2014 Cadillac ELR: The Good, Bad & Beautiful Review in TFL 4K
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- čas přidán 5. 07. 2014
- ( www.TFLcar.com ) The 2014 Cadillac ELR is an electric sexy new age ride for the those who like luxury and new tech. With a electric motor and a battery that will power the ELR for us to 38 mile on a single charge the ELR is an electric vehicle. But the Baddy also has as an gas engine that extends the battery's charge like the Chevy Volt on which it is base. Check out this TFLcar review after Roman spends a week behind the wheel of the ELR.
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My 2014 Cadillac ELR is hands down the most exceptional car I've ever owned! It totally blows all of the Teslas away in styling, luxury, quality, reliability and driving range. You'll pay much more for a Tesla and get much, much less - including much less driving range. Though the EPA rated electric driving range for the 2014 ELR is 37 miles - with a skilled driver behind the wheel it is easy to get up to 48 miles on a full charge. Over 98% of the daily driving I do around my local area is well under 48 miles - meaning that I get to make all of those trips solely on the car's battery power, where I get 250 mpg equivalent. Under those circumstances, the ELR will perform in 100% battery-powered driving exactly as well as the far more expensive Tesla cars. But it is on the longer trips - especially long trips on a tight time schedule - where the ELR does what no Tesla or any other 100% battery-powered electric car can do. My recent trip to Cape Cod from the Hudson Valley New York Area clearly shows how - within tight time constraints - my ELR enabled me to stick to a time schedule that no Tesla could ever handle. On the day my wife and I left for the trip, I was able to make the 277.5 mile drive to Hyannis, MA without having to stop to re-charge the batteries and without having to stop to refill the small 9.3 gallon gas tank. We did make one stop for lunch on the drive out - but there were no battery-charging stations at the Diner where we had lunch, and I didn't need to recharge the batteries anyway. I made the trip to Hyannis well within the time schedule, driving 15.1 miles using power from the batteries and 262.5 miles using electric power from the on-board generator, consuming only 6.93 gallons of gas. We hit two traffic jams where I switched the gasoline generator off and crept along on battery power to conserve fuel. And when we arrived at our destination, I had averaged 40 miles per gallon overall, and still had 135 miles of available driving range remaining - with 95 miles of driving range left in the fuel tank and 35 miles of driving range available on the batteries. I could have easily driven another 120 miles with a 15-mile reserve. Or in another words - when I left my home with a full tank of gas and a full charge on the batteries - I could have driven up to 400 miles with a 12 mile reserve remaining - before I would need to add gas or re-charge the batteries. No Tesla and no other 100% battery-powered electric car can go 400 miles on a charge. In fact, it will take up to 10 years before we have battery-only electric cars that can drive 400 miles on a charge. In the meantime - the battery and gas-generator technology - as found in the Cadillac ELR and the Chevy Volt - is so much more practical for today’s current battery technology.
How is it working out?
I picked up one of these used at an incredibly good price and, although you are right about the cue system, the rest of the car is just flat-out amazing. It's got plenty of torque it is super smooth and it drives like no car I've ever driven. I love it.
Picked up one myself recently. Replacing my amazing Volt. Now it is even more amazing.
Interior is beautiful. I sat in one at the Cadillac dealer and it is probably the nicest American car I've ever sat in. If they would just lower the price and bump up the range the would definitely sell.
It’s 20k now!
Very nice review Roman. You were unbiased, you said it like it was and how you saw it. You were critical and that's nice to see. I like to see the negatives and positives.
ROMAN? Take a VACATION MAN! I can't believe all the video's from TFL. You guys are AMAZING.
His last point is exactly what I did. Bought an off-lease 2014 ELR with all the bells and whistles for less than $23,000.
I'm with you Emily. Bought my '14 ELR, Loaded like yours with Kona Leather, ACC, and Luxury Package, MSRP $82,135, for $22,800. However, Carmax still has the car until they get the smoke smell out of it...Both Day and Night Test Drives were awesome. Started out with 37EV Miles, drove 18, ended with 33EV Miles. Gotta love the ReGen Paddles...Hope to have it i the garage in 2 days. Good Luck with yours... JP
1. Electric range, actually, is considerably more than the EPA's 37 miles. I've been driving the car for a month now. I commute 46 miles to work and back and I've been able to cover almost the whole distance in EV mode, except for the last 1/2 mile when the gasoline engine kicks in. This equates to 45 miles per charge. My commute includes more than 2,000 vertical feet from Evergreen to Golden, CO . Going up I-70 depletes the battery faster than driving on flat terrain. City driving may even bring you closer to 50 miles per charge with conservative driving.
