Interesting... the ELR being reviewed appears to be exactly like the one I own, same colors (exterior/interior) and options. I agree with the observation about the ride roughness on poor surface streets (not what you would expect of a luxury car) but I blame the 20" wheels, not the suspension. Also, the stock tires would be pretty hard now (four years after manufacture). Regarding the back seats... I've owned grand touring 2+2s almost my entire driving career. The back seats in GTs are always a bad joke, suitable only for groceries, pets and people you don't like very much. If you want comfy back seats, buy a sedan or SUV. Something significant about these cars that's not mentioned in this review: I can use my ELR for a go-anywhere, anytime real-world road trip. A few months ago I drove from Houston to Baltimore (1,500 miles one-way), alone. I drove 300 miles, filled the gas tank in 5 minutes and then kept driving until *I* was so fatigued I couldn't drive any more (10-12 hours per stretch)... the car was fine. I picked a route based on weather conditions and where I wanted to go. If that sounds unremarkable, well, that's the point. Contrast that to a Tesla with real-world range between 150-200 miles and a 75 minute recharge (at a Tesla Supercharger station, an hour + detour in some not-so-nice parts of town), or a 9.5 hour recharge (240 v) or 52 hours (120 v) For me the ELR is an acceptable compromise where I get adequate performance, very good economy, sybaritic luxury in a package that still gets long looks on the street, 9 years after the car was designed. Yes, I am an ELR fan. Unlike the detractors, I voted with my wallet... twice. I lost my first ELR to flooding in hurricane Harvey. I had originally allocated the insurance money to assist with the rebuild of my house, but I found I missed the ELR so much that I picked up a replacement four months later. First time I've ever felt that way about a vehicle. Suggestion: Check out what a low mileage ELR will cost you now (hint, about $30k) and then reconsider the review. Amazing how he blew past two of the major points of an electric car -- no noise, no vibration -- and then toss in the looks, the astonishing interior, the around-town performance, the ability to go more than 2,000 miles between gas stops with daily commutes (really... that's how many miles its been since the last time I filled up my ELR) and the ability to road-trip 300 miles before you start looking for a gas station... a low-mileage used ELR is quite a bargain.
Thanks for your thoughts. The love for ELR is greater in the enthusiast (2nd hand market), than in the new car buyer/leaser market. As is the case with cars in general. I will say the ELR could be quite a "collectible" in years to come, due to it's rarity & unique qualities. Enjoy!
My wife bought a new 2016 late, it was so discounted, but had only like 2 mi on the odometer, $51k after the rebate. Might been $50. (Mrs says ELR's the prettiest Cadillac ever made, any of it, any year)
& when you compare it's Total Cost which includes fuel cost, about 2 cents per mile, on home charged electric, to pretty much anything, it's almost free to choose it. We still have it & will choose it alot.
Hi - Good review, but I would like to correct you on a few items. The power seats are standard - the $2500 seat upgrade option added Kona leather, adjustable side bolsters, and a 2 position thigh support. The car you were driving did not have full range adaptive cruise control, as the front crest on the grill has a decal in front of the radar sensor - your car had an embossed crest. The suspension and steering components are totally different than the Volt - not a trailing arm unit in the rear. Link: gmauthority.com/blog/2013/06/a-look-at-the-2014-cadillac-elr-suspension-system/ Part of the reason the car seemed loud to me, were the OEM tires on the vehicle - odds are pretty good that they are loud - and that noise is being transmitted to the cabin. Still a great value for a used car. Thanks!
Thanks for pointing those things out. I did realize the seats, when I showed the original sticker from the glove box that showed just two options. The adaptive cruise & the suspension differences... I just simply assumed. I did notice it drove smoother than the low-profile wheels & tires would suggest. The "new GM" under Mary Barra (arguably GM's best CEO ever) & with the success of Bolt EV have very progressive plans to expand pure EV's across the whole range.
Oh wow just order my 1st ELR same color red but with Black Interior can't wait to receive I'm 5 more day 🙌 😀
Interesting... the ELR being reviewed appears to be exactly like the one I own, same colors (exterior/interior) and options.
