2015 Cadillac Escalade front
Now in its fourth generation since its 1999 launch, the Cadillac Escalade is still one of the patron saints in the automotive world of conspicuous consumption. Checking in 1.5 inches broader, 1.4 inches more, and about 100 pounds heavier than the version it replaced, the big-livin' 2015 Escalade makes no reasons for its imposing presence.

Creating 420 hp and 460 lb-feet of torque shouldered its load that was large, hustling the six-speed-equipped Escalade around town and down the highway effortlessly. GM figured that transplanting the eight-speed to the 'Slade could be a comparatively easy method to boost functionality on several fronts.

As was the case with all the eight-speed- Chevrolet Silverado and equipped GMC Yukon we drove before, low- speed is drastically enhanced using the new transmission. A first gear that is higher eases seamless takeoffs, as well as the ratios that are more closely spaced mean the transmission remains active under light acceleration. Yet it shuffles using a precise, nearly imperceptible activity between gears, seldom letting the revs climb. Mat the accelerator at the tach swings for the cheap seats, as well as any speed, yet, the transmission letting the beefy V8 before catching another equipment rev. Due to the tighter difference between ratios, the engine spends more hours in the meaty part of its own torque curve, giving a more fluid feel to the proceeding and taking advantage of its own output.

PLAYING THE AMOUNTS
First impressions formed, we set off for the trail in search of evidence that our finely honed seat-of-the-trousers meter was correctly calibrated. The remaining information continued to drop in favor of the eight-speed, using the quarter mile passing in 14.1 seconds at a trap rate of 99 miles per hour, edging out the six-speed's run of 14.7 at 96 miles per hour.

2016 Cadillac Escalade back

Sadly, the eight-rate Escalade stayed as thirsty as our six-speed evaluation vehicle, yielding the same 14 mpg in combined driving. Hold on our 300-foot skidpad stayed unchanged at 0.75 grams, GM's Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension toiling to keep the huge woman on the amount.

Enthusiasts of the opulent inside and brassy outside of the Escalade will probably be very happy to learn that very little has altered beyond the powertrain. Reaching the leather-lined, clubroom-like, Kona Brown inside is made simpler by the discretionary power retracting side steps ($1695), a characteristic we had leave off unless we were hampered by prominence or insufficient flexibility. We actually took a liking to the natural matte-wood interior trim, which seems a tad more organic sans the typical ladled-on polish finish. Naturally, almost every creature comfort and gadget in the GM catalogue makes an appearance here--warmed and cooled front and back seats, all manner of security aids and blind spot warnings, a four-colour head-up display, Bose sound, and much, much more. It is as you'd expect of an $89,360 SUV--which now has transmission more befitting its eminent decal that is.