The definitive thread about the differences between early build 2015 Escalade's and the 15.5's

[Vector]

As some of you know from reading about my situation, I was unaware of the 2015 mid-year upgrade of the Escalade, and significant differences between what I presume is referred to as the 15 vs. 15.5 Escalade's.
So in an effort to help prevent someone else from making the same mistake that I did, and/or so they can make an informed choice, I propose everyone chime in with the known differences, and how to identify if you are looking at a 15 or 15.5
Maybe this could even be a sticky to help other potential buyers/owners out.

I will list a few things I am aware of and all future posts with info/features/differences will be edited into this OP along with the ability to discuss the pros & cons of owning either version.

For those familiar with my other thread [ http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/thre...ade-esv-now-i-have-a-bunch-of-quesions.99505/ ] the biggest difference is that lack of an 8 speed transmission on the early build 2015's.
This can be an important feature to many potential buyers who think they will stretch their budget to buy a Denali or Escalade to get not only the larger engine and magnetic ride suspension, but also the 8 speed transmission.
Then again as Swathdiver pointed out, some people would actually prefer to have a 6 speed transmission.


So while the list below will be added to in no particular order of importance as features are posted by other forum members, I suspect it is safe to put the transmission at the #1 position. As that would be the most costly and unlikely upgrade for a person to add to their existing early build 2015;

1) No 8 speed transmission
2) No wireless cellphone charging center console
3) No 360-Degree Vision system
4) No Apple Carplay




Ways to identify whether it is a 15 (i.e. early build) or 15.5(later model)

1) Round Emblem for 15 with surrounding wreath - more square for the 15.5 minus wreath
2) Smaller mirrors
`

 

[jason952]

No "kick" open tailgate

Escalade badge was round then it went square




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[adventurenali92]

No "kick" open tailgate

Escalade badge was round then it went square




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I hate the kick open tailgate. I’d never want that. It never pens when I actually need it to, only when I’m detailing it and standing at the tailgate, and then the damn thing hits me in the face!

 

[LI Tahoe]

I hate the kick open tailgate. I’d never want that. It never pens when I actually need it to, only when I’m detailing it and standing at the tailgate, and then the damn thing hits me in the face!

I constantly bang my toe on the spare tire when I do my kicking motion

 

[Vector]

No "kick" open tailgate

Escalade badge was round then it went square




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I hate the kick open tailgate. I’d never want that. It never pens when I actually need it to, only when I’m detailing it and standing at the tailgate, and then the damn thing hits me in the face!

I constantly bang my toe on the spare tire when I do my kicking motion

Jason, I have not added the kick open tailgate to the list of missing features (at least not yet) because mine actually has it despite being an early model.
I thought it didn't, but discovered almost by accident that it does. However, it does not kick closed, so I am looking into that.

As to not wanting it Bigbear, to each their own, but if your hands are full, it is a nice feature to have. Plus if you take cargo out and again have your hands full, being able to close it hands free would be nice.

Regarding kicking the spare tire LT Tahoe, you really do not have to kick that close to the tire it to get it to open. My legs are long, and my foot is much lower to the ground, yet mine opens like clockwork, now that I know the transmitted needs to be with you.

 

[adventurenali92]

@Vector , I agree that’s it’s a cool idea for when your hands are full. It just never works right, so GM’s execution was poor in my opinion. Anyways, I digress..... lol

 

[Vector]

I have been told there are other things, but since I have not verified them yet, I am waiting for others with more knowledge to post them.
For example, I remember reading about how none of the 2015's had the IntelliBeam feature, with that starting in 2016. Yet mine has it, and it is an early build.

Supposedly the early builds do not have Carplay (whatever that is) according to someone in another thread, but I'd like to be certain with someone posting/verifying it here in this thread before I add it to the list. Heck I cannot even check to see if mine has it, because I have no clue what it even does.
So keep the differences and lack of features coming.

