Cadillac has announced the introduction of the 2008 Escalade Platinum, a special edition of the luxury SUV set to go on sale next spring as the new range topper. The Escalade is the last model in Cadillac’s lineup to get the Platinum specification, characterized by upgraded interiors with hand-stitched leather and unique exterior styling.

Offered on Escalade and the extended-length Escalade ESV, the Platinum edition gets Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) suspension technology, LED headlights and new 22in alloys.

The instrument panel, center storage console and door trim are wrapped with Aniline leather and stitched by hand. Additional standard interior features include Platinum-specific door sills and floor mats, a heated steering wheel and heated and cooled cup holders.

Power comes from a 403hp (301kW) 6.2L V8 with 565Nm (417lb-ft) of torque mated to a six-speed auto. It is an all-aluminum engine that uses variable valve timing (VVT) to optimize camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower.