2024 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum: A Detailed Review

Introduction

The Cadillac Escalade: A Legacy of Luxury and Capability

The Cadillac Escalade has long been synonymous with American luxury, power, and presence. Since its introduction in 1999, this full-size SUV has set the standard for opulent family transportation, combining bold styling with cutting-edge technology and robust performance. As we delve into the 2024 model year, the Escalade continues to evolve, refining its formula to meet the demands of discerning buyers seeking the pinnacle of automotive luxury.

The Premium Luxury Platinum Trim: Top-Tier Opulence

At the zenith of the Escalade lineup sits the Premium Luxury Platinum trim, a model that exemplifies Cadillac’s commitment to uncompromising luxury. This variant builds upon the already impressive base Escalade, adding a host of exclusive features and finishes that elevate the driving experience to new heights. From its meticulously crafted interior to its advanced technology suite, the Premium Luxury Platinum trim represents the culmination of Cadillac’s expertise in creating vehicles that cater to the most exacting standards of comfort and sophistication.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore every facet of the 2024 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum, from its commanding exterior presence to its lavishly appointed interior, powerful performance capabilities, and state-of-the-art technology features. We’ll examine how this top-tier SUV balances luxury with practicality, offering a compelling package for those who demand the very best in automotive engineering and design.

Exterior Design

A Bold and Distinctive Presence

The 2024 Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum makes an immediate and lasting impression with its imposing stature and refined aesthetics. Measuring 211 inches in length, 81 inches in width, and standing 76.6 inches tall, this full-size SUV commands attention on any road. The front fascia is dominated by Cadillac’s signature vertical lighting elements, which flank a massive grille adorned with the iconic Cadillac crest. This bold face sets the tone for the vehicle’s overall design language, which seamlessly blends sharp angles with smooth, flowing lines.

The Escalade’s profile is characterized by a long, sweeping roofline that tapers gently towards the rear, creating a sense of motion even when the vehicle is stationary. Large wheel arches house the standard 22-inch alloy wheels, which not only contribute to the SUV’s commanding stance but also enhance its road presence. The Premium Luxury Platinum trim elevates the exterior with additional chrome accents and unique design elements that subtly differentiate it from lower trim levels.

Premium Luxury Platinum Styling: Subtle Elegance

While the base Escalade is already an impressive sight, the Premium Luxury Platinum trim adds several distinguishing features that set it apart. The most notable of these is the 22″ 10-spoke Polished alloy wheels with Dark Android finish and laser etching. These wheels are not only visually striking but also showcase the attention to detail that defines this top-tier trim level.

The exterior of the Premium Luxury Platinum also features a unique Galvano grille design, which adds a touch of sophistication to the front end. Chrome accents are more generously applied throughout the exterior, including on the door handles, window trim, and roof rails, enhancing the vehicle’s luxurious appearance without veering into ostentation.

Exterior Features: A Symphony of Luxury

Beyond its striking aesthetics, the Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum is equipped with a host of functional exterior features that enhance both convenience and safety. The hands-free liftgate allows for easy access to the cargo area, even when your hands are full. This feature is complemented by soft-close doors, which add a touch of refinement to the simple act of entering or exiting the vehicle.

Illumination is a key aspect of the Escalade’s exterior design, with LED headlamps, taillamps, and daytime running lights providing excellent visibility while contributing to the vehicle’s distinctive appearance. The Intellibeam automatic high beam assist ensures optimal lighting conditions without dazzling oncoming traffic, showcasing Cadillac’s commitment to both style and safety.

For added convenience, the Premium Luxury Platinum trim includes power-retractable assist steps that deploy when the doors are opened, facilitating easy ingress and egress. These steps are illuminated, adding both functionality and a touch of sophistication to the vehicle’s exterior.

The power panoramic sunroof is another standout feature, flooding the interior with natural light and creating an open, airy atmosphere for all passengers. This expansive glass panel extends over both the first and second rows, enhancing the sense of spaciousness within the cabin.

