Well, this is a first — I never thought I would be nervous about picking up a test car.
But, given the spate of gang-related shootings in Vancouver lately, I have to admit I was a titch skittish about driving around in a Cadillac Escalade. This particular tester had a glossy black paint job, pimped-out alloy wheels and tinted windows — the quintessential gangsta ride.
Fortunately, Hybrid logos were festooned all over my test car, so if I did happen to stray into a turf war, closer inspection would reveal that there was a middle-aged auto scribe behind the wheel, and not a Glock-toting gang-banger.
With that out of the way, the Escalade Hybrid is a four-wheeled oxymoron.
First of all, no self-respecting tree-hugger would be caught dead in one of these things — hybrid or no.
Secondly, who's going to pay the 100-large it costs to get behind the wheel of this vehicle? Fully loaded, the non-hybrid version is at least $10,000 cheaper.
Thirdly, buyers typically in the market for this kind of rig couldn't care less about hybrid technology or cleaner air and lower gas bills; they want bling, end of story.
And last, but hardly least, why on earth would General Motors build this behemoth in the first place? I don't want to kick them while they're down, but the technology in the Escalade Hybrid would surely be put to better use somewhere else.
Wait, I know the answer to that last question. In a nutshell, the company makes more money on this kind of vehicle and, its current problems notwithstanding, GM still has not gotten the message when it comes to building and selling affordable, thrifty cars in Canada.
Even if it does have a battery-powered electric motor, the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid still epitomizes everything that is wrong at GM. Still, it is a low-volume vehicle and GM won't be building that many of them.
And it is agreeable to drive, not to mention being as comfortable as your favourite armchair. Step up into the cockpit and you find yourself piloting a surprisingly nimble, reasonably thrifty (all things considered) and commodious SUV that is absolutely chock-a-block with convenience features and luxury goodies.
For example, it has full leather interior, power front seats with multi-setting heated cushions and backs, wood-trimmed steering wheel, power-tilt steering, power-adjustable pedals, power sunroof, Bluetooth, back-up alarm, remote vehicle start, power rear tailgate, XM satellite radio and side blind zone alert. This last item features a small indicator light built into the outside rear mirrors that blinks when another vehicle is in your so-called blind spot. A good idea.
My tester came with a rear entertainment system ($2,295) that includes overhead screen, a pair of wireless headphones and remote control. It also had power-retractable assist steps ($1,425) that automatically fold down when you open the doors. I loved this last feature and it made climbing up into the Escalade a much more civilized experience.
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