The 2021 Escalade Scores a New Diesel Engine
While the Cadillac Escalade is known for its unmistakable styling and luxurious interior, fuel efficiency ratings have never been its claim to fame. However, the revolutionary 2021 Escalade just might change this reputation, thanks to a new Duramax turbo-diesel engine. Here’s a look at what we know so far.
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Power and efficiency
For the 2021 model year, the iconic Escalade will gain a Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six turbo-diesel engine. This will mark the luxury SUV’s first foray into diesel territory.
According to Dave Schiavone, marketing manager for the Escalade, this diesel mill will provide a sizable boost in efficiency compared to the currently available 6.2-liter V8.
“If you love Escalade, you love Escalade. But for those people that also love fuel efficiency, they can get it in the diesel,” Schiavone explained. “We’re expecting some pretty good improvements in fuel economy on the diesel over the V8 gasoline.” He further states that fuel economy estimates aren’t currently available, but that the difference in efficiency is “significant.”
Although fuel economy figures aren’t out yet, we know that the 3.0-liter diesel will deliver 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This stands in contrast to the 6.2-liter V8, which offers 420 horsepower and the same torque output. Both dynamos will be paired up with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
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Going beyond efficiency
The Escalade’s exciting new turbo-diesel engine offers more than improved fuel economy. It also gives the luxury SUV some thrilling performance capabilities, according to Schiavone. He cites its impressive torque curve — it achieves maximum torque at just 1,200 rpm. In other words, it achieves some seriously speedy acceleration.
The Escalade’s 3.0-liter diesel engine will also be featured many other GM vehicles, including the 2021 models of the Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon, and GMC Yukon XL.
Currently, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade is slated to hit dealership lots late in 2020.
Kimiko Kidd is a native Daytonian. She graduated from Wright State University with degrees in environmental science and sociology. She loves her trusty old Honda Civic, but dreams of owning a 1974 Ford Falcon XB with a custom paint job and a vintage Kawasaki Z1000. In her free time, Kimiko can be found watercolor-painting, baking muffins, collecting rocks, playing old-school Nintendo games, writing her novel, sewing stuffed animals, and cosplaying as her favorite Mad Max characters. See more articles by Kimiko.