In terms of practicality, the Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum doesn’t disappoint. Roof-mounted luggage rack side rails provide additional cargo-carrying options for those extended family trips or outdoor adventures. The integrated trailer hitch receiver and trailering equipment underscore the vehicle’s capability, allowing owners to take full advantage of its impressive towing capacity.

Interior Design and Comfort

Luxurious Cabin Ambiance

Stepping inside the 2024 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum reveals a cabin that sets new standards for luxury in the full-size SUV segment. The interior design philosophy revolves around creating a space that is both opulent and inviting, with a focus on premium materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology.

The centerpiece of the Escalade’s interior is the industry-first curved OLED display, which spans an impressive 38 inches across the dashboard. This technological marvel combines three separate screens into a seamless interface, providing the driver with all necessary information and controls in a visually stunning and intuitive format. The display’s resolution is twice that of a 4K television, ensuring crisp, clear graphics and easy readability in all lighting conditions.

Premium Materials and Craftsmanship

The Premium Luxury Platinum trim elevates the Escalade’s interior to new heights with its use of exceptional materials and attention to detail. The cabin is wrapped in full Semi-Aniline leather, extending to all three rows of seating. This premium leather is not only supple and luxurious to the touch but also highly durable, ensuring that the interior maintains its pristine appearance for years to come.

Complementing the leather upholstery is a range of premium trim materials, including genuine wood accents and hand-finished metal details. These elements are thoughtfully integrated throughout the cabin, from the dashboard and center console to the door panels, creating a cohesive and sophisticated aesthetic. The leather-wrapped interior trim, including the instrument panel, console, and upper door panels, further enhances the tactile experience and visual appeal of the interior.

Seating Comfort and Versatility

Comfort is paramount in the Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum, and this is evident in the seating design and features. The front seats are 16-way power-adjustable, with both heating and ventilation functions to ensure optimal comfort in any climate. The addition of a massage function for both driver and front passenger takes relaxation to the next level, making long journeys a truly luxurious experience.

The second-row captain’s chairs offer similar levels of comfort, with heating functions and ample legroom. For added convenience, the Premium Luxury Platinum trim includes a Rear Seat Entertainment system with dual independent 12.6″ diagonal infotainment displays, allowing rear passengers to enjoy their own entertainment options on long trips.

The third row, often an afterthought in many SUVs, receives equal attention in the Escalade. With power-folding functionality and surprisingly generous legroom, this row is more than just an occasional seating option. When not in use, both the second and third rows can be folded flat, creating a cavernous cargo area that can accommodate up to 142.8 cubic feet of luggage or gear.

Technology and Connectivity

The Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum is a technological tour de force, offering a suite of features designed to enhance both convenience and entertainment. The AKG Studio Reference 36-speaker audio system is a standout feature, delivering an immersive sound experience that rivals high-end home audio setups. This system utilizes advanced sound processing technology to create a 360-degree audio environment that adapts to the vehicle’s interior acoustics.

Connectivity is seamless with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing passengers to easily access their favorite apps and media. The wireless charging pad ensures that devices remain powered throughout the journey, while multiple USB ports throughout the cabin cater to the charging needs of all passengers.

The augmented reality-enabled navigation system is another innovative feature, projecting turn-by-turn directions onto a live street view displayed on the instrument cluster. This intuitive system makes navigation more intuitive and less distracting, enhancing both convenience and safety.

Performance and Handling

Powerful V8 Engine: Effortless Power

At the heart of the 2024 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum lies a formidable 6.2-liter V8 engine, producing an impressive 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant is mated to a sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission, which ensures smooth and efficient power delivery across the entire rev range. The combination of this robust engine and advanced transmission allows the Escalade to accelerate with authority, belying its substantial size and weight.

The V8 engine incorporates several advanced technologies to optimize performance and efficiency. Dynamic Fuel Management allows the engine to operate on fewer cylinders when full power is not required, improving fuel economy without sacrificing performance when needed. Direct Injection and Continuously Variable Valve Timing further enhance the engine’s efficiency and responsiveness, ensuring that power is always available on demand.

