Cadillac has added a Platinum model to the Escalade Hybrid lineup and bills it as “the most technically advanced large luxury SUV yet.” As the world’s first large luxury hybrid SUV, the big Escalade delivers 20 miles per gallon around town, a 50 percent improvement over the non-hybrid model.
Both the Escalade Hybrid and Platinum Hybrid are available in 2WD and 4WD configurations. The 2WD model can tow up to 5,800 pounds and the 4WD version slightly less at 5,600 pounds. The hybrid models include just about all of the standard comfort and convenience features that are standard on an Escalade, including an eight-inch touch-screen navigation system that displays performance readouts of the hybrid system.
The 2010 Escalade Platinum Hybrid has a nice package of luxury, style and technology, including a distinctive front fascia and grille, unique 22-inch wheels, Magnetic Ride Control technology, LED headlights and a DVD entertainment system with screens integrated in the front-seat headrests.
Magnetic Ride Control is GM’s fast-reacting suspension system and gives the Escalade Platinum Hybrid more precise body motion control. It is a real-time damping system that “reads” the road in one-millisecond intervals. It replaces conventional shocks with electronically controlled shocks filled with a synthetic fluid containing tiny iron particles. Under the presence of a magnetic charge, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance almost instantly.
The LED headlights emulate the characteristics of natural daylight much more closely than traditional auto lighting. LEDs are environmentally friendly, with a usable life more than 20 times longer than traditional halogen bulbs.
Inside the Escalade Platinum is the latest example of Cadillac’s return to handcrafted luxury detail. The instrument panel, center storage console and door trim are wrapped and stitched by hand. They feature decorative French seams that have an elegant, tailored look and feel. Materials include rich leather on the instrument panel, with unique wood inlays and aluminum trim.
Aniline leather is unique to the Escalade Platinum and is used to trim the first and second row seats. Contrasting-color stitching is used on the French seams for a distinctive, luxurious appearance. The seatbacks feature embroidered Cadillac wreath and crest insignias. The leather-covered seats are comfortable and convenient, and the power fold-and-tumble second-row seat allows easier access to the third-row seat.
Additional standard interior features include Platinum-specific door sills and floor mats; a heated steering wheel; heated and cooled cupholders, and a power liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button. Also, the DVD entertainment system adds screens integrated into each front-seat headrest, in addition to the existing roof-mounted screen.
Base price on the 2010 Cadillac Escalade Platinum is $88,140.
Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to.
