Yikes! 2021 Cadillac Escalade Leaks

No, it doesn’t take on water, though we won’t really know for sure until a thorough on- and off-road evaluation puts that assertion to the test. Rather, the headline refers to images of the upcoming Cadillac range-topper that appeared on Instagram Wednesday.

Borrowing a colossal grille inspired by the Escala concept (now firmly in place as the brand’s corporate face), the revamped full-size SUV’s unplanned reveal comes on the heels of the public debut of its Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban platform mates.

As you see here, narrow gun slit headlamps look somewhat odd when paired with a grille ten miles tall. Instagram user @Allcarnews brought these images, apparently taken within the bowels of a General Motors production facility, to the public realm; Jalopnik was first to notice the dropped towel.

A post shared by A L L C A R N E W S (@allcarnews) on Dec 11, 2019 at 7:26am PST

The images are blurry and do not contain a view of the vehicle’s rear; however, the user claims the current-generation’s towering vertical LED taillights remain. Everywhere, the 2021 Escalade’s genetics are on clear display. Like the Tahoe and Suburban, this Escalade will boast an increased wheelbase and slightly increased overall length thanks to its new underpinnings, especially in short wheelbase form. Rear-seat legroom and cargo volume will expand significantly over the current model, and a newly independent rear suspension should smooth out the ride.

Up front, sizeable LED light bars flank what appears to be massive side vents. Meanwhile, much smaller horizontal light bars underscore the diminutive headlight arrays. There’ll be little doubt as to what vehicle is barreling towards you on a dark night. Overall, the look is most reminiscent of the recent XT6 crossover.

While the model’s Chevy siblings will offer buyers the option of Duramax diesel propulsion, don’t expect Cadillac to go that route. Nothing’s stopping the brand; it just doesn’t seem likely. Cadillac buyers would probably prefer to keep some distance from the bowtie brand its its Silverado 1500-sourced diesel.

Expect the public reveal of the 2021 Escalade in short order. GMC will also need to set aside time for a debut of its Yukon and Yukon XL. The on-sale date for all of these BOF rigs should occur in the summer of 2020.