The first batch of production Cadillac ELRs are on their way to the dealerships, just in time for the Holiday season, so you can ring in the New Year with a green luxury car in hope to have a low-emission year. Caddy just couldn’t resist using the Santa Claus cliché, and you know, it’s actually rather nice.  

The ELR marks the return of Cadillac production at Detroit-Hamtramck after a two-year hiatus. Employees last built the Cadillac DTS large sedan from 2006 to 2011. It is currently the most technologically-advanced car Cadillac produces. Well, it’s a Chevy Volt underneath and Cadillac just bolts on their own body and interior, but still.

Cadillac ELR Extended Range Electric Vehicle featuring an electric motor that provides the propulsion, and a small gasoline engine that acts as a generator for that motor, topping up its batteries when they get low on juice. This way the electric car can cover a distance of 300 miles (480 km) using a tiny bit of fuel and emitting a negligible amount of CO2.

The ELR’s battery is a T-shaped, 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It is located along the centerline of the vehicle, between the front and rear wheels for optimal weight distribution. The 5.5-foot-long (1.6 m), 435-pound (198 kg) pack supplies energy to an advanced electric drive unit capable of 295 lb.-ft. of instant torque (400 Nm) to propel the vehicle. Using only the energy stored in the battery, the ELR will deliver a GM-estimated range of about 35 miles (56 km) of pure electric driving, depending on terrain, driving techniques and temperature.

Cadillac ELR’s 2+2 layout features a blend of carefully selected materials, including available carbon fiber and ultra-premium Opus semi-aniline leather seating. It is nothing short of a top of the line luxury coupe inside.