Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Cadillac Escalade I 5.7 V8 (258 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Cadillac Escalade:
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV manufactured by General Motors and marketed by Cadillac as its first major entry into the SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to an influx of new luxury SUVs in the late 1990s including the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Range Rover, Lexus LX, and Ford's 1998 debut of the Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade project went into production only ten months after it was approved. The Escalade is built in Arlington, Texas.
The term "escalade" refers to a siege warfare tactic of scaling defensive walls or ramparts with the aid of ladders or siege towers. More generally, it is a French word which is the noun-equivalent form of the French verb escalader, which means "to climb or scale"....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Overview:
Cadillac Escalade (I). With 447 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2605 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10 s). The top speed reaches 177 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Cadillac Escalade I was primarily designed for the North American market and was not tested by Euro NCAP. Safety features, while adequate for its time, are limited compared to modern vehicles.
5.7 V8 (258 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 5.7L V8 (L31) provides robust power and torque for its era, delivering decent acceleration for a large SUV (0-100 km/h in 10 seconds) and strong towing capabilities. It feels responsive for its size.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is a significant drawback, with urban consumption at 18.1 l/100 km and extra-urban at 14.7 l/100 km. This engine is not designed for efficiency, reflecting its large displacement and the vehicle's weight.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful V8 engine with strong towing capacity
- • Spacious and comfortable interior for its time
- • Commanding road presence and distinctive styling
- • Robust build quality for its era
- • Good value on the used market
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy
- • Dated interior and technology by modern standards
- • Large size can be challenging for city driving and parking
- • Limited advanced safety features compared to newer vehicles
- • Potential for higher maintenance costs on older models
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Cadillac |
| Model: | Escalade |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.7 V8 (258 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 258 Hp @ 4600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 45 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 447 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | L31 |
| Engine displacement: | 5736 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.8 l |
| Coolant: | 16.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 101.6 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88.39 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 18.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 14.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 177 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.1 kg/Hp, 99 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.8 kg/Nm, 171.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2605 |
| Max. weight: | 3085 |
| Max load: | 480 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1894 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 114 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5116 mm mm |
| Width: | 1956 mm mm |
| Height: | 1905 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2985 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1590 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1615 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | P265/70 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
Rate the Cadillac Escalade from 1 to 10!