Marc Urbano, with CARandDRIVER, wrote...In its early days, the Cadillac Escalade was celebrated in hip-hop music and starred in many a rap video and not just because lots of words rhyme with Escalade. Caddy's full-size SUV was big, flashy, and expensive, the perfect avatar of success. A couple of decades later, the Escalade is still worth bragging about, but the zeitgeist has shiftednow it's cooler to be driven in an Escalade than to drive it yourself. That's the real power move, as demonstrated outside any self-respecting VIP event. Even hip-hop acknowledges the shift; witness the lyrics to How You Felt by Alabama rapper NoCap: Girl, check outside, I sent three Escalades, I put roses in every truck. Even when it's not chock full of roses, the latest Escalade is glitzier than everbut it has also evolved to better suit its role as executive transport. It's more cosseting for those in back, and it also makes life easier for the chauffeur up front. The Sport trim is all about power with exceptional presence. An exquisitely crafted interior with full Semi-Aniline leather sets joins a commanding exterior presence and leading-edge technology like the standard AKG 36-SPEAKER Studio Reference audio system to create the ultimate Escalade experience. The Alexa functionality you enjoy at home is now fully integrated into the Cadillac use experience. With Amazon Alex capability, you can ask Alexa to stream your favorite music, get directions, make calls, change your radio stations and more. Ask anythingAlexa is on board. This Sport also includes the Onyx Package with 22 inch multi-spoked alloy wheels, a black illuminated Cadillac emblem and name plate and power retractable running boards. The standard 6.2L 420-hp V8 is paired with and intelligent 10-speed transmission that moves among gears in a smooth, efficient fashion.
