The current-generation Cadillac Escalade was available to buy for seven years now, and an all-new model is simply round the corner. The Escalade has had a comparatively successful sales run, although it shares its underpinnings with the more utilitarian Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Surburban, and GMC Yukon. The Caddy distinguishes itself from its mainstream siblings with loads of bling, especially within the Platinum trim model, such as items like 22-inch rims, all-LED headlights, acres of chrome accents, and leather seats with French stitching.

The benchmark within the large luxury SUV segment, however, is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL, the newest recipient of our SUV of The Year award. The GL took the consideration as a result of its vault-like build quality, impressive off-road capabilities, and a good selection of powertrain options from the GL350’s torque-rich 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 to the GL63 AMG’s Affalterbach-tuned 5.5-liter, twin-turbo V-8 rated at 550 hp.

General Motors engineers have their work cut out for them. We’ve already seen test mules of the subsequent-gen 2014 Cadillac Escalade and there’s certainly the highest-selling Benz is considered one of GM’s main targets. Here’s what we expect the Escalade must stay competitive in its segment:

Erick Ayapana

The Escalade has always been about flashy styling, so the following-gen Caddy ought to be much more striking. Bump up those 22-inch rims to 23 inchers, have the Cadillac crest occupy much more of the grille, and improve the inner with metallic accents which might be real metal, almost like within the C7 Corvette. i feel the 2014 Escalade should offer something corresponding to the GL’s impressive, optional Designo interior package — within the Escalade, perhaps a customization program allowing customers to move all out. Finally, the Escalade must drive well… shedding pounds wouldn’t be a foul start.

Alex Nishimoto

Taking up the Mercedes GL is a tall order for any manufacturer, but GM may have the furthest to head within the segment. The present Escalade is a land yacht; the steering delivers minimal feel and feedback, the suspension permits an excessive amount of body roll in turns, and the seats are more reminiscent of furniture you’d find within the captain’s lounge than actual car seats. To challenge today’s full-size luxury SUV champ, the subsequent Escalade should drive less just like the pedestrian Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon it’s in line with, and more just like the $60,000-plus luxury contender it’s seeking to be. Dial out all of the slop with tweaks to the steering and Magnetic Ride Control suspension system, and the Escalade would likely feel like a complete new ‘ute. Cadillac can also improve the internal with more supportive seats and a latest cabin design.

Karla Sanchez

The Cadillac Escalade is just overbearing. Although the Benz is enormous and flashy, it still looks tasteful and fashionable. However, the Escalade’s over-exaggerated grille is too much, and so is its big, bloated shape. Its boxy body can be toned down rather like other luxury SUVs which have softer sheetmetal lines. Which could help improve aerodynamics, and subsequently, up efficiency a little bit. On that note, why not offer a diesel As for the inside, the Escalade needs a more upscale cabin to distance itself from other full-size GM SUVs.  While I agree the Escalade thrives off being flashy, a little bit an excessive amount of flash can look tacky.

Jason Udy

While it can be too far along inside the redesign process for the following Escalade to head to a unibody architecture (just like the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class), Cadillac should make its flagship SUV more compliant at the road, as few of those luxury liners ever venture off pavement. Off-road exploration is for its Chevrolet and GMC counterparts. The Escalade must have its handling and steering tightened up for better on-road composure. So far as design, the Escalade’s bling should cave in to understated refinement with an interior treatment to distinguish it from its lesser brethren. a smarter power-to-weight ratio to move together with improved handling will be welcome, as would a rise in fuel economy.

Christian Seabaugh

Oh boy. Lots. The Cadillac Escalade was probably probably the most disappointing vehicles I drove last year. I wouldn’t say the powertrain is the Escalade’s problem, because the current 6.2-liter V-8 is amazing (and I’m sure the following-generation engine might be too), it’s the remainder of the experience. The Escalade is straight-sketchy when the roads begin to turn, whereas SUVs just like the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class are literally able to handling a turn or two. The opposite major upgrade the Escalade needs is to its interior, which looks exactly like a gussied-up GMC Yukon Denali. Putting the team liable for the XTS’ surprisingly nice interior at the Escalade project can be an outstanding start. Other changes, like adding Magnetic Ride Control) and other high-priced tech, could be welcome on this crowded class.

What do you think that: What does the 2014 Cadillac Escalade should emerge on the top of the segment