Big, luxury SUVs, like this week’s Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum, seem destined to preen handsomely on a well-paved boulevard or perhaps in the valet lineup at the Ritz Carlton. But our raffish rascal arrived for testing on a lovely afternoon and seemed to beg to be taken to the beach. Of course we had to oblige and quickly donned beachwear along with a brush to whisk unwanted sand away. After all, this is a luxury SUV, not a Wrangler with rubber floor covering and a drain plug.

When we arrived at the beach entrance to Amelia Island State Park, we were greeted by a nice chap leaving the sand in a rather rugged RAM 4 X 4. He looked over our splendid Cadillac and cautioned that we should reconsider furthering our journey since the Spring sand was deep and soft and even rugged truckers had their hands full. I replied that I’d take his warning under advisement.

There was a moment that I was concerned about our sinking this 3-ton rascal up to its cleverly-hidden running boards in sand. Earlier, I was almost defeated in my attempt to simply open the glove box to check for paperwork. It was only after a thorough search through digital menus on the 55-inch curved screen that I discovered an “open” button icon. What if the four-wheel-drive system had also become an arduous software scheme?

We were in luck! I discovered a neat row of switches above my left knee that offered choices that included four-wheel low. I engaged it along with another button that raised the air-controlled suspension. Now we had everything we could wish for to tackle the deep sand, except perhaps knobby tires and I doubt if they’re offered for the Escalade’s 24-inch alloy wheels.

Our journey down the sand to a nice shoreline spot for photos was completely without drama. The gaggle of fishermen that populate our beaches expressed curiosity as we stoically moved along since I’m sure they rarely encounter six-figure Cadillacs in the beachcomber wild. But we steadfastly proved that there’s real truck substance beneath all that luxurious exterior.

Of course the robust Escalade is quite comfortable on paved roads, propelled by its smooth 6.2-liter V8 that makes 420 HP along with 460 lb-ft of torque, enough to tow a reasonable trailer in style. We didn’t have to tow living accommodations along since our Cadillac was optioned with the Executive Second Row Seating, a $7,500 package that added rear video screens and folding picnic tables along with fully adjustable heated and ventilated seating. Did I mention the console refrigerator to keep the Champagne chilled?

Up front, the driver and passenger face a robust, curved screen with digital features that will keep you busy just learning all the command possibilities. Welcome to 21st Century car ownership. But underneath all the upscale glamour, there’s real off-road credibility. And that’s a welcome attribute when our weather gets a bit wild, or you just want to hit the beach. Rivals include Lincoln’s Navigator, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Lexus LX 600 among others.