2025 Cadillac Escalade V-Series Review begins with one undeniable truth: this SUV isn’t just another luxury hauler, it’s Cadillac’s boldest expression of power and prestige to date. By dropping a 6.2L supercharged V8 under the hood, the Escalade V-Series blends raw muscle with the refined elegance that has long defined American luxury.

In a market dominated by German heavyweights like the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 and BMW X7 M60i, the 2025 Escalade V-Series stands apart as a uniquely American answer: unapologetically big, unapologetically powerful, and loaded with cutting-edge tech. It’s more than just an SUV, it’s a statement on wheels, aimed at buyers who demand both speed and sophistication.

Why does it matter in 2025? Because Cadillac isn’t simply competing, it’s reclaiming its throne in the ultra-luxury SUV world. At a time when electrification dominates headlines, this supercharged beast proves there’s still room for old-school horsepower wrapped in first-class comfort.

Exterior Design: A Statement on Wheels

As a veteran reviewer, the Escalade V-Series strikes me first as purposeful aggression dressed in luxury. Cadillac gives the V-Series a bold face, with a distinctive grille and slim LED headlights that read modern yet authoritative. The V badging and unique front fascia make its intent clear: this is performance wrapped in prestige.

V-Series signature details reinforce that message. Look for quad exhaust outlets, large performance Brembo front brakes with red-accented calipers, and piece-specific badging that separate the V from the standard Escalade. Cadillac also offers the largest available wheel sizes on the Escalade lineup, which add to its planted, road-dominant stance. Those touches are not just for show — they telegraph the vehicle’s performance focus.

In terms of presence, the Escalade V-Series leans into full-size dominance. Compared with rivals like the Jeep Wagoneer, Mercedes GLS, or Range Rover, the Escalade reads as a distinctly American statement: wider, taller, and more visually assertive. If you want an SUV that announces itself in a parking lot, this is it.

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Interior Experience: Luxury That Roars

Step inside and the Escalade V-Series mixes theater with craftsmanship. Cadillac outfits the cabin with semi-aniline leather, genuine wood and metal trim, and hand-stitched details on higher trims, creating an immediately upscale feel that still respects durability. From my vantage point, the materials compete with the best in class.

Tech is a headline feature, led by the curved pillar-to-pillar OLED display with about 38 inches of total diagonal screen area. Infotainment is paired with AKG Studio Reference audio, with a standard 19-speaker layout and optional higher-speaker configurations on premium packages, delivering immersive cabin sound when you want it. Those systems give the Escalade the kind of digital luxury buyers expect in 2025.

Practical luxury is also part of the offering. The Escalade accommodates three rows comfortably, and available executive second-row options include massage seats and rear entertainment screens — features that make long trips feel first-class for passengers in every row. For families and power-minded buyers alike, the interior balances indulgence with real usability.

Performance: Supercharged Brute Force

Under the hood the Escalade V-Series delivers on its promise: a hand-built 6.2 liter supercharged V8 that produces roughly 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque. Cadillac estimates a 0 to 60 mph time of about 4.4 seconds, which is sports-car sprinting territory for a full-size SUV. Those are headline numbers you feel immediately in launch and passing maneuvers.

The V-Series pairs that engine with robust driveline hardware and performance chassis systems. Expect a tuned 10-speed automatic, available electronic limited-slip differential, and suspension tech such as Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension that read the road and adapt damping in real time. Together these systems keep the Escalade composed on the highway while sharpening responses when you dial in sportier settings.

From my seat, the driving dynamic is a study in contrasts. On open roads the Escalade feels authoritative and surprisingly controlled for its size, with the suspension smoothing out big bumps and the steering delivering confident inputs. In tighter city environments you notice the mass and footprint, which makes parking and narrow maneuvers more work than with a midsize SUV. Off the beaten path the V-Series has the hardware to cope, though its true strength is high-speed stability and straight-line performance rather than rock-crawling agility.

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Technology & Infotainment: Cadillac’s Digital Edge

As a long-time reviewer, I appreciate when tech actually improves the driving experience, and the Escalade V-Series delivers here without being gimmicky. The cabin’s centerpiece is Cadillac’s curved OLED display, a massive, high-resolution panel that blends driver and passenger screens into a single, responsive surface. Paired with AKG Studio Reference audio and plenty of wireless connectivity (wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-C charging, and wireless phone charging), the system feels modern and usable on long drives.

Super Cruise is a major selling point for buyers who spend highway miles. Cadillac’s hands-free driving system works on compatible, prequalified roads and helps reduce fatigue on long trips by allowing hands-free operation when conditions are met. In my testing of similar Super Cruise-equipped Cadillacs, the system is mature, reliable, and practical for cross-country cruising.

For families and road trips, infotainment is thoughtful. The Escalade supports multiple streaming options, rear-seat entertainment packages, and rich connectivity so passengers stay entertained and devices stay charged. In short, the Escalade V-Series marries headline tech with real-world usefulness.

