2023 Cadillac Escalade V 0-60 Time, Quarter-Mile, & Specs

By: Max F. Arellano / March 25, 2024

Overview

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade V 0-60 time is over a second faster than any Escalade ever tested, at just 4.5 seconds. Given that it is the first Escalade with the 'V' moniker, this shouldn't come as much of a surprise.

What is the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V?

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade V represents a significant milestone as Cadillac's foray into the realm of high-performance luxury SUVs under the esteemed "V" moniker, previously reserved for the brand's most potent sedans and coupes. This model aims to blend the Escalade's well-known opulence and size with the thrilling performance of a sports car.

       

Key features and specifications of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V include:

Engine and Performance

• Engine: The heart of the Escalade V is a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine, a variant of the engine found in high-performance vehicles like the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the CT5-V Blackwing. This engine generates an impressive output, making the Escalade V one of the most powerful SUVs in its class.
• Horsepower and Torque: Boasts 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque, offering impressive acceleration and performance not typically associated with a vehicle of its size.
• Transmission: Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission fine-tuned for both smooth cruising and responsive power delivery, ensuring the Escalade V can comfortably serve as both a daily driver and a performance beast.
• Drive Type: Standard all-wheel drive to manage the power effectively, providing excellent traction and handling under various driving conditions.

Exterior and Interior

• Exterior Design: Distinguishes itself with more aggressive styling cues compared to standard Escalade models. This includes unique bodywork, such as a redesigned front grille for better airflow, sportier bumper designs, and exclusive wheels that emphasize its performance capabilities.
• Interior Luxury: Retains the Escalade’s signature luxury with high-quality materials, advanced technology, and expansive space. Features specific V-series branding and enhancements that align with its performance-oriented nature.
• Technology and Features: Equipped with the latest in Cadillac's technology and infotainment offerings, including Super Cruise, the advanced semi-autonomous driving system, and an industry-leading OLED display interface that spans the dashboard.

Performance and Handling

• Suspension: Incorporates a specially tuned suspension system to handle the increased power and provide a balance between ride comfort and sporty handling.
• Brakes: Larger, high-performance brakes ensure that the Escalade V can come to a stop as impressively as it accelerates.
• Exhaust: A sport-tuned exhaust system not only enhances performance but also provides a more aggressive, satisfying sound befitting its V-series badge.

2023 Cadillac Escalade V 0-60 Time Analysis

There are several reasons you should be impressed by the Escalade V's 4.5-second 0-60 time. First of all, this is the type of acceleration sports cars achieve.

For example, the 2024 S5 gets to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, while a 2024 Mustang GT accomplishes the feat in 4.3 seconds. 4.5 seconds makes it a full second faster than the popular Subaru WRX, and equal to the new Nissan Z (with a manual transmission).

Another thing to keep in mind is that the Escalade V is several thousand pounds heavier than the aforementioned cars, and not exactly the most aerodynamic.

Before you get too excited, there's a major catch: In order to get this extraordinary performance, you're gonna have to break the bank. $149,195 was the MSRP on the 2023 model. For the 2024 model, which features no changes, you'll have to shell out $152,295.

In other words, in a vacuum 4.5 seconds is indeed impressive for an SUV, but when considering the cost to achieve it, the figure becomes much less impressive.

Escalade V 0-60 Time vs Rivals

To be fair to the Escalade V, it's not competing with sports cars. So how does it compete with cars in its segment?

To answer that question, we'll look at two cars that the Escalade is often compared to within the ultra-luxury, full-size SUV market: The BMW XB7 Alpina and the Mercedes AMG GLS 63.

2022 Alpina XB7

 
• 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
   
• 1/4 mile: 12.3 seconds
   
• Engine: 4.4 Liter Twin-Turbocharged V8
   
• Drive Type: AWD
   
• Transmission: 8A
   
• Body Style: SUV
   
• Horsepower: 612 hp @ 5,500 rpm
   
• Torque: 590 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
   
• MSRP: $141,300

2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63

   
• 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds
   
• 1/4 mile: 12.1 seconds
   
• Engine: 4.0 Liter Twin-Turbocharged V8 + Electric
   
• Drive Type: AWD
   
• Transmission: 9A
   
• Body Style: SUV
   
• Horsepower: 603 hp @ 5,750 rpm
   
• Torque: 627 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
   
• MSRP: $139,000

Looking at the numbers of these 2 SUVs paints a bleak picture for the Escalade V; both the BMW and Mercedes are cheaper and faster, with better handling as well. So even compared to its direct competitors its price-performance ratio is poor.

You might be wondering if there's a market for this car. Judging purely by the numbers may be a fun exercise, but it's not a realistic depiction of reality.

Sure the BMW and Mercedes are faster and cheaper, but the people shelling out $140,000 for an SUV aren't gonna be too perturbed by an extra 10k, and the difference between a 4.5 second 0-60 time and one in the high 3s is not a dealbreaker - they're both fast.

Another thing to consider is that the Escalade V is a limited production vehicle, with only about ~2,750 produced per year. Limiting production is a common strategy that inherently makes the vehicle more exclusive, something that would definitely appeal to the type of person who buys Escalades.

So if you combine the V's superior performance with its exclusivity and the enduring prestige of the Escalade name, the idea that someone would cough up an extra $40,000 over the second most expensive Escalade for it isn't too far-fetched.

Verdict

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade's 0-60 time is impressive for an SUV, but begins to diminish in allure when price is considered, especially when compared directly with its rivals. However, given the prestige of the Escalade badge, a clinical look at the numbers is unlikely to dissuade its target audience.