The 2023 Cadillac Escalade is a large luxury SUV with an enormous cabin and cargo hold that could double as a Manhattan studio apartment. With its three rows of roomy seating, the Escalade has space for up to eight passengers on board. Better still, its lineup of available V8 and turbodiesel inline-6 engines deliver the expected power and towing capability from Cadillac’s biggest and most expensive SUV.

Cadillac has raised the bar even higher this model year with the addition of the Escalade-V. Powered by a 682-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, this range-topping performance variant comes standard with all-wheel-drive (AWD), an air suspension, Brembo performance brakes, and 22-inch alloy wheels, among many other features.

For SUV shoppers with the means to afford one, this posh Cadillac SUV competes against strong rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and Lincoln Navigator.

Having received a complete makeover for the 2021 model year, there are no major changes in store for the bulk of the 2023 Escalade range outside of the addition of the potent V-Series model.

The sheer scale of the Escalade is imposing, though the exterior is relatively understated and elegant in its detailing. Step inside and be prepared to be amazed. The massive 38-inch curved organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display is sleek, modern, and complemented by high-quality trim everywhere you look.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are wireless device charging, a 19-speaker AKG audio system, Wi-Fi hotspot, heated first and second-row seating, a power-folding third row, and a helicopter landing pad on the roof.

We’re kidding about that last one — though the Escalade in extended-wheelbase ESV format could likely accommodate one.

Basically, the 2023 Escalade comes full of the things luxury SUV shoppers want. And that’s without even mentioning the acceleration afforded by the 420-horsepower V8 engine, much less the tire-smoking V-Series with its supercharged V8. With 682 horsepower on tap, Cadillac estimates the Escalade-V needs only 4.4 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph.

While the Escalade comes standard in rear-wheel-drive (RWD) format, it’s possible to add 4-wheel drive to all trims. On the Escalade-V, you get power to all four wheels as standard.

A 277-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-6 turbodiesel is also available and delivers notably better fuel economy than the gasoline V8. While it doesn’t have anywhere close to the same horsepower figure, the diesel matches the standard V8’s torque output but at much lower rpm.

You can opt to make the Escalade more cavernous inside by ticking the option box for the ESV variant. Thanks to its 13.2-inch longer wheelbase, the Escalade ESV delivers a degree of space and luxury on par with parking a private jet in your driveway. For $3,000 extra, the ESV treatment is available on all Escalade trims, including the Escalade-V.