Safety: High-Tech Peace of Mind

Cadillac pairs an extensive set of standard driver-assist features with available upgrades to suit cautious families and confident adventurers alike. Standard active safety includes adaptive cruise, lane keep aids, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot alerts, and many passive crash protections. Buyers who want hands-free highway driving can opt for Super Cruise when available, while higher packages add surround cameras and enhanced parking aids.

Real-world reliability on long trips matters more than flashy safety demos, and Cadillac builds the Escalade to be a dependable highway cruiser. Systems like Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension help the Escalade stay composed under load and on rough pavement, which indirectly improves safety by keeping the vehicle stable during sudden maneuvers.

How it compares with rivals. Competitors offer their own hands-free or advanced systems. Lincoln’s BlueCruise and Mercedes’ Drive Pilot are two notable examples that provide broad hands-free functionality on prequalified roads, so Cadillac is playing in a mature, highly competitive field. For buyers, the practical takeaway is that Escalade V-Series safety tech is class-competitive and focused on highway comfort and crash avoidance.

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Pros and Cons: A Reviewer’s Honest Take

In my experience, here is the short, practical breakdown for the Escalade V-Series.

Pros

• Blistering V8 performance, with the hand-built 6.2L supercharged V8 delivering real, usable power for merging, towing, and straight-line thrills.
• Segment-leading interior tech, anchored by the curved OLED display and premium AKG audio, which make long drives more entertaining and less fatiguing.
• Strong brand prestige and resale potential, which matter if you plan to keep the vehicle for years or consider eventual trade-in value.

Cons

• Premium price tag, typically well into the six-figure range for V-Series examples, which puts it in a different buying bracket than many luxury SUVs.
• Thirsty fuel economy, expected for a supercharged V8 in a full-size body, so plan for significantly higher fuel costs than a midsize or hybrid alternative. Official combined ratings for V-Series models run in the low-teens mpg range.
• Large footprint makes city driving and tight parking less convenient than smaller luxury crossovers, so it is best suited to buyers who regularly use its space and capability.

Bottom line, my honest view is this: buy the Escalade V-Series if you want unfiltered American V8 performance wrapped in three-row luxury and you accept the tradeoffs in price and fuel. If your days are mostly tight urban commutes, look elsewhere.

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Final Verdict: Who Should Buy It?

Yes, with nuance. If you need unapologetic V8 power, true three-row luxury, and long-term value wrapped in a statement vehicle, the Escalade V-Series is worth considering. If you mainly want maximum fuel efficiency or nimble urban maneuverability, look elsewhere.

Who it fits best

Luxury seekers who want bold presence, high-end materials, and cutting-edge cabin tech.

Power enthusiasts who value raw straight-line performance and a hand-built 6.2L supercharged V8.

Large families or buyers who prioritize space, towing, and long-distance comfort over tight-city convenience.

Who should probably pass

Eco conscious buyers who want the best possible fuel economy. The V-Series is thirsty compared with many modern hybrids and EVs.

Strict city drivers who need small-vehicle agility and easy parking. The Escalade V-Series trades nimbleness for mass and presence.

Emotional close

The Escalade V-Series is not just an SUV, it is Cadillac’s ultimate statement of power and prestige. If that speaks to you, this is one of the most characterful full-size luxury SUVs on the market.

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FAQ

Q: What is the 2025 Escalade V-Series starting price?

A: The 2025 Escalade V-Series has a factory MSRP around $161,990 for the V trim. Dealer configurations and options commonly push transaction prices higher, with some listings showing typical start prices in the mid $160,000s to low $170,000s.

Q: How fuel-efficient is it compared to rivals?

A: The Escalade V-Series is thirsty for the class, rated roughly 11 mpg city / 16 mpg highway / 13 mpg combined. By comparison, the BMW X7 M60i is about 16/21/18 combined, the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 lands near 14/18/16 combined, and the Grand Wagoneer L runs in the mid teens combined depending on configuration. In short, the Escalade V-Series is competitive for a supercharged full-size SUV, but expect higher fuel costs than most non V high-end rivals.

Q: Is it better for daily driving or long-distance trips?

A: It excels at long-distance highway driving thanks to plush seats, advanced ride control, and available Super Cruise hands-free highway driving. For tight city commutes and frequent parking in cramped urban areas, its size and fuel appetite make smaller luxury SUVs more practical.

Q: What trims are available?

A: The Escalade lineup includes Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, Platinum variants and the performance V-Series. The V-Series itself is offered in standard Escalade V and the longer-wheelbase Escalade V ESV configuration for added cargo and rear-seat space. Check current Cadillac configurator for exact trim and package availability.

Q: How does it stack against BMW X7 M60i, Mercedes-AMG GLS 63, and Jeep Grand Wagoneer L?

A: The Escalade V-Series trades on bigger, American V8 character with higher straight-line power and show-stopping presence. The BMW X7 M60i offers sharper handling and better fuel economy. The AMG GLS 63 delivers a similar performance-luxury balance with a European ride and tuning. The Grand Wagoneer L focuses on near-luxury space and refined comfort with competitive towing. Choose Escalade V if you want raw V8 drama, Cadillac tech, and a three-row, full-size luxury statement.