2021 Cadillac Escalade: A Technological Marvel
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is an incredible piece of machinery, offering bold American style, Caddy-spec roominess, and effortless power. Previous iterations of this full-size luxury SUV look crude in comparison to the all-new Escalade’s advanced technology suite.
Cutting-Edge OLED Screen Tech
Seemingly taking inspiration from in-home entertainment, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasts the auto industry’s first-ever application of OLED technology. The curved display inside the SUV aims to reduce distraction by using a landscape orientation. Traditionally, vertical touchscreens found in other vehicles, like those seen in competitors, force the driver to look down and further away from the road ahead.
The three sections of OLED screens—comprising a 7.2-inch driver info panel, a 14.2-inch cluster display, and a 16.9-inch infotainment screen—offer twice the pixel density of a 4K home television, ensuring crystal-clear resolution. This state-of-the-art technology allows for a cleaner and more open appearance by eliminating the dashboard “hood” found in most competitors’ displays.
Techno-Focused Luxury
Cadillac’s Escalade delivers technological advances that go beyond OLED displays. It includes optional augmented-reality navigation, assisting drivers with clear route suggestions and turn-by-turn directions. Furthermore, standard Surround Vision system provides a 2.0-megapixel, 360-degree view of the vehicle at low speeds. The optional Trailering Integration Package offers up to nine camera views for easier hitching and hauling, along with blind-spot monitoring that considers trailer length.
Additionally, night vision enhances visibility of pedestrians and animals ahead, a technology that Cadillac first pioneered. The new rear-seat entertainment system features twin 12.6-inch displays, allowing passengers to suggest destinations for the driver to accept or reject. Soft-close doors debut with the 2021 Escalade, eliminating loud slams.
The Five Senses of Cadillac Escalade Technology
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade stands out for its remarkable audio capabilities. Working with AKG, a premium audio brand, Cadillac has developed an impressive sound system. An available 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference system conveys audio with precision, featuring three amplifiers and 28 channels. Even the standard audio system, a 19-speaker AKG Studio system, offers a fulfilling experience with a 14-channel amplifier and enclosed subwoofer.
Both systems utilize Studio 3D Surround technology to create immersive audio experiences. Conversation Enhancement picks up each occupant’s voice and enhances it throughout the cabin, while navigation prompts are directed to the appropriate speakers, enhancing intuitive use. The Studio Reference system allows for passenger volume control, catering to individual preferences.
Cruise Control—On Steroids
Cadillac’s innovative Super Cruise technology marks the advent of semi-autonomous driving assistance in a full-size luxury SUV. Transitioning from the CT6 sedan, Super Cruise is among the industry’s top driver-assist features, offering hands-free driving across over 200,000 miles of North American roadways. This capability leverages lidar map data and high-precision GPS to create a safe driving environment, while advanced driver monitoring technology ensures the driver stays attentive.
Escalade Steps Into the Future
The Cadillac Escalade has always been recognized for its bold design, yet it has evolved significantly. The fifth-generation Escalade is more than just a lavish trim of a Chevrolet Tahoe; it presents an unparalleled combination of interior comfort, state-of-the-art audio, and cutting-edge driving technology. Though the real-world performance remains to be assessed, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade certainly offers more than just aesthetic appeal.
