Right now, you can already nudge a top-of-the-line Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum past the $100,000 mark if you add just a few optional items. But increased competition in the luxury SUV market could push General Motors Company's [NYSE:GM] cash cow well into six-digit pricing territory.

According to Automotive News (subscription required), the entrance of high-end marques like Bentley, Maserati and Rolls-Royce into the SUV space may force the move. Nothing has been approved internally, and other than some general points—more power, lavish interior appointments—GM offered no specifics about the offerings on future Escalades.

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But it's a natural evolution for the brand, and might allow the company to collect some of the cash currently going to aftermarket companies like Lexani, which have taken the Escalade to private jet levels of opulence.

And while we don't think we'll see options like a $170,000 clock—à la the Bentley Bentayga— on the next Escalade, it'll be interesting to see if America's preeminent luxury marque can make good on its slogan's promise to be "The Standard of the World."

Given Cadillac is now headquartered in New York City, we'd expect any bold changes in the brand's strategy to be officially announced at next year's New York Auto Show.

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