The 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum stands out like a mighty and proud American beacon. No matter the reason or explanation, the quest for consumers to own the biggest, most luxurious sport utility on the planet is still a market cornered by the people at Cadillac. For now, the doors at the dealerships still swing open with great frequency. But today the finicky buyers have so many choice its hard to know if the Escalade is still on top of buyers minds.

In my quest to see if the Escalade is still dominating the competition, I wanted to make sure my short time behind the wheel was well spent. Unfortunately, at the time of the test, it happens to be Christmas and with family, work and Mr. Claus about to land I had to be quick. 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum I tested is the top tier edition. Still, I got a flavor of what Cadillac has to offer no matter the level of equipment.

Open any door and the power-actuated running boards flip down to offer you a convenient step-up. Gorgeous mocha leather wraps the steering wheel and covers the seat surfaces, furnishing the interior like a swanky LA hotel. The Escalade ESV Platinum’s interior is a work of art, with aluminum and soft touch materials’ on all surfaces. 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum’s fit and finish is remarkable. The tight-fitting steel round vents, for example, feel both precise and robust. One gripe: the front seats, though beautifully crafted and donned with superb piping and stitching are not quite as comfy as I would have expected them to be. Otherwise, Cadillac’s “ultra luxury” theme is a victory.

Sit at the controls of this suburban behemoth and the luxury becomes immediately apparent.  Besides the immense amount of equipment that comes with all Escalades, the Platinum edition adds on leather wrap IP top pad and door uppers, Olive Ash and Walnut Burl wood trim, Aluminum trim accents, first and second row Tehama Aniline Leather, Nuance leather on the third row seats, Leather wrapped center console with aluminum tray, heated and cooled cupholders, rear seat entertainment system with independent 8-inch screens (Note: that makes a total of FIVE screens and was the FIRST THING my 5 year old daughter noticed with enormous excitement) and special grill treatment that showcases one of the largest brand logos you will ever see.

Even with AWD and an overactive ABS and electronic stability control system, the Escalade ESV Platinum feels sportier than you would ever expect. In fact, I swore I was at the wheel of a standard length ‘Slade. In a spirited driver mentality, I put the Platinum through tests of acceleration, braking and road handling. And in one long drive, the Escalade ESV Platinum was a winning my heart.

The 6.2-liter LS engine is blessed with tons of tourqe downstairs – 417lbs-ft and a lovely rush of horsepower 403, that surly could be bumped to outrageous numbers by a long list of tuners and aftermarket suppliers. As tested, the Escalade ESV Platinum rings in at $88,295. But remember that includes a mile long list of standard equipment that is only a dream for some sport utilities.

Only able to log just under 300 miles in the 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum, I’ll stand by my "First-impression” guns, this is the top dog when it comes to BIG luxury sport utilities. And it’s a much nicer place to spend time that my old 1994 GMC HD Long Box, to boot. Is there a flaw? Sure, its avid appetite for gas. But then what is its biggest asset? The commanding driving dynamic complete the ying and yang to owning the 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum and enjoying it….I know I would.