After spending two full weeks behind the wheel of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade, I can confidently say this SUV is more than just a luxury vehicle—it’s a bold statement of design, power, and smart innovation. Now officially available in the Middle East, the Escalade makes a stunning first impression in showrooms, but it’s on the road where its brilliance truly shines.
First Impressions: A New Level of Presence
From the moment I laid eyes on it, the Escalade’s commanding exterior presence was undeniable. The illuminated front crest, redesigned lighting with a vertical signature, and massive 24-inch wheels give it a bold, unmistakable look. Cadillac’s new exterior color, Aegean Stone, adds even more character—a deep, confident gray-green that stands out effortlessly.
The design isn’t just for show. Every detail, from the lighting technology inspired by the ESCALADE IQ to the refined rear design, feels purposeful and premium. Whether day or night, this SUV turns heads.
A Cabin Designed Around You
Inside, the Escalade balances modern technology with handcrafted luxury. My test model featured the new Sheer Gray interior—contrasting leather with heathered grey fabric, faceted quilting, and a gorgeous layered wood veneer. You can choose from 126 ambient lighting colors across two zones, which gave the cabin a bespoke feel, especially during night drives.
But the centerpiece, without a doubt, is the curved 55-inch pillar-to-pillar OLED display. It’s more than just a screen—it’s an immersive, interactive dashboard offering everything from navigation to media to real-time vehicle info. The interface is sharp, intuitive, and comes with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Google built-in, and voice controls that actually work the way you want them to.
Google Built-In: Seamless and Smart
One of the most impressive features I used daily was Google Assistant. Whether I needed to find a location, adjust the A/C, or call a contact, all it took was a simple voice command. Google Maps was just as integrated, helping me navigate busy city streets and open highways with ease
The ability to download apps and stream content via Google Play—without needing to plug in my phone—was a game-changer. It’s one of the most connected experiences I’ve had in a car, period.
Comfort, Space, and Pure Sound
The 2025 Escalade comfortably seats up to eight passengers, and the third-row power-folding seats make it incredibly versatile. I used the expanded cargo space several times during my two weeks, and switching configurations was effortless.
The AKG 19-speaker audio system fills the cabin with studio-quality sound. Combined with the quiet interior and suspension tuning, long drives felt more like a private concert than a commute.
Performance: Refined and Capable
Driving the Escalade is a confident and composed experience. Whether cruising on the highway or navigating urban traffic, the ride was smooth and grounded thanks to Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and the Air Ride Adaptive Suspension (standard on Platinum and V-Series). The Escalade feels big—in a good way—but never heavy.
And if performance is your priority, the available Escalade-V delivers with its 6.2L Supercharged V8 engine pumping out 682 horsepower. It’s a muscle car in luxury SUV clothing.
The 2025 Escalade includes a wide range of driver assistance and safety technologies, including the available Night Vision system. With OnStar connectivity standard for three years in all trims, I always felt backed by support and connected wherever I went.
