2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
By Gary Witzenburg/autoMedia.com
Last Updated: 2003-01-01
Cadillac's new "Art and Science" design direction and GM's sincere determination to re-establish the Cadillac brand as among the best in the world are both admirable. We like the BMW 5 Series-fighter CTS sedan and have high expectations for the soon-to-come '04 XLR luxury roadster and SRX crossover utility. However, if you find Cadillac's current naming convention of its model line a bit confusing, you're not alone. Take heart in the fact that they actually do stand for something.
The first letter of each model name denotes the vehicle series: "D" for DeVille, "S" for Seville, "C" for the new smaller rear-drive CTS sedan and "X" for the upcoming Corvette-based 2-seater. The second and third letters are body style and vehicle descriptors: "L" for luxury, "X" for crossover, "T" for touring, "S" for sedan and "R" for roadster. But, go figure, the "R" in SRX, Cadillac says, means "reconfigurable." Even more confusing is that sometimes the alpha name refers to the overall model and other times it refers to a trim level within the model line, as with the DeVille DTS, Seville STS and Escalade EXT. In the near future, Cadillac may drop the names DeVille and Seville in favor of just the DTS and STS, but what about Escalade?
The Escalade, Cadillac's hot-selling luxury SUV originally derived from GM's full-size Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon SUVs was a hurry-up answer to Lincoln's huge Ford Expedition-based Navigator. The first generation sold surprisingly well, and the latest Escalade has suddenly become the darling of rap stars, NBA athletes and bucks-up California cognoscenti?proving that it's still possible for a Cadillac to be cool.
Capitalizing on that success, the Escalade EXT ("Escalade crossover truck") arrived late in 2002, and a third variant, Escalade ESV ("Escalade stretched vehicle"?) is due for launch in early '03. While the ESV is a Suburban-based extended version to better compete with Lincoln's very lengthy Navigator, the EXT is Cadillac's take on Chevrolet's innovative Avalanche truck, which quickly converts from a closed SUV to a pickup via a unique Midgate configuration. Cadillac calls it a "sport utility truck with elements of luxury SUV and pickup."
Significant Escalade EXT upgrades for '03 include an advanced multiplexed electrical system. This system greatly reduces the number of wires, splices and connectors thereby reducing weight, improving packaging efficiency and reliability. It also helps enable features such as an enhanced driver information center, new infotainment systems, automatic climate control and the passenger sensing system for airbag deployment.
The new dual-stage airbag system calculates crash severity based on vehicle deceleration and decides whether to fire the bags with first-stage or second-stage levels of energy, or not at all. The idea is to prevent airbag-caused injuries by deploying the bags less forcefully in lower-speed impacts. It also deactivates the front passenger bag under certain conditions (based on weight and belt tension) to protect children and small adults.
New 4-channel electronic brake control, a new Borg-Warner single-speed, open-differential AWD transfer case and an upgraded StabiliTrak system work together to provide anti-lock braking, traction control and yaw (fishtailing) stability. The new system allows any of the four wheels to be independently controlled for more stable ABS stops, greater yaw control and improved reliability and serviceability, according to Cadillac.
Additional new safety features for '03 include supplemental brake assist (which automatically provides anti-lock brake control when it senses an emergency stop), a center rear seat and shoulder belt and the GM's new LATCH child safety seat anchor system. Also, the brake and accelerator pedals (like those in the Ford and Lincoln competition) are now power-adjustable to allow shorter drivers to keep a safe distance from the steering wheel.
Also new for 2003 are standard heated outside mirrors with power-tilt, power folding, left-side electrochromic glass, puddle lights, turn-signal indicators and a memory feature. New standard high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps generate more light per watt, using less electrical energy and run cooler than conventional lamps.
The interior is substantially upgraded, with a new-design instrument panel, European-style leather seats, dual-zone climate control and a very useful set of buttons in the steering wheel spokes. Shared with GM's midsize Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy and Oldsmobile Bravada midsize SUVs, these buttons control audio, trip computer, programmable vehicle functions and voice recognition for the standard OnStar safety, security and communications system.
