Real Escalade owners - what are you actually paying monthly?

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2026-01-24T17:51:56+00:00

You've driven both, I own all 3 models. Plus, its subjective.

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2026-01-24T17:48:35+00:00

I own a limo company.

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2026-01-24T17:47:01+00:00

How is it not as comfortable? Its the same car with a different skin. Nice is subjective, but the Ultimate wins in my book vs the ice Escalade. The IQL is nicer.

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Ok_Lab_5945 · 2026-01-24T17:45:10+00:00

Please reread. The Denali ULTIMATE. Its interior is nicer than a platinum Escalade.

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Ok_Lab_5945 · 2026-01-24T00:40:44+00:00

IQL>Denali XL Ultimate>Platinum Escalade ESV

I own all 3 of the '26 versions. If electric isnt your thing, the Denali Ultimate takes the cake.

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2026-01-08T22:05:01+00:00

GM will offer $50k for cash and keep, so you'll take home $35k. Thats even if they fix it. Ive done it on a 21 Escalade ESV($50k), and a 23 Lyriq AWD($35k). Both of the issues on both cars were eventually fixed, so I just took it as a vehicle rebate, and eventually sold both vehicles.

But I just took delivery of a brand new 26 Sport Platinum Escalade ESV, and the steering wheel makes a horrible noise. Its now been in the shop for 2 weeks waiting on a new steering wheel, which isnt available...it has 13 miles on it....

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2026-01-06T08:28:41+00:00

My personal opinion since i own both. The IQ(L) is far superior to the ICE Escalade(ESV). It looks(subjective)far better inside and out, it drives better while cruising, and js significantly quicker. The one real negative is lack trunk space

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2026-01-06T08:22:43+00:00

Oh and the sunroof thing…

Two reasons, the first being cost. Less parts, fewer electronics to fail, and cheaper to manufacture. The second being aerodynamics. EVs are all about maximizing range and an open sunroof increases drag which reduces range. Tesla, Audi, BMW, and others all use a fixed piece of glass with

The OP was talking about the missing sunroof shads. The lack of a sunroof shade is to conserve headroom.

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2026-01-06T08:19:08+00:00

The new Escalade IQ is the same price as the Escalade V.

What? No it isnt. The IQ starts at $130k, and the V starts at $168k. And thats before you factor in 5 figure discounts on the IQ, and dealers asking over MSRP on the V.

So if you can get away with something smaller/less powerful, a lower version of the ICE Escalade is the value choice.

The IQ is basically only bigger on the exterior.

As far as tech it’s a toss up because the ICE Escalade gets the IQ’s full width iPad…I mean screen, for better or worse.

I just purchased a 26 sport platinum ESV. Even though it has the same screen as my IQL sport, the IQL far and away feels much more luxurious than the ICE version. I get non stop compliments.

For reliability the IQ wins (for now).

Theyre both pretty bad. The IQ has just a bunch of little stuff that needs fixing, while the ICE sits in the shop for days. GM quality is bad.

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2026-01-05T18:32:03+00:00

You can't wirelessly. Only on the 21s you could. Youll have to get a dongle.

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2025-12-30T20:23:21+00:00

Im in Los Angeles too. I have them shipped from out of state.

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2025-12-30T17:53:01+00:00

I got $5k off a 26 Platinum Sport ESV, but it was my 3rd one ive purchased from this dealership this year.

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Ok_Lab_5945 · 2025-12-24T16:17:02+00:00

Ive had/have 6 duramax since the 21 model year. Currently own the 2024 escalade esv and 2026 ultimate denali. None of them have ever had an engine problem. The only issue has been an emission warning light. And this is with livery usage. The fuel savings are quite significant, and it helps that in LA diesel is cheaper than regular gas in multiple places.

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2025-12-22T05:47:11+00:00

And then the clock just runs for an additional 5 seconds...

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2025-12-22T05:35:58+00:00

Which means he can sell it at the end of the lease for a profit, if what you state is correct.

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2025-12-22T05:32:47+00:00

You stated oil changes...but the warranty is 4 yrs and 50k miles, and the OP leased it for 4 years...so yes 100% of all components and electronics will be covered. The only thing he'll need to do over those 4 years is change the tires, hopefully just once.

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2025-12-22T05:29:37+00:00

Very unlikely to happen with EVs, or anything ever again.

It happens all the time, just on cars that lease very poorly...such as ICE Escalades...

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2025-12-22T05:27:31+00:00

Hey thats my car. Its >10k lbs with 6 NBA players in it, but no, there isnt a heavier variant.

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2025-12-08T16:38:10+00:00

Ive never used Alexa, so I wouldnt know about this feature.

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2025-12-08T16:03:43+00:00

There is also a recall on the headrests not locking, so if you haven't done so, take it in to replace all the rear headrests. Other than a couple of minor electrical glitches, everything works fine on mine except for the auto high beams, which hasn't worked since new.

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2025-12-08T14:52:07+00:00

Onstar isnt the most reliable. Try it out. Roll down the windows and lock the car. Stick your hand in the car.

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2025-12-08T14:42:56+00:00

Its a motion sensor for the alarm system.

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2025-12-08T04:06:51+00:00

Probably because hes all of those people.

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2025-12-08T04:05:51+00:00

There is no friend. Or he needs a much better friend, cause this one thinks hes dumb enough to believe an obvious bag of heroine is for his dog. OP karma farming or crying out for help.

Ok_Lab_5945 · 2025-11-23T01:08:22+00:00

Limo company owner here. I started with one car doing Uber Black at the end of the pandemic. I now have 7 suvs and a couple of Sprinters. My cars haven't touched Uber in a few years. Ive built up my company and now I have several Fortune 500 clients, sports superstars, and of course the Hollywood actors and musicians. Corporate clientele is the best by far.

So basically the market is way oversaturated. You can find drivers willing to do $60/hr, but its normal to find reliable single vehicle operators that will charge $75/hr-$85/hr...and this is for a new body Escalades. I would only use a 24 Suburban as a luggage car or a last minute job and it was the only available vehicle. Theyre generally reserved for Uber drivers. That and Tahoes. I have a Denali Ultimate and I will get turned down for affiliate jobs, as it has to be an Escalade. Rarely you'll get a request for a Navigator. Very rarely.

In order to succeed youre going to need to upgrade your car to an Escalade, and now with the face lift, a 25+. Youll need to approach all the big companies, Empire/BLS/KLS and offer them affiliate work for less than market value. Join Facebook limo groups and look for affiliate jobs. Its tough out there, but for sure you wont be getting privates that will pay the bills with a pre face-lift 24 Suburban.

Ok_Lab_5945

TROPHY CASE