The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV designed and manufactured by General Motors . This was Cadillac's first major entry into the SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to competition from the Mercedes-Benz M-Class , Range Rover, and Lexus LX, as well as the 1998 Ford Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade project was put into production only ten months after its approval. Escalade is built in Arlington, Texas . The word escalade refers to the tactics of siege warfare: climbing defensive walls or ramparts using ladders or siege towers . The Escalade is currently sold in North America and in some international markets (Europe and Asia), where Cadillac has official sales channels. The Escalade ESV is sold in North America, Russia, and the Middle East, but is available on special order only in select international markets. The Escalade and right-hand drive Escalade ESV are available through third-party conversion specialists without a formal agreement with Cadillac in the Australian and Oceania markets.