Cadillac ELR

Overview: Is the Cadillac ELR a good luxury plug-in hybrid coupe?

The Cadillac ELR is an excellent choice for customers looking for a compact coupe that combines a luxurious, comfortable cabin with bold exterior styling. Thanks to its plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Cadillac ELR offers electric-only driving for around 40 miles, with the gasoline engine kicking in once the compact coupe runs out of electric juice.

However, passengers may find the rear seats too cramped and the cargo space underwhelming. Moreover, the performance aspect of the Cadillac ELR is quite questionable, and so is the responsiveness of its CUE infotainment. Furthermore, consumers may find it difficult to justify the Cadillac ELR’s high base price.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for a used Cadillac ELR for sale.

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Related: How Long Do Cadillacs Last? What To Know About Lifespan

Key Features

The Cadillac ELR offers:

• A plug-in hybrid powertrain combining an electric motor and a 1.4-liter gasoline engine
• An electric-only range of around 40 miles, with a Cadillac ELR range of 340 miles
• Regenerative braking that helps recharge the battery during braking
• A 10-speaker Bose premium audio system
• A dual-zone automatic climate control
• Magnetic Ride Control that adjusts to road conditions in real-time

Trims

For the 2016 model year, the Cadillac ELR is available in only one trim.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Cadillac ELR interior offers a luxury haven crafted for comfort. Cadillac designed the compact coupe to deliver a smooth and composed ride, absorbing most imperfections on the road. Front occupants benefit from comfortable and supportive seats. Rear occupants may find their space still luxurious but quite cramped.

Cadillac provides its own CUE infotainment system, which features an eight-inch touchscreen, navigation, and smartphone integration. Other technological features of the Cadillac ELR are a premium Bose audio system, a horde of driver assistance systems (including lane departure warning and a rearview camera), and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

Due to its coupe design and the location of its battery pack, the Cadillac ELR offers just 10.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Its interior storage is also quite limited.

How It Drives

The Cadillac ELR's plug-in hybrid powertrain, borrowed from the Chevrolet Volt, delivers 233 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. It can drive up to around 40 miles on electric power, with the engine kicking in to extend the distance by 300 miles. The Cadillac ELR's 0-60 mph time is 7.8 seconds, while its top speed is 106 mph. Interestingly, some mistake the Cadillac ELR for an EV.

Driving is smooth and quiet, and the Cadillac ELR offers adequate acceleration when needed. It doesn’t focus on agility, but it is balanced and stable. The Cadillac ELR's mpg is estimated at 33 miles per gallon in gasoline-only mode.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have not crash-tested the Cadillac ELR. While the luxury compact coupe has no safety ratings, it boasts many standard and available safety-related systems.

Reviews

Cadillac ELR review from consumers at Edmunds gave the 2016 models a perfect rating of 5/5 stars. They cited the Cadillac ELR’s impeccable blend of ample power, impressive handling, plentiful high-end features, incredible mileage, luxurious and gorgeous cabin, comfortable ride, and stylish exterior. Reviews also found this Cadillac quite reliable but suffers from a few problems and issues.

Learn more: Do Cadillacs Hold Their Value? What To Know About Resale & Depreciation

Cadillac ELR FAQs

When was the Cadillac ELR discontinued?

The Cadillac ELR was discontinued after the 2016 model year. The new Cadillac ELR was only for the 2014 and 2016 models, as Cadillac skipped the 2015 model year. Cadillac found the coupe challenging to sell, mainly because the high Cadillac ELR price discourages buyers.

How much does it cost to replace the battery in a Cadillac ELR?

The average cost to replace the Cadillac ELR's battery is just under $10,000. Labor costs are pegged at between $475 and $599. Used Cadillac ELR models typically need battery replacement. Overall, the Cadillac ELR isn’t costly to maintain, although repairs could be expensive.

What is the Cadillac ELR performance package?

The Performance Package for the Cadillac ELR includes 20-inch sport alloy wheels, summer-only performance tires, Brembo brakes, sport-tuned suspension and steering, and a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel.

Is the Cadillac ELR fully electric?

No, the Cadillac ELR plug-in hybrid isn’t fully electric or an EV. However, it can operate in full-electric mode for around 40 miles.

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