3. You can select between 8 amps & 12 amps charging options. Charging time at 12 amps on 110 V, in my garage, takes less than 12 hours from a completely depleted state. The battery is 16.5 kWh, but the usable part is only 12.5 kWh. GM has set the default at 8 amps and I need to change this to 12 amps before every plug-in. Very inconvenient. I wish there was an option to change the default amperage.
2. You can buy a brand new ELR these days for less than $50,000. GM has $20,000 incentive and dealers are discounting it additional $10,000 or so. After federal & state rebates, the price will drop to below $40,000.
Controls "space age?" Meaning what, like in my grandfather's 1969 Coupe DeVille? We don't have a manned space program now!
GM was wise to advertise 35-38 miles. With cautious driving you can get more out of the battery pack, 42 miles are common on a single charge.
i love the i8s profile, its long hood and flat surfaces remind me of the 8 series
I love Cadillacs. I would love to own one when I'm older
Are you 'older' now? I just bought this car, yes, I am old (63).
You don't swipe the bottom part to open the panel, you just tap it.
80K gets you a stick to hold open the hood and no sun roof, that's kinda a surprise... Yes I know those things add weight but come on....
Thanks for the comment. On the plus side the hood is made of aluminum to save even more weight.
funny my 02 Accord has 2 hood struts, but then again doesnt really have any fancy features
I said the same thing also along with eco tires standard when they should have performance tires, trunk hinges intrude space and lack of power and torque but other than that, a beautiful car.
i love marco island! its so nice there
You never have to plug this thing in if left in mountain mode charging in idle via gas engine... fully charges in 45 minutes without ever plugging in vs tesla you must plug it in. lol
Good video Roman, beautiful car but for 80,000 $ I'd wonder off and buy a C7. Keep up the good work.
I wonder if the '16 ELR has a better brake feel
CarMax has them now for 25 to 30 grand, so he’s right, Buy it second hand.
Was it just me or was the Check Engine Light on? either way I still love the ELR.
how about the comparison between the honda accord hybrid plugin ?
Check out the size of the gap in the plastic on the side of the center console at 6:30
I think the next generation should have a longer range and more power. Start off with a 1.2t I3 (VVT, SIDI, IVVL, and VTM) that has 150HP and 160-175LB-FT, add in the Voltec Technology (250HP and 330-350LB-FT), and stick on a solar roof and mirrors for added range. 65 all electric miles while achieving 100mpge and 350 generated miles getting 45mpg would be great.
You dont buy An ELR because you want to save money on gas, neither because you want to settle for your standard sports coupe. YOU BUY AN ELR BECAUSE YOU WANT A LUXURY COUPE THAT LOOKS GOOD amd throw in the electric to show your friends. This is a beautiful car, and the comfort and luxury overpases a Tesla by all means.
Exactly...
With only 3,000 ELRs sold, mostly due to ultra super high MSRP, the upgraded Volt is a rare sight. Cadillac must have lost a fortune. Yet, most owners love this car. Go electric!!!
So strange to see you without sunglasses xD
BTW, if you want to compare it to something, the only similar vehicle I can think is the BMW i8. That would be a nice head to head to review :)
This car is pure crackpipe for $80K plus, but the good news is you can lease these super cheap for something like $500-$600 a month which is not bad. I don't trust Cadillac's or GM's quality, especially at these prices. I literally just came back from the dealership by me where a brand new XTS on the lot somehow was locked but one back door was not but the alarm was still on. How is that possible? If you are actually going to spend $80K on an EV and you don't buy a Tesla, you are a fool.
I wouldn't trust tesla either. I've read on tesla forums some common problems like peeling paint and the navigation system malfunctioning. With cars being produced as fast as they are today their are going to be problems no matter who the manufacturer is.
