Few vehicles have shaped Cadillac’s modern identity quite like the Escalade. While the hand-built Celestiq electric sedan serves as the brand’s flagship, the Escalade has arguably done more to define its public image over the past three decades. Introduced in 1999, the SUV became a staple of hip-hop culture and a favorite among professional athletes before finding its way into the garages of C-suite executives and celebrities alike. Now, as Cadillac prepares to celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2027, the automaker is marking the occasion with a limited-edition Escalade that draws on its performance heritage through a series of carefully considered design details.
Photography courtesy of Cadillac
The 2027 Escalade-V 125th Anniversary Collector Series starts with an already formidable foundation: the Escalade-V, the SUV’s most powerful version, thanks to a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 producing 682 horsepower. Rather than dramatically altering the vehicle’s familiar silhouette, Cadillac has concentrated its changes on materials, finishes, and details that distinguish the Collector Series from the standard model.
Photography courtesy of Cadillac
Carbon fiber appears across the exterior, framing the grille and covering the mirror caps, lower rear fascia, and engine cover. Unique forged 24-inch wheels are paired with blue brake calipers and dark-finish badging, while heritage V-8 puddle lamps add another commemorative touch. Buyers can choose between two contrasting exterior finishes: Vibrant White Tricoat or Midnight Stone Frost, a color exclusive to the Collector Series.
Photography courtesy of Cadillac
Inside, Cadillac takes a more deliberate approach to color. The black-and-Sheer Gray interior comes alive thanks to Santorini Blue seat belts and stitching, creating a sharp contrast against the otherwise restrained palette. The shade draws from the blue in the Mondrian-inspired pattern of Cadillac’s V-Series emblem and was developed to visually connect the brand’s fifth-generation performance vehicles with its V-Series.R race car. First introduced on the Project GTP concept, Santorini Blue has since appeared across Cadillac’s road cars, racing program, and concept vehicles.
Photography courtesy of Cadillac
That connection between past and present continues through the smaller details. Illuminated sill plates commemorate the anniversary, while exclusive interior badging, floor mats, and a blue key fob complete the treatment.
Photography courtesy of Cadillac
Exclusivity extends beyond the finishes. Cadillac will produce just 252 examples of the Escalade-V 125th Anniversary Collector Series, with buyers able to select their vehicle’s identification number and corresponding serial number. Each exterior color will feature vehicles numbered from 1902 through 2027, referencing the years of Cadillac’s history.
Photography courtesy of Cadillac
Unveiled ahead of the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, the special edition also arrives as Cadillac expands its presence in motorsports with its entry into Formula 1. Pricing starts at approximately $239,000, roughly $70,000 more than the standard 2027 Escalade-V. It’s a substantial premium for a vehicle whose mechanical performance remains unchanged, but the Collector Series is ultimately about something other than horsepower: translating 125 years of brand history into a contemporary expression of Cadillac’s performance identity.
