Essentially a stretched version of the Escalade, the seven-passenger, four-door 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV full-size luxury SUV offers, with its 130-inch wheelbase, over 26 extra cubic feet of cargo space, totaling a class-leading 137 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and/or removed. This extra length also equates to a whole lot more legroom for second- and third-row passengers. Four trim levels - the Base, Luxury, Premium, and Platinum - comprise the ESV lineup, with each available in either rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. Additionally, all four trims pack the same V8 drivetrain and will tow a hefty 7,800 pounds of trailer using the standard trailer hitch and wiring. The Escalade ESV, with its combination of size, power, capacity, and luxury, outshines such luminaries as the Mercedes-Benz GL450, Lincoln Navigator, and Infiniti QX56.

Powering the 2010 Escalade ESV is the same 6.2-liter OHV V8 engine that drives its Escalade kinsmen. In combination with the accompanying six-speed auto-manual transmission, this beefy V8 puts out 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. Alas, even with variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation at highway speeds, the ESV’s 6.2-liter V8 isn’t shy in its demands for regular unleaded, with the RWD version estimated to get 14/20 mph and the AWD trims estimated at 12/19 mph. As well, the ESV is capable of running on E85 ethanol-based fuel; however, be advised that mileage is even worse with Flex Fuel.

As with everything bearing the Cadillac name, the 2010 Escalade ESV boasts a plethora of standard appearance, comfort, and convenience features. For the Base trim, such features include 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, power liftgate, step running boards, leather upholstery, heated, eight-way power-adjustable front bucket seats, reclining and heated second-row bucket seats, power windows and remote door locks, heated power mirrors, leather, wood, and alloy trim accents, remote start, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, universal remote garage-door opener, rear-view camera system, a 6-CD changer with ten Bose premium speakers, satellite radio, OnStar/Bluetooth communications technology and voice-activated DVD navigation, and a USB connection. Options include 22-inch aluminum wheels, an upgraded remote-start system, and GM’s Magnetic Ride Control upgraded adjustable suspension. The ESV Luxury trim adds these 22-inch wheels and Magnetic Ride Control as standard equipment, as well as a blind-spot-alert technology, auto-focusing headlights, a heated steering wheel, and a power sunroof. The sole additional option for the ESV Luxury is a dual-monitor rear seat DVD entertainment system.

Additional standard creature comforts for the Escalade ESV Premium trim level include the rear-seat entertainment system and a power-retractable step running board. Finally, the top-shelf Platinum trim offers standard multi-spoke, chrome-clad 22-inch aluminum wheels, heated and cooled cup holders, and upgraded wood and leather trim. GM’s advanced remote start system is the sole option worth mentioning with the two higher trim levels, though the available engine-block heater might prove handy in colder climes.

Safety hasn’t been neglected in the 2010 Escalade ESV, with four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, dual front-mounted airbags, three-row head airbags, a remote anti-theft alarm, rear parking assist sensors, daytime running lights, and front fog/driving lights standard across the lineup. The Luxury, Premium, and Platinum trims additionally boast the blind-spot alert system and self-adjusting headlights, while the Platinum carries standard LED headlights. Side-impact door beams and safety-cage cabin construction are also important protective measures common to virtually all Sport Utes, including the ESV.

Owners of the 2009 Cadillac Escalade ESV include among their pet peeves the lack of fold-up capability for the third-row seats, which are difficult to remove and store when not needed, and also the ESV’s poor gas mileage. A hefty price tag, a few build issues, and longish braking distances also detract from owner enjoyment of the ESV, while more than a few owners cite difficulty operating the OnStar/Bluetooth DVD navigation feature. For the overwhelming majority of owners, however, the Escalade ESV represents the ultimate in luxury, versatility, roominess, performance, personal safety, and ride comfort.