The King of Full-size Luxo SUVs Gets Even Better - 2015 Cadillac Escalade

GM has been steadily updating its full-size pickup truck and SUV lineup over the past year, and the capstone is its 2015 Cadillac Escalade SUV, the most expensive and luxurious one of all.

Entering its fourth generation, the Escalade will feature GM's new 6.2-liter V-8 that offers 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The direct injection engine features GM's active fuel management, which can switch off four cylinders when additional power is not needed.

However, this Escalade promises more than a powerful ride. Cadillac will incorporate a fully boxed frame to stiffen its chassis and add a number of suspension improvements including a Magnetic Ride Control, which can adjust dampening in milliseconds. Instead of using traditional mechanical valve shocks, it uses a fluid that contains iron particles and an electric magnet that can alter viscosity. It allows for nearly instantaneous damping adjustments.

While the Escalade has always had a luxurious ride -- albeit a very truck like one -- Cadillac is touting a number of improvements to smooth this SUV's ride. The track has been widened, a new 9.5-inch rear axle and standard automatic locking rear differential have been added, and the electric power steering has been adjusted to improve handling and fuel economy.

Cadillac has also quieted the Escalade's ride and added additional luxury features inside and out. "Cadillac's growth provides the ideal stage for the all-new Escalade to take a major leap forward," said Bob Ferguson, Cadillac's senior vice president, in a news release. "The 2015 Escalade is completely new and elevated in design and technology, inside and out. The clear objective is to once again assume the leadership position among luxury SUVs."

Indeed. The exterior is cleaner and less jumbled than the outgoing model and features additional LED lighting cues to dress it up. Cadillac will also feature its new Total Internal Reflection LED high beams, which use four vertically stacked crystal lenses. The LED low beams also use crystal lenses. Cadillac's crest and wreath logo will even glow in the dark. The interior includes redesigned seats, a new instrument panel and center console that features Cadillac's CUE telematics system on an 8-inch color screen. The configurable instrument cluster will be displayed on a 12.3-inch high definition screen. The front row will include 1.4 inches more headroom and 4 more inches of legroom. Additionally, the second and third rows will fold flat to allow for better cargo management.

 "An exceptional level of craftsmanship has gone into the redesign of the 2015 Cadillac Escalade, and it all centers on the premium materials and extensive use of cut-and-sew live stitching – the way fine furniture is produced," said Eric Clough, director of interior design, in a news release. Cadillac also hopes to tame road and wind noises by including Bose Active Noise Cancellation technology. From adaptive cruise control to front and rear braking controls that use the car's onboard radar to prepare to stop even before the driver knows he or she needs to stop, the Escalade will feature the very best Cadillac can offer.

No pricing was announced, but the 2014 Cadillac Escalade currently has a starting price around $68,000. Cadillac executives say production will begin in the spring at its Arlington, Texas, factory. It should be available to the public by the early summer at the latest.