I Bought an ELR, And It Was Cheaper Than You'd Think It Was

"The World of Vee" (theworldofvee)
07/20/2014 at 06:35 • Filed to: beyond motoring

I wasn't the target audience for an ELR nor was I even remotely considering an ELR. I thought it was what all of you thought it was, an overpriced Volt. I mean come on! It shares the same drive train! The DRIVE TRAIN! That must mean it's the same exact car right? Surely there's no way it's any different or better or worth the price? Well, I wouldn't pay 75 thousand dollars for one, but that's because I'm the type of person who'd rather buy a couple projects, but believe me, this car is worth every freaking penny.

First things first, yes, it shares the drive train with the Volt. I get it, it's a front wheel drive, 75 thousand dollar Cadillac that isn't even all that fast. Ok, so what is it? Well it's the revival of the PLC (Personal Luxury Coupe) it's big, it commands a presence and did I mention that it looks absolutely, freaking gorgeous ? Because, yeah, it does. The exterior is as if an XTS and a concept car made love, the black paint is exceptional and the turbine wheels fill the arches wonderfully. I'll be honest and say I wasn't a huge fan of the grille at first. These filled in ones aren't as nice to me. It's actually my biggest gripe with the Tesla Model S, an otherwise gorgeous car let down completely by it's ugly snout. I wish it was black instead of smokey grey, and the dealer told me they can order me a black one (for 900 bucks!!) but I think I'll be able to deal.

I have my toy, so I do not care in the slightest about going very fast in this, I wanted this to do exactly what my daily driver was doing before it, eat up highway miles in my daily commute to work and back. That's it. I'm not looking for a corner carver or a back road special, I'm looking for the single most comfortable way to do my 30 miles to and from work a day.

Some of you might say that for the price they ask for one of these that it should be able to do a lot more, and I'm not inclined to agree. This car was designed for people much wealthier than me, for their personal day to day driving. For an executive plus one to go places in style and absolute luxury. Honestly, the electric part is pretty secondary to that ideal. Sure it's whisper quiet, which is very disorienting when you're used to driving a V8 or Turbo6, but when you put your foot down the torque is the real saving grace. The ELR subscribes to the Rolls Royce notion of "adequate" power and excessive torque, and I can see why, enough grunt to get to you to cruising speed in a reasonable time but not enough horsepower to go "hooligan" speeds. Honestly, I couldn't care less about the power because the real star of the show is the interior.

I've driven many a luxury car ranging from reasonably priced to ludicrously priced. And I've been super impressed with what the two !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! brands are doing with interiors. Different levels of course, but in each segment I was frankly, blown away. The ELR is just flat out a wonderful place to be. The seats are as comfortable as I've sat in a while and the materials are all premium, no simulated plastic here. It's not a Bentley Brooklands in here, but it's about as close as you're gonna get to one of those without spending 6 figures. Historically, I've been pretty anti-American marquees because of their "good-enough" approach to interiors. It's where you spend your time when you drive, it should be the best it can be. Thankfully they've done a sharp 180 in the last three years. The ELR is as good an interior as any German marquee on the road, I'd be willing to bet that it's better than any of them under 100k.

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So back to the engine for a minute, it isn't powerful, but it is smooth. The power is seamless through the CVT from standstill to top speed. Some cars at WOT feel like they will explode into a million pieces and you don't get that feeling in this. It has that "made from a single block" feel to it and that's its biggest draw. I gave my friend a ride in it and he put it succinctly: "Well, it's probably the comfiest 'sports' coupe I've ever ridden in, you feel pretty darn refreshed when you get out" and he's right, I feel like I could drive this cross country (and, not for nothing, you can because of the petrol engine) and when I got out I would feel alert and ready for the day. If I'm not driving a car to the brink, then I definitely would rather feel refreshed instead of taxed when I got to my destination.

And that brings me to my final point, to steal a line from Kia, "What is luxury"? Is luxury many things to many people? I'd have to say luxury is the ability to sit in complete and utter comfort, with the radio on, going 75/80 miles per hour for an extended period of time. The fact that it gets a combined 80mpg certainly helps it's case too (and in 2 weeks ownership I've used about a gallon of fuel). I know this won't appeal to every person, electric cars simply didn't make sense to me either, I like big V8s that make big power and waste a lot of fuel; and I still do and when I want to go for a more spirited drive, I have just the tool for it. But when I just need to get to work or the grocery store, I don't need it; I need a comfortable seat and a nice radio, that's it.

