Cadillac released the official prices and specs of the 2014 ELR ahead of its January launch. The luxury electric-powered coupe has a starting price of $75,995, including a $995 destination charge. You may or may not get $7,500 back from the government, depending on individual tax liability.
As it is, and at $75K, the 2014 Cadillac ELR is more expensive than a four-door Tesla Model S. The ELR is of course powered by Volt’s powertrain consisting of a range-extending 1.4L gasoline-powered electric generator with a T-shaped, 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, providing a total driving range in excess of 300 miles, equating to 82 MPGe.
The ELR also offers different driving modes, including default Tour mode, the more-responsive Sport mode, a Mountain mode that maintains charge in hilly terrain and Hold mode, which allows drivers to select when to use battery power or the gas-powered generator. What really set it apart though is the unique design and the standard technology features.
Caddy ELR comes as standard with Cadillac CUE with Navigation accessible through a large, eight-inch, full-color capacitive-touch screen, light-emitting diode, or LED, front and rear exterior lighting, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, the Safety Alert Seat and the exclusive Regen on Demand feature.
Something is wrong with GM’s calculations here regarding the ELR’s pricing. Those who buy electric cars are generally interested in economy and efficiency rather than style and luxury. So they are going to get the much cheaper Chevy Volt. And those who do have a concept of style are going to get the Tesla.
