Cadillac ELR - electric car at Chicago auto show

[JTsyo]

Tom's Hardware

Looks nice but at 200hp seems lacking. Tesla might have fewer luxury features but seems much more fun to drive. Though it seems GM is just trying to get the tech out there, this seems to be the luxury version of the Volt.

 

[Ryan]

Tom's Hardware

Looks nice but at 200hp seems lacking. Tesla might have fewer luxury features but seems much more fun to drive. Though it seems GM is just trying to get the tech out there, this seems to be the luxury version of the Volt.

That has been the whole point....GM wants to spread the Voltec drivetrain out across more cars to make up for the initial investment of the technology. It was always intended up be a slightly more sporty/luxury take of their BHEV technology.

This car was never intended to really compete with Tesla......

 

[AdamK47]

Tom's Hardware? Why does that site still exist?

 

[KentState]

I just hope these niche electric cars push the technology forward. I see little reason to get either vehicle over the 5-series or E class.

 

[Pariah]

I just hope these niche electric cars push the technology forward. I see little reason to get either vehicle over the 5-series or E class.

Have you ever seen a Chevy Volt in person? It's a pretty tiny car. It's smaller than a 3 series. Assuming this Cadillac is roughly the same size, why would anyone cross shop a tiny hybrid coupe with a 5 series?

I do really like the look of the ELR though. If it had a regular engine in it with some repectable power, I think it would be really appealing.

 

[Fenixgoon]

I just hope these niche electric cars push the technology forward. I see little reason to get either vehicle over the 5-series or E class.

your round trip commute each day is less than 35 miles but you still want to be able to take long trips if you have the desire to do so.

0 gas used when traveling < 35 miles. which is something like 80% of all americans' daily commutes.

 

[KentState]

Have you ever seen a Chevy Volt in person? It's a pretty tiny car. It's smaller than a 3 series. Assuming this Cadillac is roughly the same size, why would anyone cross shop a tiny hybrid coupe with a 5 series?

I do really like the look of the ELR though. If it had a regular engine in it with some repectable power, I think it would be really appealing.

You are correct. It's more like 5-series and E-class money for 3-series or C-class size.

 

[Ryan]

You are correct. It's more like 5-series and E-class money for 3-series or C-class size.

I have a Volt, and BMW and MB were never even on my radar for cars to consider. I was willing to pay the price for the technology - I could care less about what BMW and MB offer. I would wager to bet this is the case for most Volt owners.

 

[JTsyo]

I have a Volt, and BMW and MB were never even on my radar for cars to consider. I was willing to pay the price for the technology - I could care less about what BMW and MB offer. I would wager to bet this is the case for most Volt owners.

well sure, you don't really cross shop Chevy and BMW but people do cross shop Cadillac and BMW.

 

[Ryan]

well sure, you don't really cross shop Chevy and BMW but people do cross shop Cadillac and BMW.

Eh - I don't think they would be cross shopped simply because MB and BMW don't offer any competitors to the Volt, ELR, or even BEVs like Tesla.

 

[KentState]

I have a Volt, and BMW and MB were never even on my radar for cars to consider. I was willing to pay the price for the technology - I could care less about what BMW and MB offer. I would wager to bet this is the case for most Volt owners.

Volt is not in the same league as a BMW or MB beyond price. Not sure why you "pay the price" for the technology when it's an expensive alternative to what's already available.

 

[Pariah]

Volt is not in the same league as a BMW or MB beyond price. Not sure why you "pay the price" for the technology when it's an expensive alternative to what's already available.

How is the Volt in the same price league as a 5 series? The cheapest 5 series is over $47k base MSRP, while the Volt starts under $40k, and with tax credits could be as low as below $32k. That's not in the same price league. Just to add, a hybrid 3 Series starts at over $49k.

 

[KentState]

How is the Volt in the same price league as a 5 series? The cheapest 5 series is over $47k base MSRP, while the Volt starts under $40k, and with tax credits could be as low as below $32k. That's not in the same price league. Just to add, a hybrid 3 Series starts at over $49k.

When did I say 5 series? It's in the same league as a 328i or C250. The ELR will be in the same range as a 5 series or E class. Anyone that says the Volt is a price bargain has their heads in the clouds. The only way they make sense is on lease when you get them around $250/month.