So what did this run me? Well like I said in the title, the car was cheaper than you'd think. It's no secret that it isn't flying off the shelves, and dealers are trying to off load them. The car stickers for $75,000, I got the base $12,500 instant discount on the price, along with a dealer incentive of $5000 to buy instead of lease (I went in fully expecting to lease it). I did my homework and picked a state with an instant cash rebate for buying a PHEV, so I bought it in MA for an additional $2500 off the price. Finally, I just finished filing my $7500 Government tax incentive for a final cost to me of, wait for it, $47,500 +tax.

Still think it's too expensive?

DISCUSSION (100)

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > The World of Vee
07/19/2014 at 23:34

I'll tell you what; we got shown around an ELR when we went to look at the new CTS, and if I didn't know it was based on a Volt, I would've said it could maybe be a $70,000 car, because you really can't tell. Knowing that it is Volt-base, I think $40-50k is appropriate.

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > The World of Vee
07/19/2014 at 23:35

< $50k for a full electric, bitching looking Cadillac? I say you did well. If you wanted a stupid fast all electric you'd go Tesla Roadster. The ELR seems to have a sense of "look at me" to it. So why would you need to get to your destination in a blistering speed?

Im a firm believer that there are cars which are meant to go fast and look good as a blur, and others that are meant to drive by at a pace in which everyone can enjoy a relish your purchase.

AM3R > The World of Vee
07/19/2014 at 23:37

WOW that price surprised me. Congrats on the new car!

The World of Vee > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/19/2014 at 23:39

Exactly! the fit and finish is WELL BEYOND anything else (save maybe the platinum XTS V or Platinum Escalade) Cadillac makes. And at the end of the day it's just a platform, that tech is paid off by the volt so Caddy could cram 50k worth of stitching into the interior. Seriously, the interior man, it's so amazing.

Vicente Esteve > The World of Vee
07/19/2014 at 23:40

Holy crap what a buy! I really like how this looks, and am quite sure it will become some sort of collectible Cadillac in the future. Its not my cup of tea honestly, but I have to say Congratufreakinlations! Great great buy for what seems to be a much greater car than everyone thinks it is!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > The World of Vee
07/19/2014 at 23:40

I remember it. It looked great.

GeorgeyBoy > The World of Vee
07/19/2014 at 23:41

$47,500!!

The World of Vee > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
07/19/2014 at 23:41

Thanks! I like it a lot and when I saw they were giving 12.5 off right off the bat plus the 7500 tax (20k off the price!) I knew it was worth it.

This was worth 55k, the fact that I got even more off it is just icing really.

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > The World of Vee
07/19/2014 at 23:41

Do I still think it is expensive? Yes. But then again, I don;t think you are wrong in your purchase. Caddies seem to have regained some of their baller-mojo in recent years. if that is an important thing to you, then Who am I to judge? Sometime you just gotta roll that way.

The World of Vee > AM3R
07/19/2014 at 23:41

Thanks!

ly2v8-Brian > The World of Vee
07/19/2014 at 23:42

I have heard only good things about these from folks that have purchased them. Awesome Purchase and congrats on the new car. $47,500 sounds really fair to me. It probably should have listed for near that if not slightly over 50k. Not a CVT tranny that is direct electric drive.

The World of Vee > Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast.
07/19/2014 at 23:42

I have a fast 6speed audi for when I need to do a twisty, and now I can actually afford to gas it because I don't pay for gas the other days of the week! haha

AM3R > The World of Vee
07/19/2014 at 23:45

post some pictures of it when you get the chance! I'm looking forward to seeing how well one of these performs as a daily driver from an enthusiasts standpoint. I talked to a guy at the Cadillac dealer and he seemed like any other salesmen: trying to feed me BS to get me to buy it even though I told him I was only looking at this M3 they had in stock.

The World of Vee > AM3R
07/19/2014 at 23:47

I'll see what I can do! I tend to shy away from posting too many pictures of my stuff online, but one or two couldn't hurt :)

BeaterGT > The World of Vee
07/19/2014 at 23:50

Congrats on the new car, pics to follow?

AM3R > The World of Vee
07/19/2014 at 23:50

When you're the only guy on here with an ELR, you're almost obligated to haha!

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > The World of Vee
07/19/2014 at 23:50

Amazing buy! i love the way these things look but the price is what put me off. For your price, its a great deal!

interrogator-chaplain > The World of Vee
07/19/2014 at 23:55

Congrats man! That's a hell of a deal! What are you getting in an insurance rate?