Like Chevy's Avalanche, Cadillac's Escalade EXT is a clever chameleon capable of changing almost instantaneously from quiet, comfortable SUV to surprisingly functional pickup. Yes, it really works. We easily figured out how to remove and stow the rear glass and fold down the rear seat to extend the cargo bed into the cab (from 5 ft.-3 in. to 8 ft.-1 in.). The downside: no sound or temperature barrier between cab and bed in that configuration, though the aerodynamic design of the roof and flying buttress side pillars prevents much airflow backward into the cab at speed, and the HVAC works well.
Despite its length and weight (221.4 in., 5,752 lb.) and dual-purpose role, the EXT drives pretty much like the regular Escalade, which is to say very nicely. It rides more like a very large car than a truck, handles surprisingly well and accelerates strongly when asked to. Thanks to the burly 345-hp 6.0-liter V-8 engine, 60 mph comes up from rest in about eight seconds. Our real-world economy was a bit over 14 mpg, consistent with the EPA ratings of 12 mpg city, 15 highway and 13 composite. Only the brakes disappointed with a somewhat soft pedal feel and unimpressive perceived performance, although they did get the job done.
Our test EXT stickered at $53,879 including $2,584 worth of options ($1,295 rear seat DVD entertainment system, $795 17-inch chrome wheels, $325 XM Satellite Radio and $169 trailer package) and the $770 destination charge. Good news: the $50,525 base price includes all-wheel drive, GM's excellent StabiliTrak stability system and a 4-year, 50,000-mile warranty. Bad news: Chevy's lessloaded, less prestigious, somewhat less cool Avalanche starts at about $34,500.
But if this type of dual-purpose ride is what you want, those are the choices. Both are excellent considerations, but only the Escalade EXT comes with that massive Cadillac egg-crate grille, huge Cadillac crests, Cadillac comfort and features and that new, intangible Cadillac cool. Go for it if you've got it. (www.cadillac.com)
? 2002 autoMedia.com Inc. All Rights Reserved.
By Gary Witzenburg/autoMedia.com
Last Updated: 2003-01-01
Cadillac's new "Art and Science" design direction and GM's sincere determination to re-establish the Cadillac brand as among the best in the world are both admirable. We like the BMW 5 Series-fighter CTS sedan and have high expectations for the soon-to-come '04 XLR luxury roadster and SRX crossover utility. However, if you find Cadillac's current naming convention of its model line a bit confusing, you're not alone. Take heart in the fact that they actually do stand for something.
The first letter of each model name denotes the vehicle series: "D" for DeVille, "S" for Seville, "C" for the new smaller rear-drive CTS sedan and "X" for the upcoming Corvette-based 2-seater. The second and third letters are body style and vehicle descriptors: "L" for luxury, "X" for crossover, "T" for touring, "S" for sedan and "R" for roadster. But, go figure, the "R" in SRX, Cadillac says, means "reconfigurable." Even more confusing is that sometimes the alpha name refers to the overall model and other times it refers to a trim level within the model line, as with the DeVille DTS, Seville STS and Escalade EXT. In the near future, Cadillac may drop the names DeVille and Seville in favor of just the DTS and STS, but what about Escalade?
The Escalade, Cadillac's hot-selling luxury SUV originally derived from GM's full-size Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon SUVs was a hurry-up answer to Lincoln's huge Ford Expedition-based Navigator. The first generation sold surprisingly well, and the latest Escalade has suddenly become the darling of rap stars, NBA athletes and bucks-up California cognoscenti?proving that it's still possible for a Cadillac to be cool.
Capitalizing on that success, the Escalade EXT ("Escalade crossover truck") arrived late in 2002, and a third variant, Escalade ESV ("Escalade stretched vehicle"?) is due for launch in early '03. While the ESV is a Suburban-based extended version to better compete with Lincoln's very lengthy Navigator, the EXT is Cadillac's take on Chevrolet's innovative Avalanche truck, which quickly converts from a closed SUV to a pickup via a unique Midgate configuration. Cadillac calls it a "sport utility truck with elements of luxury SUV and pickup."