Chris Sutera Wouldn't buy either, I would at least consider leasing the ELR for $500 though. There are no excuses for problems with $80K plus cars, period.
venom5809 agreed
venom5809 there are no excuses for ~$20k plus cars (with defects/problems).
i wouldn't trust any car at all to take me somehwere, i have my rollerblades for that
loooool dexter's Boat at 1:09
There are dealers advertising new ones for $46k before incentives. So with some negotiation and tax credits you are looking at mid $30's which is probably a good deal for the quality.
The interior is good. However, for $80,000 it should also be RWD or AWD and have a V8, and have some design cues from the Elmiraj concept coupe from outside.
Like rechargeable batteries, you need 2. 1 for use while the other is charging.
Can't believe u where on Marco, I live in naples
An absolutely bloody beautiful colour, but the centre console looks like a 1990's hi-fi unit.
always wondered why US standard household voltage is so low compared to many European countries and also Australia (240v standard)
We in Europe were also 110v, but most countries changed to 220/240 just after WWII; when there were few electric driven appliances and not everyone had electricity. Problem in USA is you all had electric somethings; try making the change today; you would need a few politicos with courage. Good Luck with that.
I don't think you need to be lucky to find a 240v dryer outlet. You can install a charging post on your wall, there are several. From $395 like the Clipper Creek Charger (16amps) to between $600 - $1000 to some of the older or more powerful (think 32amps and 40amps) offerings.
"I feel special" - are you a Disney Princess?
If gm made a v6 rwd for 50k it would sell like hot candy. The looks are stunning on this car.
Jeremy Clarkson: This car is designed by a man who only has a ruler.
Love the bug guts.
needs a v8 and awd`
awd? why?
I just think for 80k it should be more powerful, I mean the ultimate performance tesla model s is not to far from this price.
It's more designed for fuel efficiency rather than all out performance. If I had $80k, I'd take a Tesla Mode S as well. However, with Cadillac ELR, you don't have the dreaded range anxiety that you have in most pure EVs. The Tesla Model S has the longest range of any EV, depending what battery pack you choose.
Billy Sou
Still, for $80k?! Just buy a Volt.
is it just me or is the aspect ratio off in tfl 4k vids? (black bars top and bottom and slightly stretched out)... Is 4k not supposed to be 16:9?
4K consumer displays are generally 16:9 (3840x2160), but the industry standard 4K for cinema is actually 1:89:1 (4096x2160). UHD is technically the correct term for the 3840x2160 displays, but I think that ship has sailed and all displays will be called 4K. So their camera is probably film standard 4K versus display standard UHD (hence the black lines). You should also know that there are also other aspect ratios built into the 4K spec, like cinemascope 4096 × 1716, 2.39:1.
No I think the car really is that elongated.
Looks better than the cts coupe.
I have a hard time hearing that you can pretty much not need gas because you can get to work and plug it in and then drive home, and then having that segue into an 18 hour charge time.
The public says no these Cadialcs are not moving off the dealers lots.
At 4:12 you can see the check engine light is on already indicating a problem.
As far as I know a check engine light is usually a problem with emissions. It could even be a gas cap thats not screwed on all the way.
Rtvoll
It could be a check yourself light ! If you paid 80K something must be broke !
It could also be that he was switching from electric to the engine. I don't know about the cars you drive but when starting an engine warning lights usually come on quickly
Sometimes the OBD system in some cars can be real sensitive.
Vettes are beautiful forsure.
I would say the XLR is the sharpest.
Hehehe ELR XLR Cadillac. 🏁🏁
the elr is kinda like a hybrid 2+2 roadster
Did he say 30 miles of range per charge?
This is the definition of "old people car"
A maintenance nightmare. No more Caddliacs for us !! Always in the repair shop ! Gm has really gone down the tubes the past 40 years.. Most cars have...
Clueless Luddite
If I were Clueless or a Luddite, I might buy a new Caddie.
As a volt owner, IMHO for twice the cash I'd expect half again more electric range and half again more power with a zero to 60 in the 6 second range. As nice as this car is it totally misses the mark in the drive department to warrant spend double vs a fully loaded volt. With less space and less range, the ELR is a 20k upgrade to the volt at best.
When I first heard of the ELR and saw pre-production pictures I thought it would be a Camaro based Cadillac, But now I know Its just a over kill Volt, And for $80k before rebates you can get a Tesla S85.
