The New GMT900s (from the perspective of GMT800)

Mr. Lutz's confidence, at a time when fuel prices are a talking point, is also understandable given a relative analysis of the segment. Chevrolet's Tahoe has always been segment-competitive (and often, the leader) in fuel efficiency, lacking only that it is not flanked in the showrooms by a perceivably pious, Prius-type vehicle.

Regardless of what the media might have us believe, these full-size vehicles continue to be relevant in today's marketplace - and, with the changes instituted from GMT800 to GMT900, more so than ever.

For pulling a boat with up to eight passengers and their cargo, additionally, in tow, these will be hard to beat.

As Buick-Pontiac-GMC General Manager John Larson puts it, "we believe very strongly that the full-size utility segment offers capability and functionality that you just can't get in any other segment."

Indeed. A hefty dose of outward attitude, belied by more luxury and livability within, will not hurt, either.

That black does WORLDS to clean up the messy details of the Escalade, especially the lower vents and fogs which really bugged me on the silver one. I'm interested to see what it looks like in different colours.