses and 6 fewer pound-feet than the CT5-V Blackwing.

All that power is channeled through a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Unfortunately, there's no setting to route torque exclusively to the rear axle, so smoky burnouts sound like a no-go. The Escalade-V does have an electronic limited-slip differential for maximizing traction, though, and it also has a launch-control feature that can be activated in V-Mode. Cadillac estimates the super Slade can hit 60 mph in under 4.4 seconds and quotes a quarter-mile time of 12.7 seconds at 110 mph. We'll verify those claims once we have the chance to test one.

Every Escalade-V has specially tuned adaptive dampers and air springs at all four corners, with stiffer springs in the rear. Drivers can also choose between Tour and Sport settings for the suspension, steering, brake-pedal feel, and engine sound. There are multiple adjustments for the all-wheel-drive system and engine performance that include a snow/ice mode. These can be accessed by punching the V-Mode button on the center console, which also automatically lowers the ride height by 0.8 inch.

Compared with the blingy standard Escalade, the 2023 Escalade-V has a more menacing appearance. There's no chrome trim or brightwork. The huge mesh grille is black (obviously), as are the window moldings, the lower trim pieces, and the quad exhaust tips that flank the faux rear diffuser. A set of gigantic 22-inch rims comes standard, available in black or gray. Behind the wheels are red calipers; a pair of Brembo six-piston units pinch the massive 16.1-inch iron front rotors, and single-piston calipers clamp the 13.5-inch rear rotors. Cadillac says it won't offer summer tires on the Escalade-V. Instead, all models come with a set of 275/55R-22 all-seasons. The V is also rated to tow 7000 pounds, which is 1000 pounds less than the non-supercharged V-8 model with all-wheel drive.

When the 682-hp, 6200-plus-pound three-row SUV isn't shocking unsuspecting passengers with its heart-stopping takeoffs and snarling, supercharged soundtrack, Cadillac's luxury pedigree should be on full display. Every Escalade-V has black or Dark Auburn leather in all three rows plus shiny zebrawood trim, and front-seat riders are treated to heated and ventilated cushions with massage functions. As on other Escalades, the V has an enormous curved OLED display with three screens measuring a total of 38 inches. The screen size is almost matched by the 36 speakers that come with the AKG audio system. The Caddy's other marvel is its optional $2500 Super Cruise hands-free driving tech. However, due to the chip shortage, it's expected to have late availability.

Cadillac says the Escalade-V is "the industry's most powerful full-size SUV," but that's an easy claim to make when there's no direct competition. The company shouldn't have any problem selling them, either, even with a startling starting price of $149,990. (Compare that to the regular Escalade, which starts at $77,840.) The long-wheelbase ESV also receives the V treatment, and opting for it is expected to cost an extra $3000. Both models will have limited availability based on volume, but Cadillac wouldn't disclose numbers and insists the decision is based on keeping the Escalade-V "exclusive and exciting" and not the chip shortage. Whatever the reason, the company won't be taking reservations before the 2023 Escalade-V and Escalade-V ESV go on sale late this summer.