A Camaro based Caddy would have made more sense and be a million times better than this ELR. The only good thing about the ELR is the interior, but a Camaro based Caddy with the ELR's interior and the ZL1 power plant at $80,000 nicely equipped would be awesome.
I wouldn't pay more than $60k
The Tesla looks like its flowing in the wind when its sitting still.
make sure to servie that engine soon.
good figure. that's it. Nothing else really shines.
The cat is stunning. One of their best designs ever. If I had the money I'd buy it on looks even with the mediocre performance. Cheap rear suspension blows my mind for the money. I hear rumours of a possible V car. Too bad they crushed all the EVs. That wouldve made a fun mash up
Proportions make it look like a compact car. Not exactly,elegant
By the way am I the only car tester on CZcams that has pointed out the gas "generator" engine requires, get this, Premium 91 octane gas? In fact you CANNOT use standard unleaded at all! Puts a dent in the economy figures eh? Doing so will damage the motor and void the warranty. Wonder how many people driving an ELR know this??
"It doesn't bang you up when you hit potholes."
*thud*
:)
if you going to buy an expensive car, i don't think you are bothered about the gas mileage
For 80000$... You can buy a Tesla Model S for that money, it's just ridiculous!
Yeah buddy!
Tesla cost 100k
I think you might have some wrong information..
tesla with no options lsss range, longer charging times and no performance....
Even the basic Model S beats the ELR in performance as well as electric only range. In some states you can get a Model S with 85 kWh battery for 65 grand, I think that leaves a lot of room for extras. Even the better charger.
Ill go for the 2014 cts it looks alot better and is cheaper
Still looks like a giant red fly to me.
11:45 that's what she said..
😂
I have a Volt(love it) and am going to get an ELR as soon as they start to touch 31k.
They are there, reactor, between 31 and 32. I just sold my '12 Volt, with a plan to get a '13 Volt, but the '13 Volt seller reneged. Now I'm considering an ELR instead. But for the same reasons I wanted a '13 instead of '12 Volt (improved features), I want a '16 instead of '14 ELR. The '16s are still pricey, 10k higher than '14s, so I might have to wait.
Both ELR and Volt can't justify their lower efficiency than the Accord Plug-in and Fusion Energi when run on gas.
why can't other car companies make their cars look like this it looks like a concept vehicle but its not.
80thou I could get a amg c class and still have some left over..
The brakes are not linear and not progressive? I think you might have gotten your words mixed up, because linear and progressive are antonyms. Of course it is possible that the brakes are neither linear nor progressive, but that would make for a very choppy braking experience.
Basically a fancier Chevy Volt. Neither get a desirable distance on charge, but they're cool to drive. Definitely Tesla currently owns this market.
On a side note: was this video filmed in Marco Island? The Fast Lane Car
The most beautiful car GM builds? Well that sure is a sad statement
Technically interesting, but I really do not like the exterior looks (especially the front is ugly) and the interior, even though it may be nice with leather etc., has too much shiny plastic on the dashboard. Overall, it looks to me like a Honda Civic on steroids with a nicer interior, and definitely not like a $80K car. And I'd guess most people would say, if asked, that this car costs maybe $40K.
Utter shit for 80 G's.
A gussied up Volt or a model S? Yeah I think I'll choose model S over this for the same money.
Caddies just don't have a lot of headroom for the money.
I think it's a sexy car with a janky interior, and it should only be around $50,000. The body itself is gorgeous but the underpinnings just don't add up to 80 grand, IMHO.
But then I drive a $250 Escort.
It may look nice but the low end Model S from Tesla starts @ $69,900 (gets est. 208 mile range) that's 6 times the range for $10,000 less.
GM is the same company that killed off their fully leased fleet of the EV-1 electric vehicle and shot themselves in the foot.
So they have the design of the ELR down but what did they do with the technology they had from 2 decades ago? 20 years and a 30 mile range?
It not even an electric vehicle...its a $80,000 hybrid. Get a Prius for $25k.
GM is a shit company.
Good review though.
Everyone says that they would rather have a tesla first of all these will never run out of juice because of the engine when electricity runs out and lets be real the tesla looks hideous while this is absolutely stunning to look at
If the need for a gas drivetrain and range is a real concern, you would be better off with a Prius, a Honda Accord hybrid (+/- plugin), or for luxury, the Lexus CT200h. Of course, I am probably overlooking a number of other gas hybrids and plugin gas hybrids which still outdo the SLR's price and gas mileage.
