The Cadillac Escalade is a polarizing vehicle. On one side of the argument, owning one makes a statement. It instantly gives you style, flash and pizzazz, best said in the cult 80s movie, Scarface.

The other side of that coin, sees you as a gas guzzler. You won't make too many friends with environmentalists, even though it's not the worst thing you can own. It has just become a symbol of spending and showing-off in an economic age where many individuals and businesses are cutting back.

Regardless what you think, it's arguably the most recognizable SUV on the road and fittingly Cadillac had its Canadian media launch for the all-new 2015 Escalade in the heart of the Toronto luxury and fashion scene – Yorkville. 

The Escalade is now in its fourth-generation and with it comes a bolder, more in-your-face stance, modernly renovated interior and an all-new 6.2-litre Gen S V8 engine. It's offered in regular and extended-wheelbase (ESV) and we went with the ESV on our trip from Yorkville to a north trek up to Lake Simcoe.

The Escalade in year's past has had many similarities with its more-reasonably priced, yet less-luxurious siblings, the Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban and GMC Yukon. Cadillac aimed to distance themselves from the other GM-brand names to create something unique in order to keep up with its prestigious stature.

The fine tuning starts on the outside with its massive grille. It's big, bold and in-your-face showing off its Cadillac crest in the dead centre. Compared to its outgoing model, the new Escalade appears like it took a etiquette class, now standing up straight and tall.

The vertical LEDs in the front take on a little more modern styling as scene in the latest ATS and CTS, creating somewhat of a nike swoosh into the fender. In the back, you will also see an excess of LED taillights that stretch vertically from the roof to the bumper. 

The Escalade is large and in-charge and the ESV makes it a tank with 20 inches of length added to its backside. I'm just thankful, we didn't have to perform a parallel park in the streets of Toronto, but come to think of it, that could have created an interesting test.

As with many new vehicles, the interior of the Escalade went through the most changes, all aimed at upping its value. As Cadillac representatives put it, the cabin was “harmonized to go with the rest of its portfolio.” Here's where the separation from the Chevrolet and GMC vehicles are most evident. Three options of natural wood trim are used to create that premium feel and added luxury that their customers want to feel. Passengers are also treated to an improved CUE infotainment touchscreen with no knobs surrounding it in sight. 

Another main priority for Cadillac was to make access to more cargo a lot easier with power fold buttons that can fold down the seats in under five seconds. Two buttons are located on the inside right area of the trunk that can be used to fold both the third and second row. This is clearly what you want from a luxury SUV – sophisticated ease.

A big concern for Escalade owners is safety, so Cadillac has added a few theft deterrent packages. Some of the all-new safety features include interior movement sensors, a self-powered horn and door lock shields, but those are only added in the top-of-the-line premium package.

The drive route wasn't exceptional, as there's only so many places to go in Toronto before you hit some traffic, but Cadillac found a way to get some highway and city driving, while avoiding the congestion. The all-new 6.2-litre V8 that's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission has added 17 more horsepower, bumping its way up to 420 hp; while torque has taken a big leap from 417 lb-ft all the way up to 460. There's also a new Active Fuel Management system that aims to make the Escalade a lot more environmentally friendly with improved five-cycle fuel economy ratings that sees 16.8L/100 km in the city and 11.7L/100 km on the highway in the ESV.

Another big talking point is the Gen 3 Magnetic Ride Control system that really shines in sport mode. This system allows easier cornering and that's a helpful addition when driving the big Escalade. This system along with its re-tuned hydraulic engine mounts deliver exceptional handling with precision steering and an all-around balanced drive, a surprising feet considering the dimensions and weight of the SUV. The electric power steering provided a comfortable feel while manoeuvring in-between lanes and avoiding pedestrians at intersections around downtown Toronto.

The Escalade has all the power you need, but one thing that I felt needed some fine tuning were the brakes. I understand that it's heavy and can be used for towing (not that anyone really does), but stronger brakes are essential. There were a few instances where I expected the brakes to come to a stop a lot sooner, forcing me to slam down on them to avoid the car ahead. It probably takes a little time to get used to, however, I would have expected the braking to be considerably better given the extensive makeover that the Escalade went under.

The last thing I will touch on, might be the most important to current and future Escalade owners – the quiet and smooth ride. Cadillac has branded the new version with “world-class quietness.” They can do this confidently due to its triple-sealed inlaid doors, acoustic laminated glass and special design mirrors that all assist in cutting outside wind, engine and road noise.

All of these changes truly eliminates most sounds, leading to a smooth and relaxing journey. In a rare occurrence, it was as impressive to test out the comforts of the passenger seat, as it was to drive. Take away the thoughts of gas prices and the Escalade would be the perfect vehicle to take on a long road trip. You would arrive at your destination relaxed and refreshed, a rare feeling on any long drive.

As one would expect, the Escalade does not come cheap. And for a full-size premium luxury SUV, it really shouldn't. The question remains, however, whether it's worth the $80K+ price tag with Range Rover and other luxury vehicle options out there?

There are three trims available, the standard starts at $79,900, with the Luxury at $85,500 and the Premium at $90,500. This shouldn't be a big problem for typical Escalade owners and you're getting a much better SUV than its predecessor. If you want to stand out from the crowd and drive in luxury, comfort and plenty of technology – this all-new 2015 Escalade might suit your high-roller lifestyle.