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Exclusivity is often the result of pricing beyond the reach of the general public. It can also be obtained meeting the needs of a highly select population. The 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition certainly meets both definitions of exclusivity. The staggering $71,025 MSRP certainly excludes many from this Cadillac of Cadillacs. Price aside, why would anyone want to join this exclusive club? Does this ultimate 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition fulfill any particular want or need? The reasons not to own a large vehicle of this type are countless. Size, fuel economy, and safety considerations all are reasons not to purchase a large sport utility vehicle. Large families towing trailers, boats or campers however find a vehicle of this size a virtual necessity. With considerable finances and the resources necessary to keep fuel flowing, the Cadillac ESV can be an excellent solution for those with the need of a large luxury vehicle. This rolling Cadillac palace shares a common heritage with the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL. All three find their origins in the functional world of the full size Chevrolet and GMC pickup. The Escalade ESV, Suburban and Yukon XL differ from the regular Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe and standard GMC Yukon due to extra length and available seating. It's a little too simple to say the bed of the pickup was replaced with a passenger box to build an SUV, but in reality engineering from the frame to the dash are shared between truck and SUV models. The concept of a truck like enclosed passenger sport utility vehicle predates even the 1935 Chevrolet Carryall-Suburban, but only recently has the SUV craze created a market for this exclusive vehicle. Even in the early days, gentlemen farmers and suburban landowners desired the blend of utility and luxury now cumulating in the 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum. At almost 19 feet long and over 6 feet tall this Cadillac Escalade ESV is an imposing vehicle. The powerful 6-liter V-8 uses 345 horsepower and 380 lb. ft. torque to move this three-ton machine around the block. After a week of driving I found the EPA fuel economy ratings of 13 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highways a bit optimistic. But this is an exclusive vehicle. The 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum is an unparalleled experience in technology, space, and interior refinements. It is one of the most lavishly appointed vehicles of its type. Heated and refrigerated cup holders in the front row are a prelude of things to come. Heated seats are a necessity for any luxury vehicle, but seldom do I find both front and second row seats heated and cooled like the ventilated leather on this vehicle. I would like to have seen the massage feature however. Entertainment features are standard at this stratosphere, including not one, but two rows of DVD based entertainment screens. Wireless headphones allow all four of the children individual control of their listening choices. XM radio, GPS based navigation, and the latest version of General Motors acclaimed OnStar system round out technology advances. The 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum is the ultimate in comfort both for the driver and passenger. All wheel drive is standard and is always engaged for continual confidence when meeting the unexpected. All Speed Traction Control responds automatically at any speed without driver intervention. Leveling is automatic whenever additional cargo is added. Even the suspension system automatically adjusts every few milliseconds for the ultimate riding and driving experience. This is truly an exclusive vehicle. At the very pinnacle of luxury, size and capabilities not every driver will be able to enjoy this driving environment. But for those who need and want the very best in a full size sport utility vehicle the 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum must be at the top of your shopping list.
2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum
6.0 Liter V-8
Advanced Luxury Features Standard
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©2005 - Stan Risener