Cadillac recently held a dealer meeting in Las Vegas and the company used the event to showcase a handful of upcoming models including the 2020 Escalade and XT6. While the automaker has been tight-lipped about the vehicles, several dealers talked openly about them with the Detroit Free Press.
Starting with the Escalade, Williamson Automotive Group owner Ed Williamson said the model is “evolutionary, not revolutionary.” He went on to say the SUV has a “really jazzy” interior and will finally be getting a console-mounted shifter. Williamson also shot down rumors suggesting the Escalade will receive three different engine options as he said the “powertrain is the same as the current generation.”
Speaking of the latter, the current Escalade has a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 420 hp (313 kW / 425 PS) and 460 lb-ft (623 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a ten-speed automatic transmission which can be paired to an optional four-wheel drive system.
The news that the engine will once again be offered in the Escalade isn’t too surprising as model will be based on the same platform that underpins the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Both those models are available with the aforementioned 6.2-liter V8.
The Escalade is expected to be launched late next year or in early 2020. Cadillac hasn’t said much about the model, but it is expected to have an independent rear suspension and rear seats that finally fold flat.
Dealers didn’t have much to say about the XT6, but the general manager of Thompson Buick GMC Cadillac told the publication the crossver is “high-end” and has a “gorgeous” interior just like the 2020 Escalade. He went on to say General Motors is trying to “differentiate Cadillac by making sure they use their own engines and parts on the cars.”
The XT6 is expected to debut at the North American International Auto Show in January. Dealers gave conflicting statements on when the crossover would be launched as one said it would arrive next spring, while another said it wasn’t due until late next year.