- What We Know
- The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is a full-size luxury SUV that promises to get around 20 mpg in city driving versus 12 mpg in city driving for the conventional gas model. Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell told Inside Line that the Detroit luxury brand's first hybrid will cater to an "exclusive clientele." While the Escalade Hybrid's price has yet to be announced, Cadillac officials said to expect it to be close to a fully loaded conventional Escalade — around $66,000. While the Escalade Hybrid will deliver a significant increase in city fuel economy, Cadillac says the improvement in highway driving will be less dramatic — closer to an estimated 22 mpg versus the current 18 mpg in the conventional model. The Escalade Hybrid uses GM's two-mode hybrid system that is made up of an advanced electrically variable transmission (EVT) and a 300-volt nickel metal hydride battery pack. These systems work with the standard 6.0-liter V8 gas engine. The Escalade Hybrid delivers 332 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. The engine features GM's active fuel management system, which shuts off half the cylinders when less power is needed in situations such as highway cruising. There are no exterior changes to the Escalade Hybrid, except for badging. It may also be one of the few hybrids in the world with 22-inch wheels. In the cabin, the major change comes in the second row, where you can only get the hybrid with a bench seat and not captain's chairs. The rear seat has been modified because the battery pack is located under the floor of the second row.
- What Edmunds.com says
- Escalade style and hybrid power, what more could a celebrity want?
