Let’s be clear: the 2009 Cadillac Escalade 4WD Hybrid is 17 feet long, weighs almost 3 tons, costs $73,000, and gets about 20 miles per gallon. That’s not what most people think of when they hear “hybrid.” But this is the hybrid for you if you need a vehicle that can tow 5,800 pounds, seat 7 people, and still maximize your mileage. It boasts fuel economy of 20 city / 21 highway; those aren’t Toyota Prius numbers, for sure, but the city mileage is 50 percent better than a non-hybrid Escalade. You also get far more luxury than in the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (and its twin the GMC Yukon Hybrid ); all three are essentially the same vehicle, underneath various levels of fancy dress. After an afternoon of fairly aggressive driving, the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid’s dashboard mpg display told the story: 16.3 mpg. (Photos: John Voelcker. All rights reserved.) Positioning Launched in August 2008, the Escalade Hybrid is unquestionably the world’s blingiest hybrid. GM’s characteristic hybrid-logo-with-green-leaf is rendered in large, garish chrome letters in a fender vent the size of your fist—which sits at chest level to a standard-issue human being. And some of its customers bask in the bling. One is Santonio Holmes, the 2009 Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player, who was awarded an Escalade Hybrid 2WD Platinum Edition . GM didn’t publicize the award —bad form during the bailouts—but he got the top-of-the-line model. The Platinum Edition denotes unique front styling, LED headlights, four DVD screens, and more, and runs you $85,000. read more

Original post:
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid