[AlexK]

I am not a hater (we used to own the very first generation of Escalade model), but... The front looks too "cold" and extremely bland and the "Christmas Lights" LED strips in headlights make it even worse. Same goes for that "retro" gear selector behind the steering wheel - it looks too big and too noticeable. Should've just placed it on a console between the front seats where its size wouldn't matter (yes, it would take some storage space but not all people need that).

As for people saying "...but we need all that interior space and huge overall size in our SUV!" - no, you do not. If you actually do need larger space to fit other family members - there are plenty of minivans still being sold, which are cheaper, have better side doors, better interior layouts/size and some of them being available in AWD form. And they are just as "safe" (according to objective tests) as the needlessly oversized monstrosities like this Escalade.

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by AlexK

As for people saying "...but we need all that interior space and huge overall size in our SUV!" - no, you do not. If you actually do need larger space to fit other family members - there are plenty of minivans still being sold, which are cheaper, have better side doors, better interior layouts/size and some of them being available in AWD form. And they are just as "safe" (according to objective tests) as the needlessly oversized monstrosities like this Escalade.

If you have one or two kids that play hockey or if you go on frequent ski trips or long road trips, you absolutely need the space of a suburban-type vehicle. Minivans also lack the cargo space of a large SUV. If you have three kids and want to take a road trip, you think you'll be able to fit luggage for five people behind the seat of a minivan? Me thinks not.

[MisterSkiMask]

Originally Posted by AlexK

As for people saying "...but we need all that interior space and huge overall size in our SUV!" - no, you do not. If you actually do need larger space to fit other family members - there are plenty of minivans still being sold, which are cheaper, have better side doors, better interior layouts/size and some of them being available in AWD form. And they are just as "safe" (according to objective tests) as the needlessly oversized monstrosities like this Escalade.

SUVs can also tow boats, toy trailers, rvs. Most people will never do these things, but for some reason everyone wants to be able to.

[Billup]

I think it looks a lot (Minus the front end, looks like an Acadia) better than the Escalades that have been out since..., forever. But at the same point in time, I have no need for an Escalade nor the care to own one, so whether it is hideous or not doesn't really matter.

Interior looks spacious and comfy. Wouldn't mind breaking in every bit of that leather with the old lady, enough room for late night rendezvous if you don't want wait to drive home after a night out.

[swanson]

Originally Posted by AlexK

I am not a hater (we used to own the very first generation of Escalade model), but... The front looks too "cold" and extremely bland and the "Christmas Lights" LED strips in headlights make it even worse. Same goes for that "retro" gear selector behind the steering wheel - it looks too big and too noticeable. Should've just placed it on a console between the front seats where its size wouldn't matter (yes, it would take some storage space but not all people need that).

As for people saying "...but we need all that interior space and huge overall size in our SUV!" - no, you do not. If you actually do need larger space to fit other family members - there are plenty of minivans still being sold, which are cheaper, have better side doors, better interior layouts/size and some of them being available in AWD form. And they are just as "safe" (according to objective tests) as the needlessly oversized monstrosities like this Escalade.

You sound like a guy whose wife made him buy a minivan.

[Aggression]

Originally Posted by swanson

You sound like a guy whose wife made him buy a minivan.

This.

Good looking piece of metal.

[F32]

Originally Posted by swanson

You sound like a guy whose wife made him buy a minivan.

This.

[bjayfan]

Looks like a volvo from the rear, which isn't all good, or bad.

[pgviper]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

If you have one or two kids that play hockey or if you go on frequent ski trips or long road trips, you absolutely need the space of a suburban-type vehicle. Minivans also lack the cargo space of a large SUV. If you have three kids and want to take a road trip, you think you'll be able to fit luggage for five people behind the seat of a minivan? Me thinks not.

+1000

My parents got a 2000 Tahoe and that thing can do absolutely everything. We just did a track day a couple weeks ago. No way any minivan is going to tow a trailer with a racecar, a jack, jack stands, 4 people, coolers, food, water, suitcases, tool chest and still get 20 mpg on the highway.

Escalade looks pretty good but no way I would get an escalade for the purposes in which I plan to use it.

