2016 Cadillac Escalade rules as king of full-size SUVs

A few decades ago, the Suburban by Chevrolet and GMC(with Android Car Gps) was considered to be a definite statement of wealth and an affluent (if slightly homely) lifestyle. That’s why it was fondly called the "Texas Cadillac." Then Lincoln raised the ante and launched the Navigator, forcing GM had to react. In retaliation, the "Texas Cadillac" became an actual one – the Escalade took the concept of the Suburban (and slightly shorter Tahoe/Yukon) to the absolute max. Now in its fourth model generation, Cadillac has slightly updated its Westchester County favorite for 2016. It's now available as an upmarket Platinum model, and its front grille is graced with a new, cleaner logo that has lost the garish wreath. With its sculpted flanks and meticulously executed details, the Escalade is an impressive sight to behold, and it certainly manages to dwarf its surroundings. The vertical LED headlights and taillights add a glamorous and futuristic touch to this huge SUV, and the cockpit emphasizes the family resemblance with Cadillac's sporty passenger car lineup. Even the "short" Escalade is huge. It offers generous space for seven or eight persons, depending on the seat layout. The ESV version adds vast trunk space even when all three seat rows are in use. And the Platinum trim level, clad with leather, genuine wood and suede-style microfiber, is more upscale than ever. What about install a Car DVD? That said, it isn't perfect. Like on the lesser models, the TFT instrumentation could use more contrast, the manual shifting function of the eight-speed transmission is awkward to use, and the ambient lighting in the doors is almost invisible at night. In fact, Cadillac might as well not have bothered with the hidden light guides. And on the Platinum, 22-inch wheels are obligatory. More on that issue later. Under its tall front hood, the Escalade sports a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8, which sends up to 460 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear or all four wheels by means of a new, eight-speed automatic. Despite its curb weight of around 6,000 lbs., the Escalade is seriously quick, with the run from 0 to 60 mph coming up in less than 6 seconds. Top speed, if you’re feeling brave, stretches to 112 mph, which is when the governor cuts in rudely and with none of the sophistication of German competitors. (Editors Note: Don’t attempt this at home. And don’t ask contributors to explain how they know what an Escalade does at 112 miles per hour) Apparently, an ungoverned Escalade would hit almost 150 mph. Despite this power, the Escalade doesn't punish you at the gas pump. On a drive from New York to Detroit and back, with considerable time spent in city traffic on both sides, and at the upper limit of acceptable speeds, we managed 19.7 mpg. Thanks are in order to the discreet but effective cylinder deactivation system. Despite its size and high center of gravity, the Escalade handles remarkably well. The electric power steering is unexpectedly precise, the brakes are powerful and easy to modulate, and in "Sport" mode, body roll is strongly suppressed. But there is a downside, and that is the disappointing comfort with the 22-inch wheels. If installing an Android Car Stereo in your car, that would be great!