Superior craftsmanship and refinement permeate the all-new Escalade. In areas that can be seen and touched, as well as those that cannot, an unprecedented amount of engineering and design resources were devoted to developing cohesive, segment-leading levels of quality, quietness and attention to detail.

Tighter tolerances and higher quality materials provide visual and tactile examples of the vehicle’s craftsmanship, while a firmer, more robust chassis enables class-leading smoothness and quietness. In short, every aspect of Escalade’s performance – whether under the hood or inside the passenger compartment – is designed to reflect a new standard of Cadillac craftsmanship.

Exterior craftsmanship

Escalade has one-piece, body-color front and rear fascias that wrap around into the fenders, creating a sleeker, more integrated appearance. Chrome accents enhance the luxury appearance of the Escalade while adding distinction and exemplifying the vehicle’s attention to detail.

The fascias cover the bumper beams, eliminating the conventional SUV look of a bumper separated from other body components. This seamless design enables improved tolerances between components, such as the fascia and fenders. Hood-to-fender gaps also are reduced, as are the gaps surrounding the headlamps and grille components. While contributing to the Escalade’s more refined appearance, the tighter tolerances also enhance aerodynamics, which optimize fuel economy and reduce wind noise.

From the side, Escalade has a more integrated appearance . The doors extend down and wrap over the rockers for a cleaner, “one-piece” appearance, and the rearview mirrors are styled for improved aerodynamics and reduced wind noise. New grab-style door handles are designed to stand off from the edge of the vehicle and offer easier, refined actuation. Door closing is effortless and quiet, sealing with a reassuring sound that reinforces Cadillac’s quality reputation.

Standard running boards are integrated with the exterior design themes, and optional power articulating running boards (available later in the model year) automatically extend when the doors are opened. When not in use, the boards retract inward, giving the vehicle a sleeker, more refined appearance.

At the rear of the Escalade, gaps are reduced around the liftgate and fascia, creating a refined and precise appearance. The liftgate-to-quarter panel and liftgate-to-taillamp tolerances have also been reduced with a new, one-piece door ring – or “D-ring.” The quarter panels, underbody and roof are all welded to the D-ring, providing more precise fits and a stronger rear body. Also, the standard towing package receiver hitch features an Escalade-exclusive integrated hitch cover that is easily removable, but offers a smoother appearance when in place.

Interior refinement

The 2007 Escalade has an interior environment all its own. It benefits from the close attention to detail designed and engineered into every facet of the cabin and is highlighted by flush surfaces and tight tolerances on the instrument panel, center stack, clusters and other components.

Most gaps on the instrument panel and cluster have been narrowed to 0.5 mm or less. Some gaps have been totally eliminated. Flush-mounted accessories and controls, such as the climate control/radio center stack, create a seamless, more finished appearance – appearing as a single unit rather than components stacked together. Similar attention was given to concealing fasteners and metal structural components of all folding seats. New seat “close-outs” provide a more finished, crafted appearance to the seats when they are in a folded or tumbled-forward position. The seat tracks also are concealed with covers.

Large aluminum door sill plates greet occupants when they enter Escalade. The sill plates are longer and wider than previous models, providing more complete coverage of the sill area and a more finished appearance.

Both the Cocoa-on-Cashmere and Ebony-on-Ebony interior color schemes dramatically enhance the appearance and aura of the new Escalade’s interiors. The upscale styling is complemented by premium materials like brushed aluminum, wood and cast skin trim that are soft to the touch and have low-gloss finishes. Escalade’s instrument panel, upper door trim and armrests are covered and wrapped in a soft foam-backed cast skin covering that is durable and rich looking, while providing a luxurious, high-quality feel.

Also, the color and grain of materials were carefully selected to provide a premium look. Upscale details also include LED backlighting for instrumentation and chrome accents on gauges and vents. The comprehensive result of these elements is a rich, harmonious appearance throughout the interior. Escalade’s refinement also is evidenced in the operation of items such as glove box and center console lid doors, which are spring-damped. The center console’s cupholders are hidden, too, providing a cleaner interior appearance until they’re needed.