When it comes to class, sophistication, functionality and state-of-the-art technology, the 2016 Cadillac Escalade 4WD Platinum exudes all of the above and then some. The entire vehicle with its refined lines and craftsmanship, continues to carry the long standing fine tradition of the Cadillac luxury brand. The Escalade Platinum combines technological innovation with artistic expression.

The Escalade Platinum is visually appealing in the physical sense but the real magic starts inside once you open the door. Your experience begins with the vehicle’s ‘Cut and Sewn Interiors. Just as a tailor custom makes a finely crafted suit, the Escalade’s remarkably elegant interior features a number of hand-finished design touches, from the full turn leather steering wheel, to the available Mulan leather Kona Brown seats. And to further speak of seats, whether you live in arid climates or an area with more extreme winters, Escalade has it covered. There are two rows of heated seats to warm you and your passengers on cold days, and with cooled front seats on those hot sunny days and balmy nights. The Escalade offers added legroom and seating for up to 8 passengers. Larger rear doors make entering and exiting a breeze.

Whether your favorite music is Bocelli, Tim McGraw or Snoop Dogg, every song fills the car completely with melodic beats and sounds from your own individual playlist. The 2016 Escalade features the Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound system with Advanced Staging Technology. With 16 speakers inside your vehicle, every row, seat, nook and cranny has a perfect performance with the push of a button. With the Escalade Platinum, drivers can personalize their own control panel. Customize the 12.3″ LCD gauge display to one of two themes that combines your vehicle data with navigation entertainment and stunning 3-D vehicle images.

From abundant storage compartments to wireless charging to entertainment systems, this is a vehicle that surpasses expectations than most vehicles in this class. A retractable running board side step automatically rolls in to place each time the doors are open, which offers the driver or passenger just enough lift assist to enter the vehicle.

Other choice amenities and features that Escalade Platinum drivers give rave reviews about are:

–  420-hp 6.2L V-8 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission

–  0-to-60-mph in 5.96 seconds

–  Magnetic Ride Control, derived from the V-Series high-performance cars for excellent body control

– Lane Keep Assist

–  Upgraded CUE, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability

–  4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi

–  Rear-seat infotainment system with 3 screens; reclining second row captain’s chairs

–  Gray Silk Metallic exterior & Jet Black interior with Semi-Aniline full leather seating with suede microfiber accents and Sumi Black Tamo Ash wood trim

  • Wireless charging
  • Door handles that illuminate
  • Front and Rear parking assist
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • A center console cooler
  • Lane change alert and side blind alert zone
  • Invisible rear wiper

Our reviewer was especially fascinated by the workings of CUE, which combines high tech complexities with the simplicity of convenience. CUE blends first-of-its-kind technology with highly intelligent design, bringing the intuitive control of smartphones and tablets safely to the road. With a clean, uncluttered design, Natural Voice Recognition and responsive touch-screen technology, CUE creates an experience that’s as simple to use as it is advanced. CUE can even sense your presence. Proximity-sensing technology detects your hand as it approaches the touch screen. When an icon is pressed, the screen pulses to acknowledge the command, keeping your eyes safely on the road. And if that’s not enough, CUE even helps the driver find their way. By merely spreading your fingers to zoom in closer on a map, or swiping to breeze through your music, it can be done with CUE. Program the home page to keep your favorites front and center. With fewer buttons and more intelligent controls, CUE also features Natural Voice Recognition, allowing you to effortlessly place phone calls, play music and locate destinations. It’s multi-tasking while surrounded by luxury, comfort and safety.

When it comes to safety, the Escalade Platinum offers the best quality air bags throughout the vehicle from front, to middle to back. Every Escalade features seven strategically placed airbags, including the first in its class Front Center Airbag, which is designed to reduce the risk of injury in a side-impact or rollover accident by deploying in the space between the driver and the front passenger. Among the many safety features, there’s also a theft deterrent package, tire pressure monitoring system along with Stability and Stabilitrak.

THE NUMBERS:  MSRP: About:  $91, 950.00  MPG: Up to 15 city / 22 highway

For more information visit your local Cadillac dealership or build your own at: https://www.cadillac.com/crossovers-suvs/escalade-suv.html