2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

• Competes with: Lexus RX 400h
• Looks like: A regular Escalade with the word HYBRID plastered all over it
• Drivetrain: 2-Mode Hybrid system with 332 hp 6.0-liter V-8 engine and electric motor
• Hits dealerships: Summer 2008

There is one thing that holds a lot of people back from buying a big, bold SUV like the Cadillac Escalade: They don’t want to be a pariah for hurting the environment. The new 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is the third full-size hybrid SUV from GM, following the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon which go on sale later this year.

The Escalade has a bigger engine, though, which not only has the assistance of a hybrid powertrain, but also features active fuel management so that when the SUV is cruising at highway speeds four of the eight cylinders shut off. Along with the regenerative braking system and other fuel-saving technologies, GM says the mileage for the hybrid Escalade will improve by 50% over its gas counterpart. That means the Escalade should get 18 mpg, up from 12, using the new EPA estimates. The government hasn't given official numbers yet, but we'd expect the Escalade to follow the other 2-mode SUVs which have highway mileage identical to the gasoline-only versions. That would mean the Escalade's would likely stay close to the 18 and 19 mpg for AWD and 2WD models respectively.

The Escalade will start from a dead stop, and drive at low speeds, entirely on electric power. It will also roll on 22-inch wheels.

We’ll have more photos of the Escalade Hybrid later today. Until then, tell us if you think this is a good idea for Cadillac.

Comments

Great...I can't wait to see it on Cribs. Hope they leave that huge "hybrid" graphic off.

Sure why not,Hybrids are rather trendy now,and for the bling-bling crowd to remain current,they need a Hybrid Escalade just to keep up.Who cares that it costs more,weighs more,has more things to go wrong (and cost money),and that eventually you will need to replace the battery pack that will probably cost multiple thousands by then,plus the old pack will need to be recycled (costing more money).If you can afford an Escalade,sure,why not spend some more on this one?

That Hybrid callout down the side reminds me of GMs past favoritism with bold (obnoxious) graphics....early/mid 70s Nova "SS",mid 70s Olds "4-4-2",70s Olds Omega "SX",Pontiac "FORMULA FIREBIRD",Pontiac "SUNBIRD FORMULA",early 80s Pontiac Phoenix "SJ",71 Chevy Chevelle "HEAVY CHEVY".All these cars boldly blatted out their "sporty" status with gaudy vinyl decals affixed to the lower doorsides(except HEAVY CHEVY).

I think its a good idea for the escalade to go hybrid, just kind of lackluster in the execution. Sure an increase from 12mpg to 18 is huge but in my opinion thats nowhere near enough. People will think mileage like that is "good" and I will succeed that it will be near the head of the pack with large suv mileage. However at the end of the day youre still left with a heavy gas guzzling suv with a hybrid moniker to make the buyer feel less guilty for the environmental impact. Couldn't GM also work on finding a way to lighten the vehicle without losing is appointments? Some carbon fiber parts or high strength steel maybe? I mean youre already paying top dollar for the suv so why not?
I guess that I am impatient in hoping to see what I would percieve to be a marked improvment. Show me an Escalade that can easially hit 30mpg and you will make the environment and this guy very impressed.
Turbo diesel with 2 mode hybrid, carbon fiber / high strength steel body, low resistance tires and plug in ability anyone?
Probably be too expensive.

Green with my bling, yo?

Hybrid with 22"?

This is just a statement vehicle, while not actually helping to reduce foreign oil dependence.

that is fire

this is my car yahh