The World of Vee > interrogator-chaplain
07/19/2014 at 23:57

Nothing outrageous, I mean it's still a 70k+ car when they adjust it so it's more than most but when combined with the rest of my insurance it's perfectly reasonable.

GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 00:16

I have to say that as much as I bow down to the God's of excessive internal combustion, I really like the ELR and if I could afford one to DD and do winter duties I'd be at the Caddy dealership tomorrow.

Great pickup enjoy it!

Jayhawk Jake > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 00:25

Out of curiosity, have you been in the Model S? If so, how do the interiors compare?

Ultimately I think you raise the point that needed to be raised: what are potential ELR buyers actually looking for? Us jalops will immediately look at a price tag and see what else we could buy, leading us to the Model S. While the Model S may be better than the ELR in many ways, if you're just looming for an economical luxury car that is efficient to run day to day the ELR is actually a better choice IMO because it has a higher level of luxury.

Of course I think virtually anyone can agree that the price should be at least $10k to $20k less. Sounds like you got a hell of a deal though, and at the price you paid it'd be impossible to find a good alternative that hits all the notes you'd want.

The World of Vee > Jayhawk Jake
07/20/2014 at 00:39

No contest, the ELR is the better interior by a country mile.

That's not to say that the Model S has a bad interior, but the Caddy had less space it had to furnish and it shows the back seats are occasional use but the two front seats plus dash and extras are bar none. Seriously, bar none. The Model S never made sense to me nor did it appeal to me, I know it has plenty of range for day to day, but the styling...oof! What looked so nice a few years ago looks played out and bland and that grille, it's bulbous and does absolutely nothing for me. The Model S's interior is frankly overshadowed by that gigantic touch screen in it, people will look at that and somewhat forget about the other bits (the plastic) but it's more of a distraction than anything else. The CUE isn't perfect, but it looks like it's supposed to be there, the Model S's screen looks like those guys that put iPads in their civic, out of place.

The Model S is definitely the more practical car for day to day (I mean you can get 7 seats if you need to) but I'm a bachelor, if anything I have a date, and I have a S6 wagon if I need to haul anything :)

The price that I think it should be is 65k. I think for 65k it is more than justified. Is it worth almost 80k? Yes. 100% but it's pricing itself out because now it's a plaything for the wealthy rather than a practical day to day car for a parent with 2 kids. The traditional, mom has the SUV, dad has the sedan rhetoric doesn't work here and at the price it's more dad also has a ferrari and a vette and a gallardo haha.

Sorry that last bit was a ramble, I'm well aware. But you know what I mean!

Arben72 > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 00:53

47,500 isn't bad at all. At 75k I believe it isn't worth it, and yes, I did at least sit in one. But for 47,5, it's probably the rarest new car you can buy for less than 50k. Congrats and one last thing, can it do a burnt out?

McChiken116 - Patrick H. > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 01:21

I would have done that in a heartbeat! I am very jealous of your scoop, and can't wait to hear more about it

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 01:33

Wowzers $47,500 is a hell of a deal I would definitely consider one at that price but you see I have one small problem I'm in Alberta Canada and here there is no discounts on it what so ever and also no tax rebates of any kind(only BC,Ontario & Quebec have tax rebates and I can't buy the car in BC and claim it on Alberta tax). So for some one like me to walk into a Cadillac dealer I'm looking at $77,050 + tax minus whatever I can negotiate off the price.

At $77K Crack pipe but at $47K I'd more than likely buy one.

All I can say is congrats on the great deal and I hope you keep us updated as to what it's like to own the only ELR in Oppoland.

The World of Vee > Arben72
07/20/2014 at 06:37

haha I don't think you can actually do a burnout, too many nannies to get in the way

Brian Silvestro > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 06:48

Wow that's a deal! Congratulations. Do me a favor and bring it to an autocross. You'll win the internet.

GhostZ > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 07:12

I don't know why the hell Cadillac doesn't list a price calculator for each person's state, and just list the ELR as "$50,000" with rebates. I think they're really seriously think that less people would buy it if it was cheaper.