For those seeking alternative powertrain options, Cadillac also offers an available 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine. This inline-six diesel engine produces 277 horsepower and matches the V8’s torque output of 460 lb-ft, providing a compelling option for buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and long-range cruising ability.

Smooth and Refined Ride

The Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum is equipped with an Air Ride Adaptive Suspension system, which plays a crucial role in delivering a ride quality that is both comfortable and controlled. This advanced suspension system uses electronically controlled air springs to automatically adjust the vehicle’s ride height and damping characteristics based on road conditions and driving style.

In normal driving conditions, the Air Ride system provides a plush, smooth ride that isolates passengers from road imperfections. When additional ground clearance is needed for off-road excursions or navigating steep driveways, the system can raise the vehicle by up to 2 inches. Conversely, at highway speeds, the suspension automatically lowers the ride height to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

The Premium Luxury Platinum trim also features Magnetic Ride Control, a sophisticated damping system that uses magnetorheological fluid in the shock absorbers to adjust damping rates in real-time. This system can react to changing road conditions in milliseconds, providing an optimal balance between ride comfort and handling precision.

Dynamic Handling: A Surprising Agility

Despite its considerable size, the Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum exhibits remarkable agility and poise on the road. The combination of the Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, Magnetic Ride Control, and a well-tuned chassis allows this full-size SUV to handle with confidence in a variety of driving situations.

The Electronic Limited-Slip Differential, standard on the Premium Luxury Platinum trim, enhances traction and stability by automatically directing torque to the wheel with the most grip. This feature is particularly beneficial in adverse weather conditions or during spirited driving on winding roads.

For those who require additional capability, the available four-wheel drive system provides enhanced traction and stability in all weather conditions. The system includes a two-speed transfer case with selectable drive modes, allowing drivers to optimize the vehicle’s performance for various terrains and driving conditions.

The Escalade’s steering system has been carefully calibrated to provide a good balance between ease of use at low speeds and stability at highway velocities. The variable-assist power steering adjusts its assistance level based on vehicle speed, offering light effort for parking maneuvers and firmer, more direct feel at higher speeds.

Braking performance is equally impressive, with large ventilated disc brakes at all four corners providing strong, fade-resistant stopping power. The brake pedal feel is progressive and easy to modulate, inspiring confidence in all driving situations.

Technology and Features

Cadillac User Experience: Intuitive and Engaging

The 2024 Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum showcases Cadillac’s latest infotainment system, known as the Cadillac User Experience (CUE). This system is centered around the aforementioned 38-inch curved OLED display, which is divided into three distinct sections:

1. A 7.2-inch touch control panel to the driver’s left
2. A 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster directly in front of the driver
3. A 16.9-inch infotainment touchscreen to the right

This expansive display not only looks impressive but also provides an intuitive and customizable interface for accessing the vehicle’s myriad features and functions. The high-resolution screens offer vibrant colors and sharp graphics, making it easy to read information at a glance.

The CUE system supports natural voice recognition, allowing occupants to control various functions using conversational commands. This hands-free operation enhances both convenience and safety, reducing the need for manual inputs while driving.

Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems

The Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, collectively known as Cadillac Smart System. This package includes:

• Super Cruise: Cadillac’s hands-free driver assistance technology, which allows for hands-free operation on compatible highways across North America. The system uses LiDAR map data, high-precision GPS, a driver attention system, and a network of cameras and radar sensors to navigate the vehicle, change lanes, and maintain a safe following distance.
• Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking: This system can detect potential collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, automatically applying the brakes if necessary to avoid or mitigate an impact.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space or driveway.
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning: Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane and alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift without signaling.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a preset following distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Night Vision: Uses infrared technology to detect pedestrians or large animals beyond the range of the headlights, displaying a thermal image in the instrument cluster.
• Rear Camera Mirror: Provides a wide, unobstructed view behind the vehicle using a camera mounted on the rear of the vehicle, displayed in the rearview mirror.