I agree with the observation about the ride roughness on poor surface streets (not what you would expect of a luxury car) but I blame the 20" wheels, not the suspension. Also, the stock tires would be pretty hard now (four years after manufacture).
Regarding the back seats... I've owned grand touring 2+2s almost my entire driving career. The back seats in GTs are always a bad joke, suitable only for groceries, pets and people you don't like very much. If you want comfy back seats, buy a sedan or SUV.
Something significant about these cars that's not mentioned in this review: I can use my ELR for a go-anywhere, anytime real-world road trip. A few months ago I drove from Houston to Baltimore (1,500 miles one-way), alone. I drove 300 miles, filled the gas tank in 5 minutes and then kept driving until *I* was so fatigued I couldn't drive any more (10-12 hours per stretch)... the car was fine. I picked a route based on weather conditions and where I wanted to go. If that sounds unremarkable, well, that's the point. Contrast that to a Tesla with real-world range between 150-200 miles and a 75 minute recharge (at a Tesla Supercharger station, an hour + detour in some not-so-nice parts of town), or a 9.5 hour recharge (240 v) or 52 hours (120 v)
For me the ELR is an acceptable compromise where I get adequate performance, very good economy, sybaritic luxury in a package that still gets long looks on the street, 9 years after the car was designed.
Yes, I am an ELR fan. Unlike the detractors, I voted with my wallet... twice. I lost my first ELR to flooding in hurricane Harvey. I had originally allocated the insurance money to assist with the rebuild of my house, but I found I missed the ELR so much that I picked up a replacement four months later. First time I've ever felt that way about a vehicle.
Suggestion: Check out what a low mileage ELR will cost you now (hint, about $30k) and then reconsider the review. Amazing how he blew past two of the major points of an electric car -- no noise, no vibration -- and then toss in the looks, the astonishing interior, the around-town performance, the ability to go more than 2,000 miles between gas stops with daily commutes (really... that's how many miles its been since the last time I filled up my ELR) and the ability to road-trip 300 miles before you start looking for a gas station... a low-mileage used ELR is quite a bargain.
Thanks for your thoughts. The love for ELR is greater in the enthusiast (2nd hand market), than in the new car buyer/leaser market. As is the case with cars in general. I will say the ELR could be quite a "collectible" in years to come, due to it's rarity & unique qualities. Enjoy!
Thank you for this very insightful comment! I might just buy one!
Thank you for the most thorough and least unbiased review on this car out there!
My wife bought a new 2016 late, it was so discounted, but had only like 2 mi on the odometer, $51k after the rebate. Might been $50. (Mrs says ELR's the prettiest Cadillac ever made, any of it, any year)
& when you compare it's Total Cost which includes fuel cost, about 2 cents per mile, on home charged electric, to pretty much anything, it's almost free to choose it. We still have it & will choose it alot.
Absolutely beautiful car but I love my pipes in the back
I drove this car and then I found out it was $80,000. I still dream of this car and I will have one.
It’s $20k now
Sticks never fail smart
Hi - Good review, but I would like to correct you on a few items. The power seats are standard - the $2500 seat upgrade option added Kona leather, adjustable side bolsters, and a 2 position thigh support. The car you were driving did not have full range adaptive cruise control, as the front crest on the grill has a decal in front of the radar sensor - your car had an embossed crest. The suspension and steering components are totally different than the Volt - not a trailing arm unit in the rear. Link: gmauthority.com/blog/2013/06/a-look-at-the-2014-cadillac-elr-suspension-system/
Part of the reason the car seemed loud to me, were the OEM tires on the vehicle - odds are pretty good that they are loud - and that noise is being transmitted to the cabin. Still a great value for a used car. Thanks!
Thanks for pointing those things out. I did realize the seats, when I showed the original sticker from the glove box that showed just two options. The adaptive cruise & the suspension differences... I just simply assumed. I did notice it drove smoother than the low-profile wheels & tires would suggest.
The "new GM" under Mary Barra (arguably GM's best CEO ever) & with the success of Bolt EV have very progressive plans to expand pure EV's across the whole range.
I haven't driven this car but I love the styling and the fact it's a PHEV. It was vastly overpriced, but that was true then for all Cadillacs. IMO