When it comes to larger-than-life luxury SUVs, the Cadillac Escalade has gone five years without a major update. As Lincoln rolled out the new Navigator, naturally GM had to respond, and we’re right on the verge of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade breaking onto the scene with new styling, heaps of luxury and huge OLED screesn to boot. One mystery swirling around the brand’s flagship SUV was how much it would cost. Now, though, GM Authority has more insight as to some MSRP figures, and thankfully there’s no shocking change from the 2020 models to report.
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade kicks off with the $76,195 Luxury trim, which starts just $1,000 more than the outgoing model. That pricing strategy is in line with the Chevy Tahoe, Suburban and GMC Yukon, all of which were updated without major price shifts from their predecessors. That figure excludes the destination charge, which should add another $1,295 or so to the bottom line MSRP.
From the base Luxury, Cadillac will split the remaining four trims for 2021 along its “Y-trim” philosophy. That creates some distinction in the lineup between ‘Luxury’ and ‘Sport’ models, depending on how much of either flavor you want in your new Escalade.
Pricing breakdown by trim
Regardless of which trim you choose, the pricing to upgrade to the long-wheelbase Escalade ESV hasn’t moved. Going for the ESV will add another $3,000 to the price. It’s also $3,000 to upgrade to an all-wheel drive model from the standard rear-wheel drive version.
Following the luxurious side of the trims, the next step up from the base is the Premium Luxury. That model will set you back $85,695. The $9,500 price walk is slightly higher than the 2020 models, but you also get more standard tech for 2021 with the Luxury trim. The extra money for the Premium Luxury adds features like adaptive cruise control, illuminated door handles and a rear-seat entertainment system on the current 2020 Escalade.
At the top end of the ‘Luxury’ models, the Premium Luxury Platinum will cost $99,995, according to the GM Authority report. Larger wheels, 18-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, and power retractable door steps are some of the features that come with the current top-end Escalade, and we suspect Cadillac will bundle similar options with this higher trim.
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade Sport trim sits one step above the base Luxury on the other side of Cadillac’s trim scheme. The Sport starts at $85,595, or $9,400 above the base model. Here you get a mesh grille as well as some more aggressive styling cues. Finally, the Sport Luxury Platinum meets the Premium Luxury Platinum at the same price point: $99,995 to start. Apart from styling and some tweaks under the skin, features between the two should be similar if not identical. Things like Super Cruise, multi-way adjustable leather seats and power retractable steps, as well as the large OLED displays, will be available on both the top-end trims.
What about the diesel?
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade comes standard with a 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine, just as it has in the past. The 10-speed automatic transmission remains as well, but one new player joining the fold is GM’s 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine. GM Authority‘s report did not mention specific pricing for that option. UPDATE: Another GM Authority report published Wednesday said the diesel engine would be a no-cost option, according to sources familiar with GM’s plans.
An exact launch date is also open to change, as GM’s current production halt may push back the new Escalade’s arrival at dealers into late 2020 or even early 2021. We’ll provide more updates on that as we get more information.
Check out more on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade below:
