2014 Cadillac ELR: A Luxury Hybrid That Deserves a Second Look

Where did Cadillac come up with such an idea as a luxury hybrid vehicle?  Simple stated they took it from the failed Chevy Volt model and turned it into a luxury car.  The 2014 Cadillac ELR is not a car for the faint of heart or the penny pinchers when it comes to price, but as far as an actual gas/electric hybrid with real Cadillac style, this is it.

Offering suspension and traction upgrades to handle driving in tight corners, the ELR has also been equipped with noise dampening components to allow the driver a much quieter ride out on the open road.  By adding these features to the ELR, with the same engine and power train the Chevy Volt had, the ELR is easier to steer and much quieter inside for the driving enjoyment of all, drivers and passengers.

The really interesting part is the gas/electric engine powering this fine machine.  The 2014 Cadillac ELR is operated by a 1.4liter gas powered generator, a 16.5 kWh lithium ion battery pack, and a 154 kW electric motor.  This unique engine setup offers the driver 207 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque showing off with a 31 city/35 hwy mpg, huge numbers for a luxury sedan.

On the inside is exactly what is expected from Cadillac, excellent upgrades in tech with the infotainment system and a perfectly purposed center stack.  It’s something you’d hope to find when searching for used cars in Indianapolis or anywhere in the country. The interior can be adorned with leather or real carbon fiber depending on the taste of the owner.

On the outside, the ELR offers sleek long lines, a swooping hood, a Cadillac angry grill, uniquely designed slit eye headlights and when trimmed out in chrome accents, the exterior screams at the driver to take the ELR out for a spin.  The 20-inch mag wheels add to the picture that shows off with style and a little class.

Some of the standard features offered on the 2014 Cadillac ELR include dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, a backup camera, a Bose 10-speaker audio system, touch-screen navigation, front and rear proximity sensors, eight airbags, a forward-collision warning system, and OnStar assistance systems, quite a menu just for standard features, but it is a Cadillac after all.

Add to the standard features with some optional equipment to add automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and an adaptive cruise control system which will keep the ELR at the same distance from the car ahead throughout the drive.

The old saying of “go big or go home” rings true when looking to purchase the 2014 Cadillac ELR, the starting price for the ELR is $76,000.  Even with that price though, the ELR is generously equipped with all the standard features listed plus more.  To ease the pain of such a high price tag, an owner can feel a little better knowing the ELR does offer a $7,500 federal tax credit when coupled with the price brings it down in the mid $60,000 ranges.

Overall the 2014 Cadillac ELR is a beautiful vehicle, offering Cadillac style and grace with the innovations of a gas/electric hybrid engine capable of a nice gas savings to the owner.  With great handling and noise reduction equipment the ELR is a joy to drive in the city or out on the open road.