These systems work in concert to enhance safety and reduce driver fatigue, particularly on long journeys or in challenging driving conditions.

Premium Audio System: Immersive Sound

The AKG Studio Reference 36-speaker audio system in the Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum is a marvel of acoustic engineering. This system goes beyond simply playing music; it creates a truly immersive audio experience that envelops passengers in rich, detailed sound.

Key features of this audio system include:

• 36 strategically placed speakers throughout the cabin
• Three-dimensional surround sound technology
• Audio rendering that optimizes the sound for each seating position
• Conversation enhancement, which uses microphones to pick up and amplify voices for clearer communication between front and rear passengers
• Dynamic sound staging, which adjusts the audio based on vehicle speed and ambient noise

The system’s power and clarity are matched by its versatility, capable of delivering nuanced performances across all musical genres, from classical to rock to electronic dance music.

Safety Features

Comprehensive Safety Suite

Safety is a paramount concern in the design and engineering of the 2024 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum. In addition to the advanced driver-assistance systems mentioned earlier, this luxury SUV incorporates a range of passive and active safety features to protect occupants in the event of a collision.

The Escalade’s body structure is designed with a strong safety cage surrounding the passenger compartment, complemented by strategically placed crumple zones to absorb and dissipate impact energy. High-strength steel is used extensively throughout the vehicle’s frame to enhance structural rigidity without adding excessive weight.

The airbag system is comprehensive, featuring:

• Dual-stage frontal airbags for the driver and front passenger
• Side-impact airbags for front and rear outboard seating positions
• Head-curtain side-impact airbags for all rows
• Driver’s knee airbag

Additionally, the Escalade is equipped with OnStar emergency services, which can automatically alert first responders in the event of a crash and provide GPS coordinates for rapid assistance.

Active Safety Technologies: Peace of Mind

The Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum incorporates several active safety technologies that work proactively to prevent accidents and enhance overall safety:

• Forward Collision Alert: This system uses radar and camera technology to scan the road ahead, alerting the driver if a potential collision with a vehicle or pedestrian is detected. It works in conjunction with the Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking system to help prevent or mitigate frontal collisions.
• Rear Pedestrian Alert: When reversing, this system warns the driver of pedestrians behind the vehicle, helping to prevent accidents in parking lots or driveways.
• Surround Vision: A 360-degree camera system that provides a bird’s-eye view of the area around the vehicle, making parking and low-speed maneuvering safer and more convenient.
• HD Surround Vision Recorder: This feature can record video from the vehicle’s cameras, which can be useful for security purposes or in the event of an accident.
• IntelliBeam Auto High Beam Assist: Automatically switches between high and low beams based on traffic conditions, enhancing visibility without blinding other drivers.
• Buckle to Drive: This innovative feature prevents the vehicle from being shifted out of park until the driver’s seatbelt is fastened, encouraging safe driving habits.

These active safety technologies work together to create multiple layers of protection, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing the overall safety of both occupants and pedestrians.

Practicality and Functionality

Spacious and Versatile Cargo Area

Despite its focus on luxury, the 2024 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum doesn’t compromise on practicality. The cavernous interior offers exceptional cargo capacity, making it an ideal choice for families, travelers, or anyone who requires ample storage space.

With all seats in place, the Escalade provides 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. This is sufficient for several large suitcases or a week’s worth of groceries for a large family. Folding the third row increases the cargo capacity to 72.9 cubic feet, while folding both the second and third rows creates a vast 121.8 cubic feet of space in the standard-length model. For those requiring even more space, the Escalade ESV variant offers an additional 21 cubic feet of cargo volume.

The power-folding third row and available power-folding second row make it easy to reconfigure the interior for various cargo needs. The flat load floor, created when the seats are folded, facilitates easy loading and unloading of large or bulky items.

