AUTOSPIES.COM PICKS CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV AS 2007 LUXURY SUV OF THE YEAR

SAN DIEGO, California, December 11, 2006 The new Cadillac Escalade has been awarded the prestigious title of "AutoSpies.com 2007 Luxury SUV of the Year".

The 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV was declared the winner based on four key factors: Design, Utility, Prestige and Quality.

"We are absolutely delighted to award Cadillac the ultimate accolade of Luxury SUV of the Year, especially against so many worthy finalists like the Mercedes-Benz GL450 and Land Rover Range Rover," said founder of AutoSpies.com, Donald Buffamanti (Agent 001). "The 2007 Escalade ESV is not only the most beautifully designed SUV among the competition, its stance and presence makes all the others quake in its tire prints."

"We're very impressed with the improvements in power, comfort, interior quality, best in class fuel economy and even better reliability," he added.

"Because of its high standards for excellence, Cadillac is especially grateful to receive this recognition from AutoSpies.com," said Jim Taylor Cadillac general manager. "The 2007 Escalade ESV is the product of tremendous efforts by our team to enhance and extend its appeal in every way. We're very proud to have those efforts recognized by AutoSpies.com."

About AutoSpies.com:

Based in San Diego, California, AutoSpies.com is THE insider's guide to the world's finest automobiles and the luxury lifestyle.

AutoSpies.com was founded by Donald Buffamanti, former Senior Vice-President of MP3.com and Technical Advisor to the President of Apple Computer Canada. The spy chief has built a social network of thousands of automotive tipsters that pass on photos and confidential insider intelligence daily, from the automotive world into AutoSpies.com. AutoSpies also attends dozens of major auto shows and press events throughout the year to obtain up-to-the-minute automotive industry information on all levels of cars, trucks, SUVs and accessories.

The AutoSpies.com phenomena has been covered by automotive analysts and reporters at the Wall St. Journal, Fox News, CNN, USA Today, Variety, DUB magazine and is one of the highest ranked auto information sites on Google, Yahoo, MSN and other major search engines.

Contact:

Donald Buffamanti
CEO and Founder
AutoSpies.com
Donald@autospies.com

drew630 - 12/11/2006 2:07:08 PM

+2 Boost

What.... Am I on the right site??

Agent001 - 12/11/2006 2:08:28 PM

0 Boost

Yes...why?

IamEvilHomer - 12/11/2006 2:30:58 PM

0 Boost

Booooo 001 you picked it wrong again

drew630 - 12/11/2006 2:40:52 PM

+1 Boost

Agent 001, it was a joke. I just couldn't believe that this site would pick something made by GM, especially when that vehicle is going against Mercedes, BMW, Acura, and Lexus. But, you have proved me wrong.

bmwdrvr - 12/11/2006 7:25:56 PM

+4 Boost

lol something made by GM, this is some peoples problem this is a car blog, not i hate certain countries cars, or companies, save that political blogs, the escalade is appealing to me, but it does a big influence, and it has came along way from what it was.....tired of ignorrant people discounting cars because of the country it was made in, and because its a GM, or whatever GM isnt a brand its a company...trash companies or political blogs these are about car models, brand or not....grow up

MercBasher - 12/11/2006 8:23:11 PM

+2 Boost

Great choice, I appreciate that Cadillac has many features not found on the Mercedes or Range Rover that make it very suitable for families. Items such as options for a reversing camera and a decent navigation system.

answer - 12/11/2006 2:10:29 PM

-1 Boost

Since Autospies is located in San Diego, this definately should not have won.

Please try parking the ESV anywhere along the La Jolla coast on a weekend afternoon.

As nice as it is, it is just too big and out of place. What happened to the new X5 or MDX?

carfan3 - 12/11/2006 4:15:37 PM

+2 Boost

so this was for 2007 LUXURY SUV OF THE YEAR for San Diego?

answer - 12/11/2006 4:39:19 PM

+1 Boost

Nope. But since at least some of the "spies" reside in the area they have experience with overcrowding and heavy traffic congestion.

Were the spies based in Boise, Idaho their choice would make a little more sense.

Agent001 - 12/11/2006 4:48:39 PM

+2 Boost

We're in La Jolla all the time and we have no problems parking it.

It's no harder to park than a Range Rover.

001

Loki123 - 12/11/2006 2:14:17 PM

0 Boost

A beautiful machine inside and out.

EL34 - 12/11/2006 5:48:43 PM

+1 Boost

I agree 100%.

Sauceboy01 - 12/11/2006 9:18:13 PM

+2 Boost

agreed X2

OBSERVER1984 - 12/11/2006 2:23:04 PM

+2 Boost

Perfect choice!
Soon one of the biggest german automagazines will pick this SUV for SUV of 2007 too!

