Built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL, the Escalade ESV stretches 20.4 inches longer than the regular Escalade. Fourteen of those inches go to extending the wheelbase, which allows for larger rear doors unconstrained by wheel wells. Height increases by 1.2 inches, and width remains about the same. Despite the bigger dimensions, curb weight increases by just 126 pounds.

Exterior details are identical to the regular Escalade's, with jeweled headlights flanking Cadillac's now-familiar grille up front, and large, rectangular taillights in back. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard; 22-inch wheels are optional.