Cadillac and Lincoln exited the 1950s as the sole masters of the motoring SUV mansion. Lords of American automobiles, the ultra-elegant 1959 Cadillac Eldorado's total length extended 225 inches in an effort to close on the Lincoln Continental which measured 229 inches the previous year. With the high-living years of American luxury in the past, Cadillac's and Lincoln's jumbo-sized cars have lost their luster in the luxury car market.
Attempting to restore past glory with big vehicles, the two American luxury brands refocused their efforts and realized that trucks are the next plateau to exhibit excess in luxury. Lincoln was the first, launching the Navigator in 1998, creating a buzz for open-minded luxury customers. Cadillac's Escalade hastily followed the year after, obtaining a less-than-stellar reception until a thorough 2002 redesign. With the full-sized American luxury SUV segment approaching the age of 10, the Navigator and the Escalade have been granted an exclusive social invitation; a chance to be seen and to be judged.
2008 Cadillac Escalade
Price: $55,775 (RWD), $58,330 (AWD)Engine: Vortec Gen IV 6.2-liter V8
Horsepower: 403 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Torque: 417 lb-ft @ 4,300 rpm
MPG: City: 12; Highway 19 (RWD) -- City: 12; Highway 18 (AWD)
Performance - 17/20
As you ride inside the Cadillac Escalade's carriage, count on 403 horses to draw this heavy Cadillac to any important engagement. Sharing the same 6.2-liter, Vortec V8 block as GM sister vehicles like the GMC Denali and even the Hummer H2. When driven with a heavy foot, the Cadillac Escalade sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. Computer-control Stabilitrak, as well as an all-speed traction control system monitors braking input and engine performance to avoid any embarrassing missteps through severe weather and driving conditions. The AWD-equipped Escalade combines an open differential transfer case with the intelligent electronics to further enable superior all-wheel traction.
Exterior design - 17/20
Remaining subtle in design, the Escalade body emphasizes the Cadillac design cues on a massive scale, starting with the flattering chrome-accented Cadillac grille. Vertically tall headlamps are not only stylish, but powerful with High-Intensity Discharge Xenon lighting. Propped up on Bridgestone touring tires with 18-inch wheels, the nine inches of ground clearance provides a dominating perspective over city streets with the height to handle rough country paths. For a taste of factory bling, a set of Cadillac-only, 22-inch, chromed, aluminum wheels are available as optional or dealership accessories.
Interior design - 8/10
Delivering a warm aura, the Cadillac Escalade's interior surfaces flow throughout the cabin with a tasteful variety of materials including aluminum and leather. Less remarkable is the use of artificial wood trim, which strongly resembles patterns and colors used in other GM vehicles. Existing as a unique touch toward luxury, a ring of real wood circles the steering wheel. Beyond the driver, the number of additional passengers inside the Cadillac Escalade's decadent cabin depends on preference; the standard configuration features second-row bucket seats and a third-row bench for a total of seven passengers. The Cadillac Escalade can also be ordered with an optional third-row set of bucket seats or with a second-row bench for a maximum, eight-person capacity.
Sound system/goodies - 9/10
Setting a technological trend with automatic climate control in 1964, Cadillac's tradition for interior excellence is continued in the Escalade. Featuring three climate zones for specific comfort, all three rows of passengers can ride in uninterrupted luxury, with front passengers additionally pampered with heated and cooled leather seats. For the perfect Caddy accompaniment, 5.1 Surround Sound speakers fill the cabin with superior CD and MP3 audio. An optional, rear-passenger DVD entertainment system includes two wireless headphones for private viewing of movies.
Bang for your buck - 14/20
Like receiving the bill after dining at a fine restaurant, a Cadillac Escalade's true cost comes disguised until after you drive off the lot -- notably with fuel costs and insurance. Also expensive is the cost of the Cadillac Escalade's posh, V8 Ultra Luxury Collection package, which includes the 22-inch wheels, rear-view camera and touchscreen navigational system -- and it'll cost $7,735 more than the sticker price. Consider that for nearly the same amount of money you're paying for an eight-passenger sport utility vehicle, you could have had a two-seater Chevrolet Corvette C6 convertible, and suddenly the Cadillac Escalade isn't so cool.
Driving experience - 17/20
Is it possible for a GM full-sized SUV to drive like a Cadillac? Exclusive to the Cadillac Escalade, road-sensing suspension provides the ride quality befitting of a vehicle wearing Antoine Laumet's coat of arms. With 5,708 pounds and 202.5 inches in length, the Escalade's major driving minus rests on the excessive fuel-gauge activity. For better fuel mileage, wait until the 2009 model year for the much-anticipated hybrid Cadillac Escalade.