The range is ridiculously short for $80k.
What exactly are you getting for your $80K? Don't get me wrong, it looks nice and it apparently rides and handles well, but how does GM justify charging this much? I just don't get it.
You can now get a 2014 ELR for around $30K...and yes, GM has axed the ELR.
why are they going for so cheap?
Production stopped 2/2016 would be my guess...
People didn't want them new... they fall until the market decides the value.
My question, is the car worth 32,000 used with 20,000 miles on it.
Depends on what you want, Jeff. The used market offers you basically whatever you desire at 1/2 off or better. Whether it's luxury, performance, styling or efficiency you seek, the used market has them all available from Audi to 370Z. Some might say the ELR has all those attributes. If the Caddy ELR makes you want it more than you want any other car out there between $5,000 and $40.000, then hell yeah, it's worth 32k for you to get it and, as Roman says in the review, feel special when you drive it. And to KNOW you're special 'cause you're smart enough to let someone else take the biggest part of the depreciation hit for you.
If you want a two seat coupe buy the ELR, if you want a five passenger missile, buy an Tesla. The most expensive Tesla I test drove cost 140K. You can buy a new ELR for as low as 50,500$. One of the reasons the ELR is so expensive is the fact that the Chevy Volt is actually an 80.000$ vehicle. No one in their right mind would buy an 80K Volt. In my option the ELR isn't worth 40K more than the Volt.
If I'm paying that much for a Cadillac I'm buying an Escalade.
tesla out of the question is the best
C'mon. You're Tops! experience unequal What's your opinion about that !!
For 80k I'll put a down payment on a house or buy a VIA Motors truck or a Tesla Model S. 50K for this car would be reasonable
At this price the Tesla beats it out the gate.
More expensive than an Escalade.
I had an ELR. The problem was the battery packs begin to deteriorate after 1 year. GM Says it was engineered for 40 miles on a full charge. I was actually getting 29.
It's NOT worth it.
Rtvoll you clearly haven't been in a Tesla
All the testers for the elr is trying to kiss gm's ass. With the price of two and a half Priuses, l wouldn't even give it a second glance. Speak the truth, guys.
The Tesla Model S and ELR ARE NOT direct competitors at all. If you want practicality for seating 6 people with cargo space, you get a Tesla and if you want pure luxury and looks but don't care for passenger space, but your wife or girlfriend, and cargo space, you buy the ELR. Apples to oranges here. The Tesla is nice but styling inside is horrible and exterior is nothing to gaze at. The styling looks like everyone else while the ELR does not look like anyone else and has a style all to itself. You will not mistake it being anyone else but a Cadillac.
The ELR is a luxury personal hybrid coupe and for $80,000, someone out there is buying or leasing it.
Lets face it, luxury cars does not make sense to have when you can buy a Chevy, Ford or Toyota that can do any of the things a luxury maker can do for a lot less money and can take you from point A to point B. The reason why people buy luxury cars is so they can feel special and have little exclusivity.
lol ELR takes 4 hours to charge not 12
Yes on 240 volts, but on 120volts (like the plug u use to plug in your laptop or phone, it's 10+ hours. Because the outlet can't power more than a hair dryer.
At 110 volts it would take about 12 hours to fully charge. Not at 220
yep and about 3 days to fully charge a 90KWh depleted Tesla at 110/120v. NEMA 14-50 is a good generic 220/240V plug to install in the garage, 40 amps 10KW. Plug a Turbocord or other EVSE to it.
1:00 Very few american cars? Try any cars... Every car look basically the same now.
I predict ELR will discontinue after 3-4 years of very slow sale.
boxsterviper nailed it.
Nice car but for$80000 I want to make it from New York to California on one fuckin charge or half way gee fuckin willickers I buy arent house instead
mid engine i was told
balmyard finds
The reggae music is waaaayyy offf
when i see this kind of car. i think why the goberments dont use it!! because they are the example of all us... and they should be the people who use it.. you know what i mena!!
I love Cadillacs, but ANY front wheel drive car for $80,000 is PURE CRACK PIPE.