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 12/11/2006 7:50:34 PM

+1 Boost

Dont be Silly

1uberaudi - 12/11/2006 2:31:56 PM

-1 Boost

It is a great value for what you get in the segment. All that SUV for a great price. I am sure Autospies will give the Car of the Year to the Hyundai Azera. All that car for a great value. Great value must be the only thing that it takes to win. Design, Utility, Prestige, and Quality. You have to be kidding Autospies. Design: Not original. Utility: Try parking it at a mall. Prestige: It's a Suburban with bling-bling. Quality: Yeah, Chevrolet comes to mind when I think of quality and reliablity. How much advertising is GM buying?

golfer38 - 12/11/2006 2:35:36 PM

+1 Boost

I can't believe the firestorm that happensevery time other than a German engineered car is mention for an award.

It's the biggest, roomiest, the most powerful, and it has a ton of equipment and probably a better ride than most SUV's in this class.

1uberaudi - 12/11/2006 2:42:53 PM

-3 Boost

Your right it is the biggest and roomiest. So is a school bus. It is the most powerful. It has no other choice, or it does't move. The ton of equipment and ten tons of steel, plastic, and chrome give it the best/smoothest ride.

JUGNU - 12/11/2006 2:39:47 PM

-1 Boost

Not a bad choice,but why one should pick it over the GMC Yukon,Chevrolet Suburban/Tahoe...etc (GM SUVS)
They look the same,Same mechanicals and same parent company.
Gm SUVS:They are just reskinned versions of one another.Even Hummer H2 is a Suburban inside.

I think the award should have gone to the new X5.
On other note(the RR Sport,MB GL,Acura MD-X and Q7 even are better than Escalde.)

JUGNU

1uberaudi - 12/11/2006 3:00:02 PM

-3 Boost

My God, we do have alot in common. Except for the refurbished for 07' X5.

paul3230 - 12/11/2006 3:48:52 PM

0 Boost

huh...wrong. The H2 is based on the Tahoe platform...not the extended one (which would be the suburban). And I would only agree that the new GL is the only one that is potentially better than the Escalade.

NARunner - 12/11/2006 2:54:18 PM

-3 Boost

JUGNU-

The Escalade has the most powerful engine in the class of GM look alike SUVs (403hp and 417ft/lbs 6.2L V8). Although the new Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, etc. have improved interiors, the Escalade takes the cake. The only comparable interior would be from the Yukon Denali, but it is only about $5000 less than the Escalade and doesn't have the 6.2L. I think that is why the others didn't make the cut. Plus, who could beat optional factory 22" chrome rims?? haha

I personally prefer the regular old Escalade, rather than the ESV, but I think this SUV is a great improvement over the last gen and it has very FUNCTIONAL and EASILY ACCESSIBLE 3rd row seating (unlike X5, MDX, RR, etc.) and has an overall impressive exterior styling, which I wish I could say the same for the GL (which also has a very spacious and functional interior).

I prefer the Europeans myself, previously being a Cayenne owner, but I will definitely consider the Escalade when I am in the market for another SUV.

Bill - 12/11/2006 2:58:06 PM

+1 Boost

Terrible choice for an SUV.

Agent001 - 12/11/2006 3:10:03 PM

0 Boost

The X5 is not full size like the ESV, RR or GL.

The X5 and MDX will be eligible to compete for our standard SUV of the year award.

001

StunGun - 12/11/2006 3:25:13 PM

+3 Boost

I thought the award was for Luxury SUV, not Full Size SUV? Luxury to me means comfort, amenities, ride, prestige and look. Personal preferences aside, I don't see a half SUB half pickup winning in the latter categories.

What other Full Size SUV's are were in the shootout? Are we talking "Full Size" as in only the big behemouths that come out of the US(Yukon, Expedition, Suburban...) or does it include the in betweeners like the Q7, Land Cruiser/LX/QX, Range Rover, MB GL....?

StunGun - 12/11/2006 3:26:13 PM

+4 Boost

That should be SUV, not SUB. While it is a tank of a car, it isn't as bad as a submarine...

mstangpny07 - 12/11/2006 6:09:40 PM

0 Boost

Was the new Navigator L included?

1uberaudi - 12/11/2006 3:10:52 PM

-2 Boost

Why would you point out a 6.2L engine that only produces 407 horses and 417 lb/ft or torque as a highlight? Read what you are typing. If this engine is not producing 80 to 100 horses per litre, then it is not a segment leader. Also keep in mind that it has to be a big engine to pull its fat a@#! Stick to the German SUV's assembled in Europe(Q7) and let the American's keep trying until they get it right. If you have to have an American built SUV buy a Mercedes ML/GL, or a BMW X3/X5.

Willis - 12/11/2006 3:26:27 PM

+5 Boost

Speaking of which, it would be smart if Audi produced the Q7 in the USA, as the majority of sales will definitely be in this market.

