2021 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Trims are a World-Class Status Symbol

Perhaps more so than any other vehicle in the 21^st century, the Cadillac Escalade has been a status symbol for the elite. While it’s true GM offers different levels of luxury across all their brands, nobody consistently does it better than Cadillac. The Escalade is a world-class vehicle in every sense of the word—from its groundbreaking technology to its unrivaled sophistication and legendary performance.

Positioned at the very top of the Escalade lineup are two trims that push the boundaries of luxury and refinement to unimaginable heights. These two particular models are so over-the-top, in fact, that they belong in a sanctioned class of their very own with “bougie” displacing “luxury” in the title.

Meet the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum trims, GM’s first six-figure price tag flagship luxury SUVs. Let’s start with the interior, where sliding behind the wheel is a similar experience to taking a trip in Doc Brown’s DeLorean 30 years into the future.

Everything but the Flux Capacitor

A massive 38.0-inch OLED screen with the pixel density of a 4k TV spans nearly the entire layout of the dash—something that has never been replicated by any vehicle prior. Though they seemingly flow into each other in terms of overall design, they are actually three distinct screens with separate functions. The 14.2-inch screen in the middle serves as the digital instrument cluster, while a 7.2-inch capacitive menu is situated to the left that controls the available Head-Up Display and Night Vision. To the right, a 16.9-inch infotainment system displays and controls an augmented reality navigation system and music streamed through Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto. If that isn’t enough screens for you, the Platinum also includes twin 12.6-inch display monitors for rear passengers with independent streaming capabilities.

Surround Sound Experience

Audiophiles are sure to experience true ecstasy in both Platinum trims, where each receive a AKG Studio Reference 36-speaker sound system. The resounding bass, thunderous volume and crystal-clear clarity is simply unmatched by any other factory audio system to date—leaving you feeling like you just left the Magnolia home theater room at Best Buy each time you dial up the sound.

Undeniable Elegance

There is more to the Platinum trims than just digital real estate, however. Full Semi-Aniline leather seats with 16-way power adjustability and massaging capabilities must truly be experienced to believe. With heating, ventilation, and power lumbar capabilities as well, seats this comfortable are sure to spoil you. Leather-wrapped interior trim extends across the instrument cluster, center console, and upper door panels—something not found on other Escalade models.

Potent Powertrain Offerings

A 420-horsepower 6.2L V8 is the standard powertrain with cylinder-deactivation technology. It’s capable of propelling the full-size Escalade to 60 mph in under six seconds, an impressive feat for a vehicle this size. A new Duramax 3.0L Turbo Diesel engine is also available for 2021 rated at 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. While it doesn’t quite have the snappy off-the-line acceleration of the 6.2L V8, the 3.0L turbo diesel delivers impressive towing capabilities and far better fuel efficiency—up to 21 mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway in 2WD form.

Both the 2021 Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum will also be available with Super Cruise—GM’s groundbreaking hands-free driver assistance technology with Lane-Change-On-Demand functionality, available early 2021.

2021 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Pricing

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum both start at $101,290 in 2WD form and $104,290 in 4WD.

Long-wheelbase Escalade ESV Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum models both start at $104,290 in 2WD form and $107,290 in 4WD.

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