mmarshall

Gotta be more than 3". Like the similiar but less-expensive Tahoe/Suburban and Yukon, Escalades, at least with the 4x4 option, though not like Land-Rovers, are designed for a fair amount of off-roading. 3" won't cut it going over rocks.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

I think it is indeed for aerodynamics, and I am noticing that more and more manufacturers are doing this. The front bumper is quite low but the rocker panels and rear bumper don't carry that mass to the sides and rear of the vehicle. To me, it looks very disproportionate and almost looks like a bulldog from the side view.

The existing Tahoe hybrid has this, as do the new Silverado and Sierra, Ford Taurus, Cadillac SRX, and some others.

To me, it just looks wrong:

mmarshall

If that is the case, then the new Escalade may (?) not be as well-suited for off-roading as previous versions were, though the body-on-frame design (which apparantly remains) will still help it in heavy-duty towing.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

^The Escalade was never any good at off roading, really. Even though it is BOF and has 4X4 as an option, every component of the suspension is on-road focused. I don't even know if it offers a low range transfer case or locking differential...Cadillac advertises it as "AWD", same as many sedans and CUVs.

mmarshall

As far as I know, it shared most of its drivetrains and underpinnings with off-road-capable 4X4 Tahoes and Yukons, though I agree that the long overhangs and low approach/departure/breakover angles didn't allow it to go as many different places off road and fit into tight/confining areas like, for instance,a Jeep Wrangler.

TangoRed

Escalades come with AWD (no low range/ locking center diff) but they do have a limited slip rear-end. They're made for towing and all-weather traction, not so much off-roading.

mmarshall

OK, that would make sense, at least to some degree. The typical Escalade owner probably would not want to risk exposing an Escalade's nice paint job, chrome, and trim to the (possible) scratches/damage it could face in the boonies.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Not ground breaking but I do like it.

Och

iTrader: (3)

LX/LC/GX/Prado are also insanely popular in former USSR countries. Most countries do not have infrastructure that is developed as well as US infrastructure, so people need offroad capable vehicles, and for people there that have money, LX is perfect.

Vh_Supra26

iTrader: (1)

^I was told if you watch those terrorist videos, everyone uses a Toyota truck

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Are they going to be selling it with the new badge?

jwong77

Looks a lot better than that new Navigator.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

I would have bought it if the badge had the ducks on it...

doge

Wow you must have great eyes, the pictures I've seen show a dimly lit silhouette.

jwong77

Thanks for the sarcasm, but I just saw this image in the Navigator thread.



I'm just speaking specifically about the front end.