On the other hand, the Q7 up to now has been a sales flop in this country (US).

Rupert - 12/11/2006 4:10:31 PM

+2 Boost

it hasn't been a flop, audi cut production due to the poor profitability due to the weak dollar and strong demand in other areas of the world. i know that sounds like an audi fan trying to save face, but it's true.

NARunner - 12/11/2006 4:35:36 PM

+3 Boost

1uberaudi-

read again, I said the Escalade has the MOST POWERFUL engine out of the GM SUVs, not the best engine in the SUV segment, I think it is you who needs a reading lesson...

Secondly, since you were reading what I wrote so closely, I'm sure you noticed that my post was directed to JUGNU who asked why most would choose the Escalade over the other GM SUVs.

1uberaudi - 12/11/2006 3:43:04 PM

0 Boost

Your right, we should build all the German cars in the US. Since, this is the biggest market in the world. Why not? The Japanese are doing it. The BMW/MB salesperson that told you the Q7 is a sales flop sounds scared. I went to an Audi store and they had three. I went to BMW and looked at some X5's, they have 50+ with cash back. I went to a MB store to look at a ML and GL and they had 100+. So your right, it's a sales flop. Also, there is no need to build the Q7 here, keep it exclusive. There's more X3/5's and ML/GL's than Ford Explorers.

Rupert - 12/11/2006 4:12:18 PM

+1 Boost

agent001 this is supposed to be luxury suv of the year, not leather and wood equipped crudbucket of the year. terrible choice, terrible car. this should go to the q7, gl, RR or any of the better vehicles out there.

1uberaudi - 12/11/2006 4:15:39 PM

-1 Boost

Amen Rupert.

Jay7 - 12/11/2006 6:56:21 PM

+2 Boost

Please don't mention "Range Rover" and "better" in the same sentence. The RR has to be the most troublesome SUV over 50K. Too many mechanical issues...

S4cabriofoxone - 12/11/2006 11:17:25 PM

+1 Boost

"Please don't mention "Range Rover" and "better" in the same sentence. The RR has to be the most troublesome SUV over 50K. Too many mechanical issues... "

But it's so damn beautiful... inside and out... ESPECIALLY inside...

Jay7 - 12/12/2006 11:56:47 PM

+1 Boost

I must agree with you there. The Range Rover is beautiful inside and out. The RR interior is definitely a step above its competitors. They just can't get the mechanical issues together.

jaeggar - 12/11/2006 4:42:26 PM

+3 Boost

Agent 001,i believe you appreciate that interest in cars is more universal than just American.i dont fault your award to the ESV as it's a worthy truck.However,i am not able to differentiate it from motor trends award to the merc GL as they have occured in the same year.The escalade in its SWB form is not even warmly received in the UK where i 'm domiciled,how can its lengthened form be the best luxury suv in the world?You must be right only in America.That said i cant help admiring the escalades sheer gargatuan presence.It makes all european SUVs lose their presence.

Rupert - 12/11/2006 5:09:56 PM

+2 Boost

"That said i cant help admiring the escalades sheer gargatuan presence.It makes all european SUVs lose their presence."
yeah but try taking it to a multi story, or even into london. HELL!
and making it big is the easy bit. anyone can strap an extra box to the en of a car to make it bigger, especially with box frame construction. making it good is where gm has lost the plot.

1uberaudi - 12/11/2006 5:18:58 PM

-2 Boost

Do they sell back up alarms for this particular model?

mstangpny07 - 12/11/2006 6:13:41 PM

0 Boost

Will there be a "Large SUV" of the year"?
e.g Suburban, Expedition, Durango, Sequoia, Armada.... This segment is more competitive and practical.

NARunner - 12/11/2006 6:42:20 PM

0 Boost

If the ESV is considered a "full size" then the Suburban (built on the same platform) , Expedition, Armada, etc. must also fall into that category.

what I gather, full size = large size

mstangpny07 - 12/11/2006 7:32:40 PM

0 Boost

Large/Full Size
non luxury

1uberaudi - 12/11/2006 7:27:30 PM

0 Boost

Lately, I have gathered that full size = big and ugly. Just like the 'Slade.

NARunner - 12/11/2006 8:16:42 PM

+1 Boost

give some credit where credit is due. Hating on the car just because it is a GM is stupid. You bitch about the huge V8 and 15mpg and how heavy it is. Your beloved GL (whose exterior is ugly IMO) tips the scales at 5250lbs and the SWB Escalade weighs in at a 5650lbs...we're talking 2.5 ton vehicles here and a cornerstone of your argument is that the slade weighs 400lbs more than other SUVs in its class? Please, that a 7.5% weight difference between the two!!