[ep_83]

I read Caddy will be making a larger 3rd row crossover to slot between the SRX and Escalade. My guess is they will be using the new RWD Omega platform. If not, it will probably use the FWD Lambda platform used on the Enclave/Traverse/Acadia.

[laurenallen]

it's monster.

[buildbright]

Originally Posted by swanson

You sound like a guy whose wife made him buy a minivan.

This is the mindset of Germany and other European countries. They do not understand our need for huge gas guzzling trucks and SUVs. What people think they need and what they actually do are two different things.

Now don't get me wrong, I am all for buying whatever you want. Just don't candy coat it and say you need an Escalade for your child's big car seat.

[quagmire]

Originally Posted by P1et

I agree with the above posters: there is no need for an SUV this big. Kids or not. My brother and I grew up in an Mk1 Golf. Never an issue.

So how about people who tow, but also need the people/cargo carrying capability?

Want my parents to spend the money on a truck and a full size crossover? Or just spend the money on a Suburban that can tow my moms horse trailer and put all the horse stuff in the back of the Suburban, and carry 7 people? My parents also own a sailboat and when it gets hauled for the winter, it is able to fit the sails, lines, and other gear, etc.

There is a need for this big of an SUV. But, the people who actually use it for the capabilities is fairly small. But, we can characterize a lot of cars that are designed for something, but people buy it because of other reasons. Just look at Lambo's, Ferrari's, BMW's, Corvette's, etc. How many people actually track those vehicles? Fairly small. How many buy them for their status, etc? A lot.

[P1]

Although my wife would never let me have one, something like an A6 Avant is something I'd love to have when I have kids.

[Soorena]

Looks like crap and what a pointless vehicle it is.

[F32]

There is more needs fulfilled by a large SUV than a 4-door sporty sedan. None of you "need" a BMW 3-Series. What can that car do from a practical standpoint that a Toyota Camry can't?

[Ferstlerslim]

Cant wait to see the EXT.

Dave

[quagmire]

Originally Posted by Ferstlerslim

Cant wait to see the EXT.

Dave

EXT is dead.

[Spinny02]

[quagmire]

Originally Posted by py0413

Looks decent enough but wtf is wrong with that gear selector behind the steering wheel? It takes only one ugly stick to ruin some good work.

From a functionality point of view, I like the column shifter in our Suburban. Opens up a lot of space on the center console. For trucks and the Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon/ Yukon XL, I have very little issue with it due to their more utility nature.

For a luxury vehicle like the Escalade, I do not like how they kept the parts bin shifter. They should have gone with an electronic shifter like BMW's and Mercedes( Mercedes have it on the column too).

Also, I don't get why people are calling the rear taillights Volvo-like. Think of the rear being like the CTS wagon.

[wakeboarder109]

While I'm not 100% sold on the exterior, the interior looks great! We had a few Subrubans growing up and they are awesome SUVs. I always plan on having one to haul people and cargo around.

That being said, I wouldn't buy a 2015 Suburban. The front end looks terrible.

[MikeyV]

Originally Posted by MisterSkiMask

I'm afraid I may. My damn X5 is not big enough. With a rear facing child seat behind the front passenger seat, the front seat is unusable. The seat back is straight up, and it is so far forward that my (small) wife's knees are pressed against the dash (absolutely no exaggeration).

My 3 year old is behind the drivers seat behind me (not do small) with no room for her feet.

We are going on a road trip next week. To make it possible in the X5, the 3 year old is in the 3rd row on the passenger side, the middle row 40% on the passenger side is folded down, the rear facing seat is in the middle of the third row. It is fucking stupid, but it should work.

You must be very tall, or have a huge gut and your 3 year old must also be a bit of a lump. My wife and I had an X5 rental for 2 weeks in the US this summer, we were 5 in the car, 3 kids, one in a baby seat, one in a booster, there was plenty of room. My wife is short 5'2, she had plently of room up front, her knees were under the dash, my 8 year old had plenty of room for his feet behind me, I'm 5'10.

Americans have inflated the real size requirements for there cars, it's an ego thing, you live in the US, you're fat and need large car to your plus sized family around. It'd be much easier and cheaper on the wallet to drop some pounds.