The World of Vee > GhostZ
07/20/2014 at 07:24

They don't advertise the 12,500$ discount for some reason, but I assure you it's corporate policy right now and I think that's so that they can couple it with the standard 7500 government incentive so when people come in looking at a CTS or XTS or ATS they can show the ELR and tell them

"I know it's a 75k$ car sir, but with current incentives I can do 20k off the price AND a free home charger"

When you tell someone, something is 20k off the price, they're gonna think it's a deal no matter what. And honestly, 55k is a great deal for such a car. I did some homework and found the one ELR in Mass that had been sitting the longest (more willing dealer) and they took another 5k off their price. I doubt they made any money on it, but at least they don't have to service it or promote it which must save them money too.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 07:25

nice! ELR's are shweeet! good job and good luck with it!

GhostZ > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 07:34

The way I look at it, America needs high end, high tech cars that aren't limited solely by price. But if GM sold a big Coupe Deville with all sorts of gizmos (even a hybrid one) they would not only lose money but likely hurt their reputation if they don't sell well.

But the ELR? That's the perfect stepping stone between producing "faux luxury" and competing against the AMG S-class cars. It's not a $200,000 car, but it shows that Cadillac would be willing to make one if they can carve the market out for it. It shows that they are willing to build the unusual and make it work.

JR1 > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 07:40

Excellent buy! I always thought the car was beautiful and I would have to agree the interior is fantastic!

ja9ae > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 07:43

I wish more car enthusiasts would get this point! :) No normal person is so enthusiastic about cars that they want to sit in their daily traffic in a highly strung sports car. I don't even want to change my own gears while I'm driving to work. Plus the more transport boxes go electric, the more petrol left for the sports cars.

The World of Vee > GhostZ
07/20/2014 at 07:44

Well this is certainly a "big" car, the size of an E class coupe. And it's certainly an insane luxury cruiser, it's not a sports coupe, it's a personal luxury coupe. I don't think it's long for this world sadly, probably 2016 or 2017 MY at the most. But so long as the batteries hold (and it has a long battery warranty) it'll always be a screaming good deal to me. If I drove my V8 Audi instead, I'd spend around 3500$ a year in gas, which isn't insignificant. Now I can gas it once a month and enjoy the driving I do with it and use this for the mundane tasks like going to work and shopping.

I doubt i'd own it the 14 years needed to completely pay it off in gas, but every year owned means the overall cost of this thing continues to go down.

The World of Vee > ja9ae
07/20/2014 at 07:46

I'm on the fence about this. On the one hand yes, it does mean more petrol for us, but on the other it means less and less manual transmissions and let me tell you, I'd miss it too much.

I'm all for electrics, hybrids, econoboxes, whatever, just please don't take away my third pedal :(

GhostZ > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 07:48

I think the best part is that they did manage to create a hybrid that doesn't scream "I'm saving the environment, you should love me". It's still reserved, but confident, like a luxury coupe should be.

The World of Vee > GhostZ
07/20/2014 at 07:51

Exactly! I'm NOT saving the environment in this. I'm driving my Cadillac :)

GhostZ > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 07:56

How does the comfort compare to a CTS or XTS of similar list price? From what I've heard, it's significantly more luxurious than either.

The World of Vee > GhostZ
07/20/2014 at 08:07

It's overtly more comfortable and luxurious than the CTS and all levels of the XTS save for the Vsport (I tried out the Vsport platinum, but I didn't need a 70k land yacht). Those two models are made to a price point, much like most cars in these price ranges. For example, my C300 I was leasing was 48k$ list price. Think about that, I got this hyper-luxury Cadillac for less than the price of a C Class! And the C much like the XTS and CTS is extremely comfy and luxurious for the everyday driver, but the ELR (excuse my language) shits all over them.

It's not even a question, the ELR was made to an exacting standard and that's why it costs so much. People cannot grasp this concept, they see Volt drive train and immediately do the "luxury conversion" and decide 50-60k is the highest it should be priced. Sure I ended up getting it for around that price precisely because of this attitude so thanks, but the ELR shares not a single body part with the Volt after the engine is put in place. Even the CUE and MyLink are different.

The only real comparison I can make is the difference between a big boy Bentley (like the Brooklands or Mulsanne) and the Merc S Class. Both of those cars are exceptional from head to toe. But the Bentley does it just that extra bit better. Same with the ELR vs the other Cadillacs. Sure for their price ranges they're great and while they visually look similar owing to the Cadillac design language, you sit in the ELR and you know...you're in something special. The only true comparison is the Platinum Vsport XTS and Escalade, there's a reason why the Platinum models are 10-20k more than the Premium and it's 100% in the interior.

