Cadillac ELR brings style, luxury to plug in hybrids

By Samuel McEachern

General Motors unveiled the 2014 Cadillac ELR Jan. 15 at the North American International Auto Show.

The luxury coupe, which is also an extended range EV, will be available in Canada. It is based off of the Chevrolet Volt. A luxury plug-in hybrid from GM was first seen in 2009 as the Converj concept, but it has since gone through some minor changes and now, in ELR form, it looks more like a production car.

The ELR has many modern Cadillac styling cues. Closely resembling the CTS Coupe, it does not look like a hybrid vehicle. It has a 0.305 coefficient of drag, the same as a Prius, but with sleeker, sharper bodylines. Every light on the ELR is an LED.

“The exterior and interior are exquisite, true luxury.” Said Tony Faria, Professor of Automotive Marketing at the University of Windsor “Looks much like the Converj concept from a few years ago that achieved a lot of attention.”

The ELR has the same powertrain as the Volt, however it weighs 305 pounds more due to additional features like Cadillac’s CUE system. That means it has the same 1.4 litre gasoline engine that helps recharge the battery. The car is powered only by electricity, the gasoline engine plays no part in moving the vehicle. You will get a full electric range of 35 miles as opposed to the Volts 50. With your foot planted firmly to the floor, the electric motor and 16.5 kWh lithium ion battery pack are good for 207 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

“The engine wont get as much pure electric range or combined range as the volt Because of the greater weight if the ELR and lesser aerodynamics,” said Faria

The interior is a subtle yet luxurious combination of leather, suede and aluminum. A higher than usual centre console accommodates the large lithium ion battery pack. Within the dash is Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system.

It is anticipated that the ELR will appeal to a younger crowd. Cadillac is known for having an older demographic, however the new technology and futuristic exterior and interior may attract younger buyers.

Although GM has yet to announce official pricing, Faria said that it will likely be in a higher pricing bracket.

“Prices are expected to be high as this vehicle will be assembled in small numbers for a limited period of time and GM will be able to sell what they plan to build at $65,000 or higher price.”