The 2014 Cadillac ELR takes the range-extending electric car formula from GM's successful Chevrolet Volt and applies it to a gorgeous new luxury coupe design, creating in the process the sexiest EV yet.
10/11/13 Update: Pricing announced at $75,000 ($20,000 more than originally reported).
With a design closely based on the Cadillac Converj Concept we've been seeing on the auto show circuit for years, you would be forgiven for thinking at a glance that Cadillac's newest was the promised coupe version of the 2013 ATS sport sedan. The compact 2+2 coupe is in actuality in essence a much better looking version of the Volt, using the same Voltronic powertrain.
Powertrain: 35-mile EV Range, Sporty Response
That means a powerful 295 lb-ft. torque electric motor and 16.5 kW-h lithium ion battery pack, good for around 35 miles of combined city/highway driving without dipping into the gas tank. Recharging will take around 4.5 hours using a 240-volt home high-speed charger.
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Once that range is exhausted, the ELR uses a 1.4-liter gasoline engine predominately as a generator, with total system output measuring 207 horsepower. Combined range is around 300 miles, and we expect the ELR to achieve at least 100 MPGe on EPA cycles, making it the most efficient luxury car on the market.
One trick new feature is a new Regen on Demand mode, which allows the driver to convert inertia into power to charge the batteries via a paddle on the steering wheel. Coasting toward a red light? Use that energy to charge the ELR's batteries for even longer EV-only cruising.
The ELR's interior design is cohesive and opulent, with leather seating surfaces and Cadillac's new CUE with Navigation voice and touchscreen-based infotainment system coming as standard equipment, along with a Bose 10-channel premium audio system.
2014 Cadillac ELR Pricing and Availability
As for pricing, we expect the ELR will start at around $50,000-$55,000 when it goes on sale nationwide in very early 2014. The car will be eligible for the full $7,500 Federal electric car tax credit as well as State incentives, and will qualify for solo access to California HOV lanes.