GhostZ > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 08:08

"Made to an exacting standard" reminds me of Cadillac back in the 60s. And that's a very very very good thing.

The World of Vee > GhostZ
07/20/2014 at 08:11

Exactly! Cadillacs used to be the most expensive cars in the world and for a reason!

C-Rod > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 09:25

Congrats and more pictures, please!

deekster_caddy > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 09:25

That's a fantastic deal. I have a Volt (and I got a fantastic deal on it too) and the drivetrain is AMAZING. I need a 4 door car, have kids and load carseats etc. I think the ELR is pretty amazing, and I'm really glad to see your notes about the interior. The Volt's interior is nice, but has it's flaws. The ELR's interior, from everything I've heard, is blowing people away. You get the amazing drivetrain of a Volt with the interior of a luxury car, and that's why it's priced there.

Question for you - obviously you didn't pay the full difference in price - but is it a $30K interior? It is definitely a $15K interior (since that's the price difference you paid, approximately).

Final cost to me on my Volt was $28,5K. I bought it, I don't believe in leasing. Leasing is for people who never want to visit the car wash or vacuum it - it's easier to just trade it in in 3 years. I expect to get at minimum 10 years from it.

Side note - what a highway car! My dad got sick this week and I couldn't get airfare to go to him for less than $700 each way (boo), so my brother and I decided to drive the Volt down. In the last two days I've put 1600 miles on the Volt and it is just so goddamn awesome to drive.

shop-teacher > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 09:35

I never understood why there was so much hate for this car. Yes, it shares a drive train with the Volt, but even my half blind Grandmother could see they are not the same car in any way, shape, or form.

And its gorgeous!!!!!!

OK, they overshot in the price a bit. It should sticker for $65k, which after tax rebates gets you down to the mid 50's. Bam! The price you got? That's a lead-pipe cinch. Nice buy!

If I was in a place to buy one of these, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 10:06

Great write up. Just one question lingering. Won't MA ask for their $2500 back when they find out you aren't a resident of the state?

The World of Vee > Battery Tender Unnecessary
07/20/2014 at 10:24

Possibly? If they really want it, they know where to find me!

The World of Vee > deekster_caddy
07/20/2014 at 10:33

Thanks! And to answer your question, I'm thoroughly convinced that most of the premium for the ELR goes into the interior. If the ELR is 30k more than the Volt about 25 of that goes into making the interior and the other 5k is the suspension. The interior is simply outstanding. The level of refinement in here is well above and beyond anything I've sat in this price range (the 60-90k range) in a long time. I've ridden in a Volt and the interior is definitely nice for a volume brand (it's up there with the Impala and Taurus) but the ELR interior takes this thing to another level.

There isn't simulated plastic, anywhere. The only overt plastic buttons are the seat adjusters and that's a ok with me. The dash is topped in rich, supple leather with suede accents along with wood and carbon fiber. It seems weird to type that out but it really makes so an excellent place to live. The leather is top grade, it isn't the sporty bolster but rather the commanding captain chair you'd find in a first class seat.

Oh and the best feature of the cabin? The sound deadening. Most of the extra weight goes into that and then they installed the Bose active sound deadening mics to pic up ambient noise and counter balance them. It's as quiet as can be in there and I love it!

jalop1991 > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 10:33

you're bad at math.

You paid tax, up front, on the $7500 that the gov't will send you back.

So your final cost was $$55,000 + tax, minus $7,500 afterward.

The World of Vee > shop-teacher
07/20/2014 at 10:34

The car was built to exacting standards, not a price point. That means that there is simply no expense spared on the quality. People can't appreciate that because you can't see it in pictures.

It's an old Cadillac from the 60s through and through, Standard of the World and modern tech to go with it.

I love it.

jalop1991 > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 10:34

I've sat in a Volt. Just getting in and out was a pain in the ass.

No amount of "but it's a Cadillac!" will change that. It IS a Volt in a tuxedo. It's not "jut a Volt drivetrain". All the hardpoints are there too, and that makes it a Volt in a tuxedo. Period.

The World of Vee > jalop1991
07/20/2014 at 10:36

I'm pretty sure I made it clear that the final 7500$ was a tax incentive...I'm not too sure, maybe it was when I wrote it was a tax incentive...

If you're talking about sales tax, well you got me there.