Additional practical features include:

• Hands-free power liftgate with programmable height settings
• Cargo management system with adjustable tie-downs
• Under-floor storage compartment for securing valuable items out of sight

Towing Capacity: A Capable Workhorse

While the Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum is undoubtedly a luxury vehicle, it’s also engineered to handle serious towing tasks. When properly equipped, this full-size SUV can tow up to 8,200 pounds with the 6.2-liter V8 engine, or 8,000 pounds with the available 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel.

This impressive towing capacity allows owners to haul large boats, campers, or trailers with ease. To assist with towing, the Escalade includes several features:

• Integrated trailer brake controller for precise control of electric trailer brakes
• Hitch Guidance with Hitch View to assist with trailer hookup
• Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert to monitor blind spots when towing
• Trailer Theft Alert to notify the owner if the trailer is disconnected while the vehicle is locked

These features combine to make towing safer and more convenient, enhancing the Escalade’s versatility as both a luxury vehicle and a capable workhorse.

Fuel Efficiency: A Balance of Power and Economy

Given its size and power, the Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum delivers respectable fuel efficiency, particularly when equipped with the available diesel engine. The EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2024 model are as follows:

• 6.2-liter V8 (2WD): 14 mpg city / 19 mpg highway / 16 mpg combined
• 6.2-liter V8 (4WD): 14 mpg city / 18 mpg highway / 16 mpg combined
• 3.0-liter Turbo-Diesel (2WD): 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined
• 3.0-liter Turbo-Diesel (4WD): 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined

The diesel engine option provides a significant boost in fuel efficiency, making it an attractive choice for those who frequently undertake long highway journeys. Both engines benefit from technologies such as stop/start and cylinder deactivation to optimize fuel consumption without compromising performance.

The Escalade is equipped with a generous 24-gallon fuel tank, providing a substantial driving range, particularly with the diesel engine. This large fuel capacity, combined with the vehicle’s comfortable ride and advanced driver assistance features, makes the Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum an excellent choice for long-distance travel.

Conclusion

The Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum: A Luxurious and Capable SUV

The 2024 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum stands as a testament to American luxury and engineering prowess. It successfully blends opulent comfort, cutting-edge technology, and robust capability into a package that sets new standards in the full-size luxury SUV segment.

From its commanding exterior presence to its meticulously crafted interior, the Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum exudes quality and attention to detail. The integration of advanced technologies, such as the curved OLED display and Super Cruise hands-free driving system, demonstrates Cadillac’s commitment to innovation and user experience.

Target Audience: The Discerning Driver

The Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum is designed for discerning buyers who demand the very best in automotive luxury and technology. It appeals to:

• Executives and professionals seeking a vehicle that reflects their success and status
• Families who require spacious, comfortable transportation without compromising on luxury
• Technology enthusiasts who appreciate cutting-edge features and infotainment systems
• Individuals who enjoy long-distance travel and want a vehicle that can handle both urban environments and highway cruising with equal aplomb

Final Thoughts: A Premium Experience in Every Detail

In conclusion, the 2024 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum offers a compelling blend of luxury, technology, and capability. It successfully addresses the needs of those seeking a premium full-size SUV that can serve as both a daily driver and a long-distance cruiser.

While its size and fuel consumption (particularly with the V8 engine) may not suit everyone, for those who prioritize space, comfort, and presence, the Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum delivers in spades. Its combination of refined road manners, advanced safety features, and versatile interior make it a standout choice in the luxury SUV market.

The Escalade’s ability to seamlessly transition from urban sophistication to highway cruiser to capable tow vehicle underscores its versatility. It’s a vehicle that doesn’t just meet expectations – it exceeds them, offering a truly premium experience in every aspect of its design and performance.

For buyers in the market for a full-size luxury SUV that makes no compromises, the 2024 Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury Platinum deserves serious consideration. It represents the pinnacle of Cadillac’s SUV lineup and sets a new standard for what a luxury vehicle can be – powerful, technologically advanced, supremely comfortable, and undeniably impressive.