2015 Cadillac Escalade in Photos

The 2015 Cadillac Escalade was unveiled on October 7 in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood. In spite of the rain, the evening event drew hundreds to see what the Cadillac design team brought to the wildly popular bling-mobile.

Photo: Megan Green

While the grille is remains a prominent, audacious face to the 2015 Escalade, it has been not so much toned down as slightly refined to be more in tune with Cadillac's new design language. The grille details on each end echo the shapes and vertical configuration of the newly designed LED headlamps.

Photo: Megan Green

Giving the headlamps a closer look, towards the grille the four stacked lenses on what is called Total Internal Reflection LEDs are what make up the high beams. Stacked vertically on the outside between the four lenses and the orange signal light are five crystal lenses creating the low beams.

Photo: Megan Green

A redesigned dash contours into the center touch screen. Used like a smart phone or tablet, the eight-inch screen CUE system comes standard to access satellite radio, phones via Bluetooth, and navigation.

Photo: Megan Green

Looking even closer at the display, vivid color graphics help the driver or passenger interface with the CUE infotainment system.

Photo: Megan Green

The wrapped steering wheel has the option of real wood inlays. The interior door trim and the seats are accented with a suede material.

Photo: Megan Green

The digital instrument cluster, seen through the steering wheel, is augmented for the driver with a heads-up display - meaning the current speed, radio station, and other information is projected onto the windshield in front of the driver, making it easier to keep his or her eyes on the road.

Photo: Megan Green

The Cue system and instrument cluster can also be accessed and customized with four different themes via the steering wheel or using voice recognition.

Photo: Megan Green

To reduce weight, the lift-gate and the hood are aluminum. One interesting addition to the 2015 Escalade is the long, tall LED tail lights extending vertically to the roofline. A controversial addition to some, but they certainly draw attention.

Photo: Megan Green

Could LED be the new chrome? With the "Premium Collection," the door handles also glow with LED lighting. It's probably the most well-lit Escalade, guaranteeing you will see-and-be-seen.

Photo: Megan Green

The front seats are both heated and cooled, and contoured for comfort with foam that retains its shape over time. Also standard are the comfy heated second-row seats.

Photo: Megan Green

Seen here is a detail of the suede accents. The real wood inlays come as an option, adding warmth and style to the interior design.

Photo: Megan Green

Here is a look back into the cabin from the front seat. The bucket seats in the second row recline; second and third row folds forward to allow for more cargo space.

Photo: Megan Green

The fourth generation Escalade is an exercise in rigorous detail; along with the slick, modern LED lighting and the hand-crafted and sewn aspects of the interior, the doors, triple-sealed to reduce noise, are placed inside the body for better aerodynamics.

Photo: Megan Green

Twenty-inch wheels and Cadillac's Magnetic Ride control are standard. The wheelbase of the ESV is 14 inches longer than the 116" standard Escalade wheelbase, adding extra cargo space, and a little more room for third row passengers.

Photo: Megan Green

Aesthetically, the Escalade has come a long way since basically being a rebadged Yukon Denali. The 2015 Escalade has a sharper, more defined profile. Inside, there is 1.5" of more head room and and four more inches leg room.

Photo: Megan Green

A more powerful 6.2L V-8 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission give the 2015 Escalade an upgrade under the hood to 420 horsepower. The new engine's fuel economy is helped along with the electric variable assist power steering.

Photo: Megan Green

There are new safety features such as a front seat center-mounted airbag and automatic braking. Higher trim levels are offered with the latest in safety technology; the Driver Awareness package includes a lane departure warning system and forward collision alert. Upgrades to the Luxury or Premium trim levels also include Rear Cross Traffic and Side Blind Zone alert standard.

Photo: Megan Green

After the Escalade reveal, Far East Movement took the stage to celebrate with their unique brand of high-energy dance music. Earlier in the evening, Donald Trump was spotted in the crowd watching the launch.

Photo: Megan Green

If you want to get your shiny, glowing new suv on - in seven colors, the latest addition being "Majestic Plum Metallic," the 2015 Cadillac Escalade and ESV are slated to start in early 2014 at the plant in Arlington, Texas.

Photo: Megan Green