In recent years, India has witnessed a surge in the import of foreign luxury vehicles. Among the most notable instances is the arrival of a Cadillac Escalade, imported from Dubai. This colossal SUV, often seen on American and Middle Eastern roads, has now made its way to Indian streets thanks to a popular Indian vlogger. The luxury vehicle, belonging to a Dubai-based Indian entrepreneur, was featured in a detailed video walkthrough, capturing the attention of automobile enthusiasts across the country.
Summary Table: Cadillac Escalade Imported from Dubai to India
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Cadillac Escalade |
| Origin | Imported from Dubai |
| Owner’s Location | Originally from Uttar Pradesh, residing in Dubai |
| Featured by | Mihir Galat (YouTube Vlogger) |
| Main Highlights | Gesture controls, luxurious cabin, powerful engine, refrigerator in cabin |
| Import Type | Carnet ATA Permit (Temporary Import) |
| Video Location | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh |
| Official Site | https://www.cadillac.com |
Cadillac Escalade: A Luxury Behemoth Lands in India
The Cadillac Escalade is an iconic full-size luxury SUV from General Motors’ premium division. Predominantly seen in North America and the Middle East, the Escalade is a symbol of affluence and status. Its recent appearance in India has created quite a buzz due to its rarity on Indian roads.
The Man Behind the Machine
The Escalade in question belongs to an Indian entrepreneur currently residing in Dubai. Though based in the UAE, he hails from Uttar Pradesh, India. For a brief period, he imported the vehicle to his hometown in India using the Carnet ATA permit, a temporary import license allowing individuals to bring foreign vehicles into India without paying heavy import duties.
Covered by Mihir Galat
Popular YouTube vlogger Mihir Galat travelled from Delhi to Lucknow to meet the owner and showcase this rare beauty on his channel. The video provided viewers with a comprehensive walkaround and review of the SUV, highlighting its road presence, luxurious interiors, and powerful performance.
Exterior Design and Road Presence
The Cadillac Escalade boasts an unmistakable design and immense road presence:
- Massive Front Grille: Commands attention and exudes dominance
- LED Headlamps and DRLs: Adds to the futuristic and sharp aesthetics
- Gigantic Proportions: The SUV’s sheer size makes it tower over other vehicles on the road
- Chrome Accents: Elevate its premium look
People on the road were seen stopping and staring as the SUV cruised by, underscoring its exclusivity in India.
Interior Features and Cabin Luxury
The Escalade’s cabin is a sanctuary of comfort and advanced features. Here’s what stood out:
Gesture-Controlled Center Console
One of the unique features demonstrated was gesture control to operate storage compartments. This futuristic function is rarely seen even in ultra-luxury cars.
Premium Materials and Finish
- Soft-touch panels across the dashboard and doors
- Wood and chrome accents for added sophistication
- Ambient lighting to enhance mood
Refrigerator in the Cabin
Positioned between the front seats, the inbuilt fridge is ideal for long drives, enhancing passenger comfort.
Seating Comfort
- Spacious and heavily cushioned seats
- Electric adjustments with memory settings
- Heating and cooling functions
- Multiple USB and power outlets throughout the cabin
Performance and Test Drive Insights
The vlogger took the Escalade for a spin to evaluate its real-world performance. Here are the takeaways:
- Engine: A powerful V8 unit known for effortless performance
- Acceleration: Swift for a vehicle of its size
- Ride Quality: Exceptionally smooth, even on bumpy Indian roads
- Braking and Handling: Confident and composed
Despite its size, the Escalade managed Indian roads surprisingly well, a testament to its engineering.
Import Details: Carnet ATA Explained
The Carnet ATA is an international customs document that allows temporary import of goods (including vehicles) into participating countries without paying duties. Key features:
- Validity: Usually up to 1 year
- Used by: Vloggers, diplomats, business travelers
- Requirement: Must return vehicle to origin country after the permit expires
This method is increasingly used by automotive content creators to bring rare cars into India for short durations.
Why the Escalade Stands Out in India
In a market dominated by Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, and Jeep Meridian, the Escalade offers:
- Unmatched size and road presence
- Ultra-premium cabin and tech
- Brand exclusivity, as Cadillac is not officially available in India
It’s not just a vehicle—it’s a statement.
Broader Trend: Rise of Imported Vehicles in India
The sighting of the Escalade is part of a broader trend:
- Increase in temporary imports via Carnet ATA
- Content-driven imports by YouTubers
- Growing luxury appetite among Indian consumers
- Lack of availability of certain global models prompting private imports
While full-scale imports are taxed heavily in India, temporary options allow car lovers to experience the best of international motoring.
FAQs: Cadillac Escalade Import to India
Q1: Can anyone import a Cadillac Escalade to India?
A1: Yes, via Carnet ATA for temporary stays or by paying full import duties for permanent ownership.
Q2: What is the Carnet ATA?
A2: It is a temporary customs document allowing tax-free import of goods, valid for up to 1 year.
Q3: Are Cadillac cars sold in India?
A3: No, Cadillac does not officially sell vehicles in India as of now.
Q4: What makes the Escalade so special?
A4: Its luxury features, enormous size, V8 performance, and rarity in India make it stand out.
Q5: Is this legal?
A5: Yes, as long as it follows the rules under the Carnet ATA and is taken back within the stipulated period.
Conclusion
The arrival of the Cadillac Escalade in India marks more than just an import—it represents the growing global aspirations of Indian car enthusiasts. Through legal frameworks like the Carnet ATA, luxury cars from international markets are becoming accessible for short-term experiences. As digital content creators continue to bring such marvels to Indian roads, we can expect even more global icons to grace our streets in the future.
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