Sep. 11--111With unequalled luxury, over-the-top power and a towing capacity as impressive as any vehicle in its class, the Escalade delivers on all fronts.

First introduced in 1999 by Cadillac's parent, General Motors, the Escalade can hardly be described as an SUV. It's more a luxury sedan and full-size truck all rolled into one, but with the ride and comfort of the best Detroit has to offer.

Built as an answer to Ford's Navigator and along the lines of its own cousin, the GMC Denali, Cadillac's Escalade goes above and beyond those two -- and then some.

Features include most anything and everything its owner might desire, including 14-way power front seats with heated and cooled cushions and backrests; second-row bucket seats with heat; a three-passenger third row seat; a DVD-audio navigation system with six-disc CD/DVD player; a personalized driver information center; power tilt steering wheel with mounted audio controls; rear sound system controls; Bluetooth capability; a power lift gate with lift glass; power adjustable pedals; tri-zone climate controls; power mirrors with heat, curb view and signals; a power sliding sunroof; remote vehicle starter; and a rearview camera system to help the driver see all that is behind him when backing.

Cadillac offers three versions of the Escalade: The regular Escalade, the ESV and the flat-bed EXT, which is a crew cab pickup truck version. The Escalade and ESV are both available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, while the EXT is a full-time, all-wheel drive vehicle.

We tested a 2009 Escalade and marveled at its detailed appointments and pillow-soft luxurious interior. The white diamond tricoat paint scheme on our model complemented a plush, ebony interior, which included a heated steering wheel for those cold mornings and a side blind zone alert mechanism.

Its 6.2-liter V8 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission and 403 horsepower offered plenty of power and torque, and the heavy duty trailering package and 22-inch chrome aluminum wheels were added pluses.

The price tag may give some pause, but the bang the Escalade delivers may very well justify the bucks.

More about the Cadillac Escalade:

--Engine specs: 6.2-liter V8 with 403 horsepower

--Cool options: A small camera mounted on the rear door that lets the driver know what is behind and beside his back wheels

--Why buy it: The combination of power, luxury and towing ability with great color options makes it hard to beat in a full-size SUV

--Prices: Starting at $62,205; as tested, $71,480

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