With light throttle, the electric motors can propel the Escalade up to 30 mph. Like other systems, the gasoline engine shuts off at stoplights and restarts when needed. Fuel economy estimates have not been released, but the similar Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is EPA rated at 21 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway with 2WD and 20/20 City/Highway with 4WD.
While fuel economy is up, towing capacity is down. The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid will be rated to tow up to 6000 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 5700 pounds with four-wheel drive. By comparison, the base Escalade, which has a 403-hp 6.2-liter V8, can tow up to 7700 pounds.
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid will have a 300-volt battery pack located under the second-row seats. The battery pack powers the electric motors, as well as the electric power steering system and electrically driven air conditioning compressor. Regenerative braking will charge the batteries.
Though Cadillac hasn't released full information, the 2009 Escalade Hybrid will most likely feature exterior modifications meant to reduce weight and drag. These may include an aluminum hood and tailgate, a lowered front air dam, tapered running boards, fixed rear glass, a tire inflation kit in place of a full-size spare tire, and reshaped rear pillars and center high-mounted stoplight.
On the inside, the Escalade Hybrid will have an eight-inch touch screen with a power flow schematic to show if the power is coming from the electric motors, the gasoline engine, or both. There will also be a special tachometer and an economy gauge. The economy gauge's green bar represents a zone drivers can aim for to maximize fuel economy. The tachometer will include an Auto Stop reading to indicate when the gasoline engine is shut off.
The essence of the Cadillac brand has always centered on status. The Escalade is the embodiment of this overall image, inside and out. It’s large, eye-catching, and has tremendous presence on the road. Within, its opulent cabin is loaded with high-end amenities and the finest materials. The Escalade captures exactly the level of luxury represented by the Cadillac brand. For that reason, it’s the Cadillac flagship. It remains to be seen if the hybrid badge, which has come to symbolize environmental awareness, will add to or undermine the Cadillac Escalade’s persona. GM’s is using “Intelligent Indulgence” as its marketing slogan for the blend of Cadillac comfort and hybrid worldliness.
The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is for those who have no intention of giving up size, status, comfort, or performance but still have an inkling of a concern for the environment. How many people fit this profile? That’s a good question. We’ll find out when the Escalade Hybrid goes on sale in the fall of 2008. No definitive word on pricing yet.
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