The World of Vee > jalop1991
07/20/2014 at 10:38

You've clearly not sat in the ELR if you could type with a straight face that it's a "Volt in a tuxedo"

They don't share a single piece of structural design apart from the chassis, nice try though!

jalop1991 > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 10:40

yeah, sales tax.

You wrote:

Finally, I just finished filing my $7500 Government tax incentive for a final cost to me of, wait for it, $47,500 +tax.

Assume sales tax is 7%. $47,500+tax equals $50,825.

What you paid was not that. You paid $55,000+tax, which in this case would be $58,850. Now get $7,500 back from Uncle Sam and your net out of pocket is $51,350.

That's $525 more than "$47,500+tax".

jalop1991 > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 10:42

I've sat in a Volt, and I've sat in an ELR.

Nice seats, but the climbing in and out is exactly as bad as the Volt. Because, in the end, it's a Volt in a tuxedo.

The World of Vee > jalop1991
07/20/2014 at 10:42

Are you nitpicking over $525? Do you dislike the ELR THAT much? Whatever, thanks for the comment.

The World of Vee > jalop1991
07/20/2014 at 10:44

I'm just going to assume you're trolling at point. Show me one single bit of interior or exterior sheetmetal, structure that they share. They don't share anything. And if you can ingress and egress from a low slung coupe with ease, well that says a whole lot more about you than it does the car.

Zoom > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 10:46

I'm certainly not a GM shill, but sometimes GM just does a kick ass job.

I don't understand the negativity sometimes, except jealousy.

The World of Vee > Zoom
07/20/2014 at 10:47

I'm traditionally an Audi guy myself, but I like to think I can spot a good car regardless of make when I see it. And I like buying the BEST car in the segment I'm looking, not the one with the best badge.

jalop1991 > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 10:51

Are you so invested in the ELR that you would accept sloppy writing and math?

Yes, I'm pointing out that what he wrote was wrong. But then, I guess so many people today find it so easy to come up with $525, it's really nothing.

jalop1991 > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 10:52

"They don't share anything"?

GM would disagree with you, violently.

The World of Vee > jalop1991
07/20/2014 at 11:01

You don't have to like my writing, nor do you have to like the car, no one is twisting your arm over it. But your posts reek of jealousy and while that's your prerogative, it isn't a good look for you.

And yeah, I just bought a car around 50k dollars, 525$ bucks isn't something that's going to bother me in the slightest.

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 11:03

Kinja'd!!!

LTIROCKS > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 11:03

The $7,500 is actually a taxpayer rebate - either from current or future (in the form of debt) taxpayers.

$47,500 will buy a nice Lexus IS350, an Audi A6, etc.

Those two cars (and many others) are far more car than this "Cadillac."

Hell, Cadillac's own CTS coupe starts at just $39,495:

http://www.cadillac.com/cts-luxury-cou…

$33K will buy loaded Accord V6, which is also far more can than this "Cadillac."

So yes, $47,500 is way "too expensive" for this car.

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 11:05

Congrats though. I test drove one, and although I wasn't impressed with the drivetrain, I also didn't get to really play with it as much as I would have liked to. The interior was amazing, you are spot on there. It was a very luxurious place to be. At that price, awesome pick.

TheCrudMan > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 11:06

How's the back seat?

doug > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 11:06

Ahh America. Where the government subsidizes rich people to buy luxury cars.

TheCrudMan > jalop1991
07/20/2014 at 11:07

On a $50,000 purchase $525 is basically nothing.

Lenin > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 11:07

might ne my mobilephone but some interior pics pls?

TheCrudMan > jalop1991
07/20/2014 at 11:09

There are tuxedos which, if I wore them, would double my net worth.

The World of Vee > TheCrudMan
07/20/2014 at 11:10

About the same amount of space as say, an E class Coupe. Obviously not a ton of space, but I wouldn't be upset if I found myself in the backseat, the center console running the length of the interior helps section off the back so each person could reasonably stretch out. I'm also 5'10, but my friend who rode in it is 6'7 and he tried the back out and with a bit of negotiating with the front seat occupants you can find a reasonable spot even for him in the back. Definitely wouldn't want to though!

Tatanko > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 11:10

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I've seen one of these local to me recently and I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. I love the notion of a PLC (my Accord Coupe V6 is the poor man's version to me) and I'm happy to hear that the car is a good buy once you can find one that isn't $75k.

PragmaticPanda > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 11:12

Yes.