Not to mention, where can you find the towing capacity comparable to the Escalade's on a German gasoline SUV? (let's leave the VW V10 TDI out of it). The GL makes 339ft/lbs. of torque next to the Escalade's 417ft/lbs.

And how about gas mileage? The "big ugly" Slade only gets 13mpg (city) and 19 (hwy)...well, keeping with the same example, the GL is only rated at 15/19mpg, respectively.

And let's not even talk about reliability issues. Range Rover? Terrible reliability. Q7? Audi doesn't have the best track record. Plus, you can easily get an Escalade for around invoice.

To me, and most other unbias auto buyers and enthusiasts, that adds up to a pretty good deal...especially from a company that pretty much sucks other than their truck/suv models.

so please, stop putting down a perfectly good car because it is made by GM. If anything, the fact that a GM car was chosen over the competition makes the SUV more impressive IMO.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 12/11/2006 8:02:16 PM

+2 Boost

"Full Size" is just a nicer way of describing "Grossly Overweight"
Very Soon you will be forced into changing the way you speak Instead of saying "That Man is TOO BLOODY FAT" you say "That Full Sized Man"

American Auto Manufacturers & Their Marketing Partners have a very good knack for wordplay and getting really bad things to look good temporarily.

1uberaudi - 12/12/2006 12:43:40 PM

+1 Boost

NARunner, when you measure the reliability of Range Rover and Q7, you evidently do not know your SUV's or car brands in general. Credit will be given when it is earned, not due. Bragging about getting a 'Slade for invoice just goes to show how desperate GM is. They have to give them away to make there presence in the Lux SUV market known. Please remember that the immense power of the 'Slades engine is needed to accomadate its fat A@#. So technically, it is not a bragging point.

NARunner - 12/12/2006 1:59:23 PM

0 Boost

Ha, it is obvious to me now that you have never driven or owned any sort of luxury SUV because you are defending the reliability of RR and Audi. Also, you must not be very bright since giving credit where credit is due means that it has been earned.

Third, I'll make the curb weight point clearer for you since you must have missed it the first time around. I'll even capitalize so maybe it will sink into your dense skull.

ESCALADE SWB CURB WEIGHT: 5650 LBS.

GL: 5250LBS (7% DIFF)

RR: 5700LBS (50 LBS HEAVIER THAN THE ESCALADE)

Q7: 5270LBS (LESS THAN 7% DIFF)

LEXUS LX: 5600LBS (ALMOST SAME AS ESCALADE)

as you can see, the Cadillac is right on par with other full size SUVs in the class, and is no more of a behemith than the others.

and your beloved x5 is not a full size SUV, don't let the cramped small 3rd row seating fool you, it is standard size, so don't compare.

So now it should be clear to you that you need to do a little more research before claiming garbage with no facts behind you. "you evidently do not know your SUV's or car brands in general"

rocker - 12/12/2006 2:43:06 PM

+1 Boost

NARunner is correct and if you look at the overall dimensions the Escalade is larger but yet not that much heavier. Huh? Bigger but weighs the same and has a larger engine with more torque. Sounds like a math problem and Audi, Lexus, MB and RR got the wrong answer.

Rupert - 12/12/2006 2:51:18 PM

+1 Boost

narunner, that is the escalade SWB weight. what is the ESV's weight, as that is the winning model? 5866 lbs. 600 pounds MORE than the GL and Q7. thats a 10% difference, which is huge.

NARunner - 12/12/2006 3:23:18 PM

0 Boost

Rupert, yeah I know, but IMO the SWB Escalade is still full size, no? I consider the suburban, ESV, Excursion, etc to be super sized. I think comparing the ESV to the GL, Q7, RR, etc is like comparing apples to oranges. If the GL Q7 and RR were all considered full size SUVs, then the regular Escalade should also be in that category.

But that is something that has to be taken up with 001!

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 12/12/2006 4:25:24 PM

+1 Boost

NARunner

Your argument is useless simply because most of the buyers of this behemoth do not use them mostly for ferrying 5 or more people around, they are usually found alone in the vehicle on the freeway.
That completley eliminates any reason one could have for purchasing one of those thinghs.

NARunner - 12/12/2006 5:02:38 PM

0 Boost

huh??? i think you're missing the point....

or i'm missing yours...

SteveL - 12/18/2006 12:56:12 PM

+1 Boost

This is a good choice. Very Good Auto Spies. I am glad you guys are around.

Fredd - 11/12/2010 1:33:50 AM

+1 Boost

Cadillac Escalade ESV is the grandest and most majestic sedan in the class of luxury large sized SUVs! Luxury defined to the core, the interiors are well-decorated and the seating is exceptionally comfortable and can accommodate upto eight adult passengers easily.Equipped with latest technology and the most modern amenities this car is for the kings!
http://www.exploreauto.net/2010-cadillac-escalade-esv.html