2021 Cadillac Escalade: An Insight into Diesel Power

There probably aren’t many people who remember the last time Cadillac offered a diesel engine option for its coupe and sedans. Yes, for a brief period from 1978 to 1985, buyers could look forward to a factory-installed oil burner borrowed from Oldsmobile in their Cadillac luxobarges. The 5.7-liter LF9 V-8 diesel could be had in the Eldorado, Seville, de Ville, and Fleetwood Brougham, intended to attract high-end car buyers who’d otherwise be flocking to Mercedes-Benz’s sturdy and luxurious diesel vehicles at the time. Today, Cadillac is giving diesel another try in its all-new 2021 Escalade SUV, and for similar reasons.

Reviving Diesel in the Escalade

We’ll concede that Caddy selling a diesel might be as difficult to fathom for Millennial Cadillac buyers who weren’t around nearly 40 years ago. For the first time in its 21-year lineage, the Escalade is being offered with diesel power. This option features a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six that is paired with GM’s 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission.

Innovative Engineering Behind the Duramax

This new LM2 engine was designed in-house at GM. The block is constructed of cast aluminum, providing a 25-percent weight savings over the common iron blocks used in diesel engines. To enhance longevity, GM added iron cylinder liners to cope with the 15:1 compression ratio.

Engine Features

• A single set of dual overhead camshafts operates the engine’s 24 valves, featuring maintenance-free finger followers and hydraulic lash adjusters.
• Airflow is managed by a single, variable-geometry turbocharger paired with a variable intake manifold that optimizes intake paths for improved engine response.
• High-pressure common-rail direct injection allows for multiple injection events per cycle, achieving pressures up to 36,250 psi.

Performance and Efficiency

The LM2 inline-six delivers 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, significantly surpassing the original Cadillac diesel engine from years ago. Moreover, the new engine promises enhanced smoothness, along with reduced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels.

Fuel Economy and Pricing Insights

While pricing details for the Escalade’s optional 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine are yet to be released, it’s expected to be competitive, likely around the $2,500 range seen in the Chevrolet and GMC vehicles featuring similar engines. Fuel economy figures from the pickups are rated at up to 33 mpg on the highway, and we anticipate that the Escalade will achieve mpg numbers in the mid-to-high 20s.

Real-World Performance Considerations

Considering the Escalade is approximately 1,000 pounds heavier than its GM light-duty pickup counterparts, it will be interesting to determine any significant performance differences. Ultimately, the real-world fuel economy may vary between the trucks and the high-end SUV.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the introduction of the diesel engine in the 2021 Cadillac Escalade marks a significant step in blending luxury and efficiency in the SUV market. As consumers continue to seek vehicles that balance power and fuel economy, the Escalade positions itself well within this competitive landscape.