Let’s start with a little history before we take a closer look at the 2009 Cadillac Escalade. The 2007 escalade was named best new American car by Forbes, and Car and Driver magazine noted that if you like your bling on a grand scale, it doesn’t get much grander than this. Certainly a strong legacy, but things have changed drastically in three short years and bling is quickly loosing value against green.

Perhaps most essential is Cadillac’s inclusion of a new Hybrid drive, designed to offset some of the Escalades substantial petrol thirst. It works, to an extent, to ensure that the Escalade remains one of the most efficient SUV’s in its class. The 403-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine has also been modified to run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel, which works, to some extent, to offset the cost of fuelling the Escalade.

The Escalade is available in multiple configurations, including long-wheelbase ESV, and can be configured with a shorter cab and cargo bed as the EXT. Standard models come with the usual collection of safety features and a few Cadillac luxuries, including BOOSE surround sound, Bluetooth connection, and voice controlled GPS.

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade keeps the all important bling that the current build became famous for, but improvements to mileage and fuel help to keep its usage cost competitive. It’s well worth a look, if you are searching for some greener bling in 2009.