2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV

2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV / ESV Platinum Edition: Combines power, size and strength with trademark Cadillac styling and technology

2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV sets standard for size, power, technology and functionality

In recent months the full-size Escalade ESV and its luxurious offspring, the Escalade ESV Platinum Edition, moved Cadillac into the large luxury SUV market. Combining power, size and strength with trademark Cadillac styling and technology, the Escalade ESV complements its siblings, the Escalade and Escalade EXT.

The vehicle is the roomiest, most powerful full-size luxury SUV in the world. It’s 22 inches (55.9 cm) longer than Escalade, with more than 20 extra inches (50.8 cm) of interior length, translating into more premium seating and cargo-carrying capability.

New for 2005

* Premium instrument cluster with bright chrome trim
* Burled walnut trim
* Bright chrome exhaust tip
* Touch screen navigation with 6.5-inch (165-mm) screen
* Riptide (teal blue metallic) exterior paint
* All-new cooling system with more powerful 160-amp alternator
* OnStar Gen 6 hardware with enhanced hands-free capability

The model year 2005 brings subtle refinements. The primary change is a new, premium instrument cluster with bright chrome rings around gauges and more detailed graphics. In addition, new burled walnut trim replaces traditional Zebrano trim. All models receive a bright chrome exhaust tip.The vehicle also will receive an all-new cooling system with two electric cooling fans, and the charging system also has been upgraded with a new 160 amp alternator and regulated voltage control. This will help improve A/C performance. Riptide, a teal blue metallic exterior paint, replaces Arrival Blue.

OnStar-equipped Escalade ESV models feature new sixth-generation hardware with digital and analog coverage. OnStar’s Gen 6 hardware also includes upgraded hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Personal Calling that allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls using a powerful three-watt digital/analog system and external antenna for greater reception.

All 2005 Cadillac owners in the U.S. will receive 12 months of complimentary access to Cadillac Virtual Advisor by OnStar. Cadillac Virtual Advisor service begins at activation of OnStar Personal Calling. Cadillac Virtual Advisor provides three-day weather forecasts and traffic reports within pre-selected ranges of 5, 10 or 15 miles of the vehicle’s location in most major markets. Cadillac Virtual Advisor also monitors traffic for up to three personalized routes and reports information on up to 10 selected stocks on the DJI and NASDAQ markets – all at the touch of a single button.

The navigation system now uses a touch screen rather than a joystick, and the screen size increases from 5.8 inches (142 mm) to 6.5 inches (165 mm) for easier use.

Powertrain and features

The Escalade ESV’s Vortec H.O. 6000 6.0L V-8 engine cranks out 345 hp (257 kw) at 5200 rpm and 380 lb.-ft. of torque (515 Nm) at 4000 rpm. That’s more than enough power to handle steep grades or a heavily weighted two-horse trailer.

In addition to AWD and StabiliTrak with Road Sensing Suspension (RSS), the vehicle offers Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only), a premium Bose soundsystem and a Bvlgari-designed analog clock, as well as a number of other standard luxury amenities. Plus, it has an available rear-seat DVD system and a DVD-based navigation system.

The vehicle’s tailored seats are exceptionally soft and supportive, with Nuance leather seating surfaces on the first and second row and leather-appointed surfaces on the third row. Standard front bucket seats have 14-way power cushion adjusters for the driver and passenger, power adjustable side bolsters and power lumbar, power seatback recliners and independent heated seatbacks and cushions (three settings).

The second row also offers standard reclining bucket seats with heated cushions, and a second-row bench seat with heated outboard cushions is optional. The second-row seats can be flipped and folded for stowing cargo. The third-row bench seat can be flipped, folded or removed for maximum cargo flexibility, yet still offers spacious seating even for adults. In addition, the second- and third-row seatbacks can be folded to create a flat load surface.

Escalade ESV exterior style

Like all Escalades, the ESV’s aggressive front end is the vehicle's most distinctive exterior feature, distinguished by a large Cadillac wreath and crest and Cadillac's signature grille. High intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with chrome bezels have a jewel-like appearance, and are integrated with rectangular parking lamps and turn signals. The vehicle's front fascia incorporates recessed tow hooks and rectangular fog lamps.

Full-time all-wheel drive

High-performance engineers maintain the only amount of useful power is what can be delivered to the pavement. That's why the Escalade ESV features a standard full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. It automatically and continuously transfers power to the wheels in a smooth, imperceptible manner and maintains a fixed front-to-rear torque split to give the best balance of handling characteristics under all operating conditions. Working seamlessly in conjunction with GM's advanced traction and stability control systems, the Escalade ESV uses the latest technology to optimize control and ride characteristics under any road or load conditions.

Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition

Cadillac has created the ultimate full-size luxury SUV with the Escalade ESV Platinum Edition, featuring a lavishly appointed interior, along with power, technology and a new level of sophistication.

The Platinum Edition has numerous premium interior features and materials. The interior features an ebony and shale dash, shale leather seating surfaces and pleated door panel bolsters. Burled walnut accents appear on the steering wheel, console, door pulls, window switch bezels and dashboard trim. Bright chrome trim highlights the steering wheel, speaker covers and gauge cluster, which features new graphics. New HVAC outlets have rubber thumbwheels and chrome-accented controls.

The Platinum Edition has heated and cooled seats in the first and second rows and a center console with heated and cooled cupholders for the driver and passenger (with exclusive beverage containers). Stainless steel sill plates display the Cadillac script in the first and second rows, and embroidered floormats serve as finishing touches.

The Escalade ESV Platinum Edition offers multiple forms of in-vehicle entertainment, including a Bose premium sound system with a six-CD changer and nine speakers, XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only) and a dual screen rear seat entertainment system. This system has two 7-inch viewing screens; one for the second row and one for the third. The system also comes with four wireless headphones. Also standard is the DVD-based navigation system.

The boldly styled exterior receives tasteful enhancements, including the large luxury utility segment’s first factory-installed 20-inch chrome wheels, a slightly lowered stance (20 mm front / 23 mm rear), a chrome grille and Platinum lettering on the liftgate.

The Platinum model comes in four exterior colors: White Diamond, Black Raven, Quicksilver and Red E.

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