Bigger, bolder and better

Cadillac Escalades, by sheer force of their size, are for consumers looking to make a statement. And this year's model lives up to its larger-than-life reputation, sporting a sleek, clean and athletic form with improved aerodynamics.

Instantly identifiable, it incorporates styling cues from Cadillac's landmark Sixteen concept vehicle, including a detailed signature grille and front fender vents.

David Venticich, marketing and planning director for General Motors Middle East Operations, told Emirates Business: "The 2008 Escalade carries on the Cadillac renaissance to an altogether new phase. The Escalade is an icon and the 2008 model far exceeds the benchmarks of the segment with its exceptional exterior style, interior refinement, increased performance and enhanced ride and handling smoothness."

Details in elements such as wraparound fascias, styled mirrors and integrated running boards enhance Escalade's flowing design, facilitating an aggressive and elegant appearance. The sleek, toned look includes a windshield angle of 57 degrees, which flows gracefully into the roofline. This also improves aerodynamic performance to a segment-best 0.363 coefficient of drag, which helps improve fuel economy and reduce wind noise.

Venticich said: "Having earned a position as the undisputed image leader among large luxury SUVs, Cadillac Escalade extends its considerable momentum. With three body styles – Escalade, the extended length Escalade ESV and EXT luxury sport-utility truck – and up to seven seats, the Escalade offers the widest array of models in the segment. The 2008 Escalades feature integrated powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems that deliver the most powerful, efficient luxury SUVs in the segment.

"With its sleek, clean, athletic form, the Cadillac Escalade benefits from improved aerodynamics, benefiting from a faster rake on the windshield, which lowers drag coefficient. It is equipped with a 6.2L all-aluminium V8 engine with variable valve timing technology and a six-speed RWD automatic transmission. For the interior, the best premium materials have been used to ensure the vehicle has a luxurious look and feel.

"Safety is one of the key elements in all Cadillac vehicles and the Escalade is equipped with head curtain side air bags and rollover protection. Escalade also offers Turn-by-Turn navigation and articulating running boards."

The warm and inviting interior features a premium and distinct layout. The cabin, which comes in two colours, ebony and cashmere, is spacious, with an instrument panel that is moved forward in the vehicle. The SUV features a distinctive dash outfitted with instrumentation gauges with white needles and blue light inlays with continuously lit, white-LED backlighting.

It also sports leather-covered seats, leather-covered door trim and centre console, fabric-covered interior pillars, and an available heated steering wheel. A power-assisted rear liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button is also standard.

Entry into the Escalade's third-row seats is facilitated by an industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature. Escalade also includes an available eight-inch touch-screen navigation system, as well as a DVD system with a large, eight-inch flip-down screen. A segment-first Bose 5.1 digital surround sound system is integrated into a family of radios that play DVD audio/video, CD audio/video and MP3s.

Any amount of customisation is possible. Venticich said: "The base price of an Escalade is around Dh219,000 and the price goes up with customisations. You can add a distinctive appearance to your Cadillac Escalade with a grille insert, featuring a chrome surround with body-colour mesh and the Cadillac logo. You can also add the door sill plate kit. Stylish and practical, these brushed stainless steel step shields protect the door sill area from damage during entry and exit. Or you can add premium floor mats. Front mats feature a custom deep-ribbed pattern to collect rain, mud, snow and debris.

"Nibs on back help hold the mat in place and conform to the interior of your Escalade.

"You can also add 22" wheels. These beautiful aluminum alloy wheels take maximum advantage of the forms and a lustrous chrome finish in order to make an emphatic style statement. A selection of 20in wheels are also available."

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