Could this be the automotive world's biggest oxymoron? The Cadillac Escalade was never an SUV celebrated for its environmental initiatives- -though GM now sells it powered optionally by their Two-Mode hybrid system.
The resulting partial-electric posh-mobile represents the world's only full-sized hybrid luxury SUV. Put another way, this sucker's got no competition. If you want an enormous, high-luxury, four-wheel drive that doesn't suck gas as a sport, there are currently no other options.
Chrome, anyone?
Escalade Hybrid hits the street with enough wood paneling to line a sauna, more leather than the average living room and more chrome-glittered bling than the V.I.P. parking lot at a Fifty Cent concert.
The grille? Chrome. Door handles? Yep. Fender vents? Covered in it. Of course, the wheels are chrome too- and some 22 inches in diameter. Catch the sun at the right part of the day, and you'll see it reflecting from the wheels onto nearby buildings cars, and people.
Xenon and LED lighting adorn the body, rear windows are tinted dark, and the tester even had optional pop-out running boards that deploy when doors are opened. It's a like a bit of red carpet treatment every time you hop on board. After all, nothing says 'I'm here' in front of the night-club quite like climbing out of an Escalade.
The Cabin
The monstrous 7-person cabin gives drivers a big-rig view of the road ahead, along with plenty of space. Though many of the controls are lifted right from the GM pickup lineup, materials are upgraded at most touch points-- including the leather and wood steering wheel. At night, various lights play off the glossy metal and wood interior accents for a glimmering, sophisticated look.
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| The Cadillac Escalade was never an SUV celebrated for its environmental initiatives. |
The resulting partial-electric posh-mobile represents the world's only full-sized hybrid luxury SUV. Put another way, this sucker's got no competition. If you want an enormous, high-luxury, four-wheel drive that doesn't suck gas as a sport, there are currently no other options.
Chrome, anyone?
Escalade Hybrid hits the street with enough wood paneling to line a sauna, more leather than the average living room and more chrome-glittered bling than the V.I.P. parking lot at a Fifty Cent concert.
The grille? Chrome. Door handles? Yep. Fender vents? Covered in it. Of course, the wheels are chrome too- and some 22 inches in diameter. Catch the sun at the right part of the day, and you'll see it reflecting from the wheels onto nearby buildings cars, and people.
Xenon and LED lighting adorn the body, rear windows are tinted dark, and the tester even had optional pop-out running boards that deploy when doors are opened. It's a like a bit of red carpet treatment every time you hop on board. After all, nothing says 'I'm here' in front of the night-club quite like climbing out of an Escalade.
The Cabin
The monstrous 7-person cabin gives drivers a big-rig view of the road ahead, along with plenty of space. Though many of the controls are lifted right from the GM pickup lineup, materials are upgraded at most touch points-- including the leather and wood steering wheel. At night, various lights play off the glossy metal and wood interior accents for a glimmering, sophisticated look.
 |
| The monstrous 7-person cabin gives drivers a big-rig view of the road ahead, along with plenty of space. |