 

[noob]

@Vector , I agree that’s it’s a cool idea for when your hands are full. It just never works right, so GM’s execution was poor in my opinion. Anyways, I digress..... lol

I was holding a large box while walking out to my car this weekend. I "kicked" and the hatch opened.... Works well for me!

 

[HiHoeSilver]

I have been told there are other things, but since I have not verified them yet, I am waiting for others with more knowledge to post them.
For example, I remember reading about how none of the 2015's had the IntelliBeam feature, with that starting in 2016. Yet mine has it, and it is an early build.

Supposedly the early builds do not have Carplay (whatever that is) according to someone in another thread, but I'd like to be certain with someone posting/verifying it here in this thread before I add it to the list. Heck I cannot even check to see if mine has it, because I have no clue what it even does.
So keep the differences and lack of features coming.

Apple carplay for your iphail.

 

[adventurenali92]

I know the early built Escalades had the same mirrors as the Denali and the tahoe. Later on they got the bigger mirror with 360 camera view.

 

[Vector]

Apple carplay for your iphail.

I know the early built Escalades had the same mirrors as the Denali and the tahoe. Later on they got the bigger mirror with 360 camera view.

It would appear I lost my edit abilities, so I guess even if you start the thread, you only have a certain amount of time/days to edit.
I will check with a mod/admin to see if they can grant me edit privileges considering how I'd like to update the list.
In the mean time keep the info coming.

EDIT - Heard from an admin that the edit feature is fleeting, however keep the info coming as it will be manually updated

 

[69meano]

It would appear I lost my edit abilities, so I guess even if you start the thread, you only have a certain amount of time/days to edit.
I will check with a mod/admin to see if they can grant me edit privileges considering how I'd like to update the list.
In the mean time keep the info coming.

EDIT - Heard from an admin that the edit feature is fleeting, however keep the info coming as it will be manually updated

The Mid year changes are like what has been said-I just bought one .Here is the official post...
The 2015 Cadillac Escalade has received numerous important interim-model updates, but until recently, only the pre-update models could be found on dealer lots. 2015i (interim) Escalades will be fairly hard to come by for the time being, but dealer supplies will become more abundant over the next month or so.

The most important update Cadillac’s 2015i Escalade has received is General Motors’ all-new 8L90E eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the outgoing 6L90E six-speed. There’s also a load of new technologies such as OnStar’s 4G LTE Wi Fi hotspot, Siri Eyes free, wireless charging and Surround View, which provides an overhead view of the car and its surrounding area.

In addition to the myriad of powertrain and technology updates, 2015i Escalades are available in Platinum Collection trim. They can also be spotted fairly easily, as all versions will be sporting Caddy’s more modern shield logo.



Read more: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2014/10...es-beginning-to-hit-the-market/#ixzz5IEsTmoc8

 

[Tahoe14]

Did they already come with the kick open tail gate as the Tahoe, Suburban and Yukon did not until 2015i.

 

[Vector]

Did they already come with the kick open tail gate as the Tahoe, Suburban and Yukon did not until 2015i.

Well mine has it, but I discovered it by accident, not realizing the fob had to be on you when you attempted it.
That is the good news.
The bad news is that mine will not kick close. I know it is suppose to because I have seen videos Escalades doing so, but mine does not for some reason.

 

[Tahoe14]

I just checked my 2017 Tahoe Premier and it works both ways. I don't think they would have changed the way it operates.

 

[Stresst]

Another major difference (not certain if it was already mentioned) is an actual transfer case which is a huge improvement for off road and deep snow. The AWD in the 07 to early 2015's is absolutely horrendous. Works ok in a few inches a snow but there is nothing like 4wd or 4lo!

 

[itsbo1313]

The 2015i emblem on the grill blends way better.

 

[Vector]

The 2015i emblem on the grill blends way better.

Apparently compared to what?

I am just noticing it has been a while since I posted on this forum.