Significant Escalade EXT upgrades for '03 include an advanced multiplexed electrical system. This system greatly reduces the number of wires, splices and connectors thereby reducing weight, improving packaging efficiency and reliability. It also helps enable features such as an enhanced driver information center, new infotainment systems, automatic climate control and the passenger sensing system for airbag deployment.
The new dual-stage airbag system calculates crash severity based on vehicle deceleration and decides whether to fire the bags with first-stage or second-stage levels of energy, or not at all. The idea is to prevent airbag-caused injuries by deploying the bags less forcefully in lower-speed impacts. It also deactivates the front passenger bag under certain conditions (based on weight and belt tension) to protect children and small adults.
New 4-channel electronic brake control, a new Borg-Warner single-speed, open-differential AWD transfer case and an upgraded StabiliTrak system work together to provide anti-lock braking, traction control and yaw (fishtailing) stability. The new system allows any of the four wheels to be independently controlled for more stable ABS stops, greater yaw control and improved reliability and serviceability, according to Cadillac.
Additional new safety features for '03 include supplemental brake assist (which automatically provides anti-lock brake control when it senses an emergency stop), a center rear seat and shoulder belt and the GM's new LATCH child safety seat anchor system. Also, the brake and accelerator pedals (like those in the Ford and Lincoln competition) are now power-adjustable to allow shorter drivers to keep a safe distance from the steering wheel.
Also new for 2003 are standard heated outside mirrors with power-tilt, power folding, left-side electrochromic glass, puddle lights, turn-signal indicators and a memory feature. New standard high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps generate more light per watt, using less electrical energy and run cooler than conventional lamps.
The interior is substantially upgraded, with a new-design instrument panel, European-style leather seats, dual-zone climate control and a very useful set of buttons in the steering wheel spokes. Shared with GM's midsize Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy and Oldsmobile Bravada midsize SUVs, these buttons control audio, trip computer, programmable vehicle functions and voice recognition for the standard OnStar safety, security and communications system.
Like Chevy's Avalanche, Cadillac's Escalade EXT is a clever chameleon capable of changing almost instantaneously from quiet, comfortable SUV to surprisingly functional pickup. Yes, it really works. We easily figured out how to remove and stow the rear glass and fold down the rear seat to extend the cargo bed into the cab (from 5 ft.-3 in. to 8 ft.-1 in.). The downside: no sound or temperature barrier between cab and bed in that configuration, though the aerodynamic design of the roof and flying buttress side pillars prevents much airflow backward into the cab at speed, and the HVAC works well.
Despite its length and weight (221.4 in., 5,752 lb.) and dual-purpose role, the EXT drives pretty much like the regular Escalade, which is to say very nicely. It rides more like a very large car than a truck, handles surprisingly well and accelerates strongly when asked to. Thanks to the burly 345-hp 6.0-liter V-8 engine, 60 mph comes up from rest in about eight seconds. Our real-world economy was a bit over 14 mpg, consistent with the EPA ratings of 12 mpg city, 15 highway and 13 composite. Only the brakes disappointed with a somewhat soft pedal feel and unimpressive perceived performance, although they did get the job done.
Our test EXT stickered at $53,879 including $2,584 worth of options ($1,295 rear seat DVD entertainment system, $795 17-inch chrome wheels, $325 XM Satellite Radio and $169 trailer package) and the $770 destination charge. Good news: the $50,525 base price includes all-wheel drive, GM's excellent StabiliTrak stability system and a 4-year, 50,000-mile warranty. Bad news: Chevy's lessloaded, less prestigious, somewhat less cool Avalanche starts at about $34,500.
But if this type of dual-purpose ride is what you want, those are the choices. Both are excellent considerations, but only the Escalade EXT comes with that massive Cadillac egg-crate grille, huge Cadillac crests, Cadillac comfort and features and that new, intangible Cadillac cool. Go for it if you've got it. (www.cadillac.com)
? 2002 autoMedia.com Inc. All Rights Reserved.