Auto123.com by Justin Pritchard

GM’s teamed up with Chrysler and BMW to develop a hybrid system for its large trucks that can save owners some 25 percent on total refueling costs.  The two-mode hybrid technology is already on sale in some of the automakers models, and it’s being fitted to the high-luxury Cadillac Escalade as well.

Escalade is the first and only luxury SUV to use a fuel-saving hybrid system in its segment.  Now, some 10 years after it helped start the luxury SUV scene, hybrid technology has made possible a 32 percent reduction in fuel consumption during city driving.

Jim Taylor, Cadillac’s General Manager, said “in a changing marketplace emphasizing fuel economy technology, Cadillac is proud to be the only luxury brand offering a hybrid in this segment.”

The two-mode hybrid system is fully automatic and requires no driver involvement.  All power requirements are met on board, so there’s no need to plug in the vehicle, either.

The hybrid system operates in two modes, as per its name.  The first is used for light loads or at low speeds- and sees the gas engine shut off completely and the Escalade running solely on battery power.  All accessories continue to function as normal when the gas engine is off.

The second mode is used for highway speeds and in other situations where the gas engine needs to be running.  Sophisticated features like Active Fuel Management (AFM) can turn off half of the engine’s cylinders when the full power of a V8 isn’t needed, while cam phasing and Late Intake Valve Closure (LVIC) further the engine’s efficient operation.

Escalade Hybrid can run on electric power, engine power, or on a combination of the two.  Escalade Hybrid’s 6.0-liter V8 is rated for 332 horsepower at 5,100 rpm, backed by 367 lb.-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm.  It can tow up to 5,800 pounds, and a standard electronic AutoTrack four wheel drive system is fitted.  A four-speed electronically variable transmission, specifically designed for the hybrid application, is installed as well.

Cadillac will sell the Escalade Hybrid as a total luxury package priced from $93,450.  A lengthy list of equipment includes heated and ventilated leather seats, three-zone climate control, a sunroof, power accessories and a 6-CD changer with high-performance Bose audio.  A long-range remote start system is standard, as is Navigation, OnStar and powerful xenon lighting.  Cadillac stresses that the model will be as much an Escalade as it is a Hybrid.

Look for an impressive safety story too- with dual-stage front airbags and side curtains.  Equipped with a rollover sensor, the side curtain airbags are inflated for an extended period of time if a rollover accident takes place.  This helps protect occupants from head injuries, though a stability control system works to help counter or prevent dangerous skids as well.

Marc Comeau, VP of sales at GM Canada, says “the Escalade hybrid continues the roll out of our award-winning two-mode hybrid technology, which dramatically reduces fuel consumption and emissions and will be featured on more GM models in the upcoming months”.

The Escalade Hybrid hits selected Cadillac dealerships this fall.