Set to debut for the upcoming model year, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade is expected to feature various changes to the exterior styling, interior amenities, and powertrain lineup. With other Caddy models dropping the entry-level trims from their lineups, Alex Luft and G of Motrolix recently deliberated the possibility of the Escalade following this path.
As discussed on the Cadillac Society Podcast Episode Two, the two gentlemen ponder on the disappearance of the Luxury trim for the 2025 Escalade. For reference, other Cadillac models like the 2025 CT5 and 2025 XT4 are ditching their “base” variants. In fact, the Escalade IQ and Optiq will only be offered in Luxury and Sport trim levels, therefore bypassing the Y strategy and adopting more of a “V” approach.
It’s worth noting that the two remaining trims of the 2025 CT5 and 2025 XT4 are called Premium Luxury and Sport, and not Luxury and Sport. It’s possible that General Motors elected to go this route in order to avoid confusing those cross-shopping between the 2024 and 2025 model years.
2025 Cadillac Escalade prototype
Another interestingly piece of note is that the Escalade’s average transaction price (ATP) has been running above the $100,000 mark for some time now. Since it appears as though consumers are opting for well-equipped – and thus more expensive – Escalade models, there’s less of an argument for a “base” trim level anymore. Instead, prospective buyers can turn to the Chevy Tahoe or Suburban High Country and Yukon Denali or Denali Ultimate models.
As a reminder, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade will feature a revised exterior design that includes a reworked front fascia and tweaked rear fascia. Meanwhile, the cabin will be headlined by a full-width, pillar-to-pillar infotainment display, a setup similar to that of the uber-luxurious Cadillac Celestiq.
In regard to powertrain, the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine, rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, will remain and be joined by the 3.0L I6 LZ0 turbodiesel Duramax, rated at 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque in the Silverado 1500. The GM 10-speed automatic transmission will handle the shifting duties.
Under the body panels, the 2025 Escalade will continue to ride on the GM T1 platform, with production taking place at the GM Arlington plant in Texas.
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