The 2023 Cadillac Escalade V excited auto enthusiasts worldwide when it was first announced. It’s no surprise that the first retail production of this vehicle recently sold for $500,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction. The money is going to the Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design (PLC). Another $25,000 was added to the donation, meaning the school was blessed with $525,000.

PLC Makes History

PLC is Michigan’s only historically Black college and university (HBCU) and is the first HBCU to reopen in the nation. The school offers programs in design, sustainability, business, STEM, and other areas meant to serve young Black artists and creators across various industries.

The school is known not only for its historical roots but for its intense curriculum meant to give students real-life experiences. Graduates of these programs often go on to help in the design industry, so it makes sense that GM, the parent company of Cadillac, would want to support the school.

This recent auction was actually the third fund-raising event for PLC. Cadillac also auctioned off the first production of the Cadillac V-Series Blackwing sedan and the CT5-V Blackwing 120th Anniversary Edition. The school takes no fees or commissions from the auction, and money is used towards helping students fund masterclasses, tuition, and housing.

The winner of the auction also gets to help design a pair of custom sneakers with the school’s founder that will come as a “one-of-one run.” They will also get a framed 12×18 design sketch of the Cadillac Escalade-V signed by the lead exterior designer, Robert Hunwick.

The New Cadillac Escalade V Is Here

The Escalade V is one of the most impressive vehicles to come off of the Cadillac assembly line in a long time. This SUV combines incredible performance with technology and sophistication that embodies the Cadillac brand.

It comes with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that creates 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. The power train is completed with a ten-speed automatic transmission, full-time active all-wheel-drive, and a unique suspension calibration to this model. With all of this power under the hood, the Cadillac Escalade V can jump from zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

The Escalade V isn’t just impressive with its performance stats. It’s also loaded with advanced technology inside and out. Take the 38-inch curved OLED diagonal display. With this kind of screen tech in your dash, you’ll feel like you’re driving something from the Jetsons. Access all of your SUV’s systems and connectivity options in one place.

The Escalade V can also be equipped with the latest Super Cruise system. This semi-autonomous driving feature allows you to relax and let your Cadillac do the work over thousands of miles of pre-mapped roads.

If you’re interested in exploring this new Cadillac, you can learn more at your local Cadillac dealership. The good news is that bringing one of these SUVs won’t cost you half a million dollars.