The World of Vee > Lenin
07/20/2014 at 11:13

I just updated the post for ya, it's not the best shot but it'll have to do :)

Stradale > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 11:16

Yes, it is still too expensive. You neglected the one major point to the ELR's poor sales, why would you chose this over a Volt for a daily driver you are going to rack miles up on it? Most people buy daily drivers to save money and spending $47,500+ for a nicer interior Volt is not very smart and defeats the purpose, personally.

Clearly you have a toy so why not get the Volt and have more money for your toys?

I guess if having people think your driving around in a $75k Cadillac is a point of pride then maybe I can see it, like the people who buy base bare bones 3 series just to say they have a BMW.

Mosqvich > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 11:18

First, great piece. This proves Jay Leno's point that enthusiasts will always be able to own great cars, but drive EVs on a daily basis. You're in the vanguard. I drove a Tesla and loved it, but there isn't a deal in sight. We may consider an i3 which is apparently not selling to well either. I understand they're giving out $5k incentives already. In Colorado we'd get $6k from the state and $7500 from the Feds. So $50k - $6k - 7.5k - $5k = $31.5k for a Giga model.

Here's my piece on the Model 85 test drive:

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/tesla-model-s-…

shop-teacher > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 11:19

Its got the presence of those old Caddies too. A real head-turner.

The World of Vee > Stradale
07/20/2014 at 11:27

Why does anyone buy a luxury car? Why don't we all just have volume branded beige mobiles? Why do we buy anything with style or substance? Because we're emotional beings. You're definitely right I could have gotten a Volt, but I have a wagon and I'm a bachelor so I don't need 4 doors, and I don't need an ecomobile. My original plan was once my leased mercedes expired I was going to lease a Lincoln MKS, for the mundane tasks in life I want something super plush and comfortable and that's why I put such a premium on interiors. It's not at all about being "seen" in a Cadillac, I'm not a badge slave by any definition. If the volt had the level of craftsmanship that the ELR has, or looked as good, you bet your bottom dollar I'd have gotten that instead.

BUT, and this is a big but (I cannot lie -sorry for the pun), the point that 99% of the detractors of the ELR seem to miss is that the quality of the ELR is so vastly superior to the Volt it's actually astounding. Sure they share a platform, I'm well aware. But where the Volt is built to a price point, the ELR was not at all and that's where the money goes. It's a high-end vehicle in every sense of the word all the way down to the little buttons that open the cup holders in the back (a nice nickel chrome). I'm not going to tell you the ELR is a good daily driver for most, but for a single dude that drives to works and back? It fits my life perfect. And it excels at the exact bits that I value in a luxury car more than anything else, quality of the interior, interior comfort, almost zero ambient noise, and other intangibles. That's all that really makes a luxury car in today's day. Every car has gizmos, but how well the thing is put together is what really defines the segment.

jalop1991 > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 11:28

It isn't the $525 in and of itself; it's what it represents. And it represents your willingness to gloss over things in order to defend that you bought a Volt in a tuxedo.

You're being awfully defensive, almost as if...you know what you did, and you don't like it being pointed out to you.

"You're just jealous!" Wow, that sounds all 3rd grade of you. I couldn't possibly be "jealous" of your buying an ELR if you put a gun to my head. So what you're being all defensive about, I don't know—but you ARE being very, very defensive here.

Crest > TheCrudMan
07/20/2014 at 11:29

^^ THIS

jalop1991 > TheCrudMan
07/20/2014 at 11:30

No doubt.

But doubling the price of the Volt doesn't do anything to double its value.

Buying the ELR is like buying designer name clothing on Rodeo Drive. In the end, you're just spending money because it makes you happy to spend money and because you run in circles where you must show that you spend money.

Scrape > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 11:32

The price you paid is fair for the car. It puts it smack in the Lexus/Benz/BMW lineup, and seems to be one helluva car for that price. Plus, you are pretty much getting all of the hybrid stuff for free. Kinda like what Lincoln is doing (your choice of hybrid or standard drivetrain). Good deal. And I would agree with you on the interiors. Caddy is on a roll.

SamSho64 > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 11:33

Yes. I've driven a Volt and was not impressed. Even $10,000 more than it costs to get into a Volt is still about $15,000 too high. It's a Cruze with batteries (and leather, in this case).

Oh, and what the heck is "pretend plastic?" Are cars not even using real plastic anymore?

