After I sold my 2014 Range Rover Sport HSE back to the dealer, I placed an order for a 2015i Escalade Premium 4WD (had a 2007 and 2010-an Slade fan here). Months passed by and the dealer cannot tell me when this Escalade will be delivered. I never even consider a GL because I used to have a 2007 GL450 and I did not like it (lots of creaks and stiff ride).

One day I decided to drive this 2015 GL550. I was completely surprised that its much much better than my previous GL. The ride is extremely good and its very quiet. I immediately called my Cadillac dealer to know whats the latest with my order and they still cannot give me a solid answer. Needless to say I went home with this Designo diamond white GL550 (I only want white) with open pore wood. I'm glad I test drove this new GL550.

I am not going to mention all the good things about this SUV as you probably all know that. Truly feels like a car to drive. I have a few little things to mention though.

1. This GL550 doesn't have the ECO mode as described on 2015 GLs although the manuals says it has ECO mode. Do any of you GL550 owners have that ECO mode?

2. Whenever I used the wiper, I can feel the pulse on the gas pedal when the wiper change direction. Feels odd and disconcerting as the gas pedal is the one that links my brain to the speed.

3. It has no manual M mode for keeping the transmission gear. There's paddle shifters but after I shift down (ie. from Auto D7 to manual M5), it automatically goes back to Auto D7 after about 10 seconds. I wonder how can I hold it to lower gears when I'm going a long stretch uphill.

Ok maybe I'm just nitpicking here but I will appreciate all your thought. This vehicle is far better than the Range Rover Sport and Escalade in my opinion. Thanks.

 

Opps I forgot the picture. Here it is.

 

They must have changed the trans algorithms on the 2015. My 2013 will stay in whatever lower gear I choose with the left paddle, unless I stomp on it and it upshifts. My wife's RS350 F Sport does the same thing as yours - unless you move the stick over to manual, it goes back to D in a few seconds.

Check to see if it has the feature where you pull back and hold the left paddle while driving - it should put the car in the best gear for max acceleration. Fun for getting ready to pass! Great looking GL by the way. Congrats!

 

Same here, I can drive around all day in first after pulling the paddle. Doesn't shift up automatically.

 

Initially, they have the plan to add eco on all models except the 350. But only 450 and GL63 actually got the eco function.
Mine is also designo diamond white. Looks great under sun light. I'm surprise your 550 doesn't come with Distronic Plus...

 

Thanks guys. Now it makes me think there's a problem with this paddle shift gear holding. I just don't want to stay in auto D7 while going uphill at high speed. I can live without the ECO mode but I don't understand why they skipped that on GL550.
Yeah this one doesn't have Distronic. There's one on the lot at the time but it's black. I only want the color white.

 

Not trying to be a smart a.. here but are you using the left paddle on the steering wheel??

 

If so, I have the same problem on my 2015 GL450. Tested it today, and returns to auto mode after about 10 seconds, like yours.

 

my 2014 GL550 does as well

 

my 2013 GL450 stays in gear after i downshift.
usually on the surface streets, i'll dnshift and it goes to D4...then i keep it there until i hop on the fwy.
PL

 

congrats on ur new ride...

 

Seemed like starting MY 2014 they changed the way paddle shifter holds the gear. I'm going Vegas next week and we shall see how how this will behave in the Cajon Pass. Maybe they have a sensor that detects if the vehicle is going uphill, which will hold the gears to M6 or M5.

 

2013 450...... same here!

 

I have a 2014 GL450 and mine switches back to auto after a few seconds or when it needs to. I think its called semi-manual mode. I remember reading it in the manual somewhere when I first got the truck