Overall score - 82/100
Built by an auto brand that strives to create American luxury through power and size, along with conveniences, Cadillac's ideals have been well-incorporated into a full-sized sport utility vehicle in the Escalade. And with a name that conjures up images of Saturday night cruises on rodeo drive, Cadillac has built an image around this luxury SUV unlike any other.
2008 Lincoln Navigator
Price: $47,755 (RWD), $50,655 (AWD)Engine: 5.4-liter, SOHC, 3-valve, V8
Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Torque: 365 lb-ft @ 3,750 rpm
MPG: City: 12; Highway 18 (4x2)
Performance - 14/20
Lugging a 6,196 pound four-wheel drive Lincoln Navigator, the 5.4-liter V8 appears tremendously challenged with only 300 horsepower. However, for a luxury SUV, the Navigator isn't afraid of a little hard work. Fitted with AdvanceTrac stability enhancement, all Navigator models guarantee that all four wheels will remain firmly planted on the road and under control even through potentially risky maneuvers. For outstanding towing, the standard all-season tires and four-wheel drive model can haul 8,800 pounds of pleasure crafts or trailers with ease.
Exterior design - 14/20
Born from the inspiration of classic Lincolns, the Navigator's 2007 styling revision attempts to capture spirits of those large road cruisers. The front end wears a giant Lincoln diamond emblem housed in an overpowering '60s Continental-esque, chrome grille. Love it or hate it, this grille stands as one of the few aesthetically defining features setting the Navigator apart from its Ford counterpart. Overcoming the Navigator's massive dimensions, exterior gadgets such as power-deployable running boards make the vehicle accessible. Another countermeasure to the Navigator's size are large, heated side mirrors that offer power folding ability. These mirrors can also be programmed to remember positioning for two drivers.
Interior design - 9/10
The dashboard setup offers a beautifully simple layout and the majority of the amenities are operated through a contemporary collection of buttons within the center console. Secondary temperature and radio controls are also situated on the leather-wrapped steering wheel for effortless driver access. Spacious and easy on the eyes, the Lincoln Navigator's interior blends numerous color tones together in a near-perfect marriage. The front door panels and center console area are both tastefully covered either in Ebony or genuine Anigre wood, highlighted by satin nickel and complimented with chrome trim. Standard Powerfold third-row seats prevents a driver from having to dirty his hands with remedial labor to bring them down.
Sound system/goodies - 9/10
The Navigator's sound experience may turn out to be your second greatest adventure, ever. Turning to George Lucas' THX Ltd. for epic entertainment, the THX II Certified Audio System is comprised of 14 speakers, including an eight-inch subwoofer to total 600 Watts of ground-shaking beats in trilling surround sound. The standard Lincoln Navigator sound system features an in-dash, six-disc CD changer along with an audio input jack for MP3 integration.
Bang for your buck - 14/20
Part of purchasing a luxury SUV is knowing you now own an exclusive machine few people can easily afford. At $47,755 for a two-wheel drive and $50,655 for the all-wheel drive, the Navigator's base price places itself well above others in the 2008 Lincoln lineup. With that said, it is disappointing to note too many similarities between a Navigator and its sister vehicle the Ford Expedition. A near equally equipped Ford Expedition 4x4 Limited is almost $10,000 less than the Navigator variant, missing out on little more than a THX stereo system -- and of course the well-known Navigator name tag.
Driving experience - 16/20
Lincoln took steps in 2007 to lessen unwanted road noise with their latest Navigator. Thanks to the use of increased insulation materials, the new Navigator is regarded as the quietest, ever. Relax to the high-end stereo system and the feel of soft leather seats. The Navigator's five-star crash-test rating is one impressive feature you'll understandably hope never to use, but will always be grateful to know it's there.
Overall score - 76/100
With Lincoln's image having fallen into disrepair due to some mediocre vehicle releases, the refined Lincoln Navigator may reclaim the honor as the top-shelf luxury SUV.
and the winner is...
A more appreciated interpretation of 21st century luxury, the suave Cadillac Escalade balances power with styling (as well as chrome) to triumph against the Navigator. Even with the loss, the Lincoln Navigator exhibits too much class to accept this defeat bitterly. Riding on truck ladder frames, neither American vehicle can claim to be a manure farmer masquerading in a tuxedo -- they look powerful and big, and that's precisely what they are. However, the Cadillac full-sized sport utility vehicle, with 403 horses, takes the victory bow.Resources:
http://autos.aol.com
http://www.cadillac.com/
http://www.caranddriver.com/
http://www.cars.com/
http://www.cartype.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/
http://www.lincoln.com/
http://media.ford.com/
http://media.gm.com/
http://www.thx.com/
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