2005 Cadillac Escalade
 By  Sam Moses
$57,935 to
$69,305

Meridian 341
 By Time Banse
from
$241,676

Luxury doesn't get much bigger than this.
In the old days nothing said big money like a Cadillac. Well, those days are back by the truckload. A Cadillac Escalade can often be seen around big money. Indeed, from its intimidating size to its sharp, chiseled styling to its massive grille, it makes a strong statement. And it backs that statement up with the Cadillac traditions of big horsepower and the very latest GM technology.

The Escalade nameplate includes three dramatically different though distinctly similar models: The standard Escalade is a full-size sport utility, the same size as the Chevy Tahoe. The Escalade ESV is a Suburban-sized model. The Escalade EXT is Cadillac's interpretation of the Chevy Avalanche, a brilliantly executed sport utility truck that quickly converts from a pickup with an eight-foot bed to a five-passenger luxury vehicle. All three feature a high-performance 6.0-liter V8 and all-wheel drive.

Built on GM's superb full-size truck platform, the Escalade, ESV, and EXT are fine trucks and make excellent tow vehicles. At the same time, they're roomy, luxuriously appointed vehicles that can haul family or friends or business associates in comfort. The 6.0-liter V8 supplies serious power for quick acceleration when needed along with strong torque for towing. On the road, all three Escalades are smooth and stable, nicer in ride than a Tahoe or Suburban but taut and well-controlled by full-size SUV standards for surprisingly good handling.

Meridian: A roomy and maneuverable sedan bridge that the whole crew will love. It’s the smallest model in the builder’s line of nine boats, but like its larger siblings, the all-new Meridian 341 was designed for this mission: To make cruising more enjoyable with areas that are more livable. Functional spaces. More comfort. These are the qualities you’ll find on the latest sedan bridge from this popular American boat builder.

One of the most impressive features on the 341 is the bridge, which is roomier than some others in its competitive class. The builder achieved more usable space here by extending the bridge farther aft. As a result, there are seats for the skipper and a companion at the helm, plus a bench for up to five passengers at the rear. And because the bench is a wraparound-type, it makes it easier for guests to sit more naturally and face each other when talking. Another benefit of the extended bridge is the overhang it creates in the cockpit. This “roof” offers up better protection, so more passengers can use the cockpit in all types of conditions. Enclose the area with the optional canvas, turn on the soft-blue LED lights and you have a cozy, all-weather entertaining area.

The bridge is also an excellent place from which to run the 341. Sightlines are exceptional, as you would imagine, with enviable visibility in all directions. Thus, close- quarters maneuvering is significantly less stressful.

I tested the Meridian in Florida’s Biscayne Bay. With two 320-hp MerCruiser gasoline inboards as propulsion, the boat accelerated fairly well for its size. Elapsed time from zero to 30 mph was about 24 seconds. Top speed was respectable: 32 mph. I put the boat into a series of tight, 360-degree turns at speed.  .........More>>>>