The World of Vee > jalop1991
07/20/2014 at 11:36

I think you might be looking into this just a tad too much. You say I'm defensive yet you called it a "Volt in a tuxedo" and then when I gave you reasons as to why it wasn't just that, you dismissed it and then you brought up the most minute of details (500 dollars, when talking about 50 grand). It's the definition of pedantic. You don't like the car so you found the only real thing you could knock the article on (a small discrepancy in price) and then threw in a tired cliche about it. And then you continued that rhetoric till now. That is suspect behavior, not unlike those who downplay others to compensate.

Again that's your prerogative, it's my vehicle and I'm 100% fine with it, so I'll just be grabbing my shades and driving off thank you very much.

The World of Vee > Mosqvich
07/20/2014 at 11:36

Thanks! And great writeup!

MAJOne > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 11:40

"Still think it's too expensive?"

Yup

The World of Vee > SamSho64
07/20/2014 at 11:41

It's a Cruze with batteries (and leather, in this case).

Is the 7 series just a 5 series with leather standard? I'm not going to try and convince you about proper craftsmanship, just know that is is built about as good as any car just short of the Ultra-Premium brands. The money goes into the materials and the labor, the platform is irrelevant.

And I don't recall using the term "pretend plastic", if you're referring to simulated plastic, that's the stuff that most brands use as dash toppers or door cards that looks like leather or wood or metal or whatever but is actually polycarbonate or soft touch plastic

ICantStandNewJalopnik > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 11:43

I think this is the best-looking car on the road. I had a dream that I was buying one, two nights ago, but then woke up. That means I like it, and would have no problem owning one. Do you have anyone talk to you about it or gawk driving down the road?

sdrr > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 11:51

I was thinking of a Volt until I sat in one. The seats were terrible with only 2 adjustments. The ELR has vibrating seats.

pinchesputas > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 11:53

Its still a "Crapillac"……good luck with that!

Obamaisan-idiot > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 11:57

I cannot think of a car I would LEAST likely buy, I won't even bring up the disgusting fact it's a GM even.

ErichLOL > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 12:01

Why would you ever lease a hybrid or turbodiesel vehicle anyways? Surely you would not drive it long enough or far enough to offset the cost difference of the more expensive powertrain.

milanst666 > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 12:01

I'd still go for a mazda 3 five door with a manual transmission.

The World of Vee > ICantStandNewJalopnik
07/20/2014 at 12:01

It's gotten a couple stares I'd assume from people who know what it is, but most people don't think too much of it where I live because there's so many super cars and the like. I like that, I don't want to be the showiest person on the block.

honor first > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 12:02

Do you get the 7500 government incentive in cash/check

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 12:04

Damn, you just saved 26 grand on that deal... what did you do, buy it on the Steam Summer Sale?

The World of Vee > honor first
07/20/2014 at 12:04

Tax deduction

ZweiDeutschesAutos > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 12:05

I agree that the materials on the Cadillacs have improved drastically and are some of the nicest around.

I did just go to look at the ATS and CTS yesterday and while the materials are great, some small details like stitching were still off. That stitching on the steering wheel was about as bad as the Buick reviewed here on Jalopnik a few months ago.

I'm wondering: does the higher-end ELR have the same assembly and finishing problems or is it truly realizing the world-class potential of the materials and design?

Congrats on a truly gorgeous new car by the way!

alan666 > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 12:07

That would still be £47500 here in the UK & for that you could buy a hell of a lot of great cars !

jalop1991 > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 12:08

I dismissed your assertion that "nothing is shared interior or exterior" and that "the only thing shared is the drivetrain" because it's blatantly false, that's all.

Cue you running with this and showing off every bolt, panel, and control that differs. Of course, I never said that the ELR had differences; it does. But far and away, to say that the only thing it shares is the drivetrain is...ludicrous.

That I knocked your glossing over the money seems to bother you quite a bit. It's obvious to me, the jury in your case, that it represents your willingness to overlook things as you spout unicorn farts and fairy dust about the ELR.

Your continued defensiveness over your decision spells all out for everyone to see.

RosarchII > The World of Vee
07/20/2014 at 12:09

I don't get the point of the last sentence, "Still think it's too expensive?", yes I do. You basically got it for the price that people from day 1 said it was worth and also had to factor in incentives that someone else may or may not get. So you did not get a super deal, you got it for maybe what it is worth. Resale will be the true test of how great a deal you really got.

If GM gets this thing down to $400/mo for 24 months with absolutely no money out of my pocket, I might jump at it though. I do think it looks good inside and out.