2015 Cadillac Escalade SUV features 6.2-liter V8

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- They're big and bold, and have been around since the late 1990s. The Cadillac Escalade recently went through a metamorphosis for the 2015 model year, but it's likely to keep its reputation as a favorite of the movie and music industries.

As luxury brand Cadillac has evolved in recent years, its cars have taken on a decidedly continental flair. Trim, svelte and able to keep up with the cars from European brands.

But the biggest Cadillac remains unapologetically all-American in size and purpose: the Escalade SUV.

It's all-new for the 2015 model year, and boasts new styling and new improvements in things like quietness and ride quality.

Not much of a secret. The Escalade shares much of its basic body and hardware with General Motors' other full-size SUV's like the Chevrolet Tahoe.

And that's always been the case. The Escalade debuted back in 1998 as a barely-disguised version of lesser General Motors vehicles. But the Escalade evolved, and caught the eye and attention of the entertainment industry.

The 'Sclade, as it became known, had on-screen cred. This fourth-generation example carries the Escalade torch into a more modern era.

Big power, for sure, 6.2 liters of V8. Many buyers actually do use their Escalades for towing. And when the engine doesn't need to be under full power, cylinder de-activation helps save at least a little bit of fuel.

When the Escalade first came along in the late 1990s, the interior, while nice, didn't look that much different from other full-size GM SUVs or even the most basic Chevrolet pickup.

But, the new Escalade has an interior that resembles that of other Cadillac models.