GM to increase production of high-performance V8 SUVs

DETROIT — General Motors will increase production of its high-performance Cadillac Escalade V-Series model as part of updates to the flagship SUV for the 2025 model year.

The new SUV features a standard 55-inch diagonal display across the entire dashboard, including a passenger-only screen; an “executive package” for the second row; power doors; large 24-inch wheels and other upgrades.

“The Escalade has always been defined by bold American craftsmanship, technology and performance, and has continually raised the bar for full-size SUV luxury since it was introduced 25 years ago,” John Roth, Cadillac vice president, said in a statement.

The Escalade is a crucial vehicle for Cadillac (as well as parent brand GM) as the highly profitable flagship of the company's full-size SUV lineup. GM has led U.S. market share for full-size SUVs for decades.

Many of the design tweaks for the 2025 model year, including sleeker front lighting and a larger interior display, better align the gas-powered model with an upcoming all-electric version of the vehicle. It still features a massive front grille and commanding road presence.

The gas-powered 2025 Escalade will continue to be powered by two 6.2-liter V-8 engines, including a supercharged V-Series performance model capable of generating 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque.

Cadillac said it will increase production of the 2025 Escalade V-Series, which was introduced two years ago, after failing to meet demand for the current-year model. Officials declined to specify how much it will increase production.

“We are increasing production to help meet customer demand for the very best in Escalade performance, luxury and craftsmanship while maintaining exclusivity,” a Cadillac spokeswoman told CNBC.

GM said pricing for 2025 models will be available closer to the vehicle’s launch. Current prices range from about $81,000 for an entry-level model to more than $152,000 for the V-Series. The all-electric Escalade IQ is expected to start at around $130,000 when it goes on sale later this year.

The Detroit automaker revealed improvements to the gasoline-powered 2025 Escalade online Wednesday ahead of production and sales beginning later this year.

The Escalade will continue to be produced at GM's Arlington, Texas, assembly plant alongside full-size SUVs from Chevrolet and GMC that share a vehicle platform and other components with the Cadillac model.