2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV Luxury — description of factory-equipped features
Overview
The 2012 Escalade ESV Luxury is the extended-wheelbase, full-size luxury SUV version of Cadillac’s flagship. Powered by the 6.2L FlexFuel V8 (403 hp, 417 lb-ft), the ESV provides a long-wheelbase cabin designed to prioritize passenger comfort and cargo capacity while delivering the Escalade’s characteristic V8 performance and presence.
Powertrain and chassis
- 6.2L V8 FlexFuel engine producing 403 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- Rear-wheel drive is the standard configuration; four-wheel drive/All-Wheel Drive was offered as an available factory option.
- Full-size SUV suspension tuned for a balance of ride comfort and composed handling; Electronic Magnetic Ride Control was offered on higher equipment levels to improve damping response.
- Full-size four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and stability/traction control systems for braking and stability support.
Exterior
- Extended-length ESV body for increased rear legroom and cargo area compared with the standard Escalade.
- Distinctive Cadillac design cues including a prominent chrome grille, chrome trim accents and signature vertical lighting elements.
- Alloy wheels (typical Luxury trim wheel sizes and finishes varied by package; chromed or polished finishes were commonly fitted to Luxury models).
- Power folding, heated outside mirrors with integrated turn-signal indicators (mirror features may vary by option).
- Power liftgate for convenient access to the cargo area.
- Running boards/side steps and roof rails available by factory configuration.
- Fog lamps and projector headlamps to improve low-light visibility.
Interior and seating
- Upscale leather seating surfaces covering front, second-row and third-row seats depending on seating configuration.
- Spacious ESV cabin with generous second- and third-row legroom; available configurations include seating for seven (captain’s chairs) or eight (bench seats).
- Power-adjustable front seats with driver memory functions; ventilated and heated front seats were commonly factory-equipped on Luxury trim.
- Heated rear seating elements available or standard depending on the specific Luxury package.
- Real wood and chrome interior trim accents, leather-wrapped steering wheel and refined soft-touch materials throughout the cabin.
- Power-folding third-row seat to expand cargo capacity when required.
- Tri-zone automatic climate control to independently manage climate settings for front and rear passengers.
Infotainment and connectivity
- Cadillac CUE or Bose-branded audio system components depending on factory configuration; Luxury models commonly include a premium Bose sound system for enhanced cabin audio.
- AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 capability and auxiliary input; USB and iPod integration and Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming for device connectivity.
- Navigation system with an integrated color display and voice guidance often factory-installed on Luxury models.
- Rear-seat entertainment system (DVD) was commonly available or factory-installed on higher options/packages for rear passenger media.
- Steering-wheel mounted audio and phone controls for driver convenience.
- Satellite radio capability (SiriusXM) and OnStar telematics services for navigation assistance and emergency support.
Safety and driver assistance
- Full complement of airbags including front airbags, side-impact airbags for front seats and full-length side curtain airbags for all three rows.
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control and traction control for active safety management.
- Rear parking sensors and rearview camera to assist with backing and parking maneuvers; parking aids were frequen