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Used 2016 Cadillac ELR 2dr Coupe (1.4L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD) Consumer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

The perfect electric personal luxury coupe v.2

Eric Rotbard, Fairfield, CT, 05/09/2016
Cadillac ELR 2dr Coupe (gas/electric hybrid DD)
51 of 53 people found this review helpful

Having leased a 2014 Cadillac ELR (and 2011 Chevy Volt before it), the bar was already set very high. Contrary to the comments of many online detractors, the ELR is -not- simply a dressed up Volt. As any EV advocate should tell you, the fact that the Volt and ELR have the same powertrain configuration does not mean they are the same car. That would be like arguing that any internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) is the same as any other because they both have similar engines and transmissions. In an EV, what is a battery but the EV analog to an ICEV gas tank? No one would argue two cars are the same because they have the same gas tank. And the electric motor (be it in a Tesla, Leaf or Volt) is very similar in design from the original EV1 days, so it is more of a one size fits all part far more than the engine and transmission which need to be properly mated to the vehicle application. Lastly, the ICE in the Volt and ELR are designed primarily to provide electricity rather than mechanical energy (although it does that too in limited circumstances). What differentiates the Volt and ELR, then is the software and performance tuning (and the fact that the electric motor is more robust to handle the extra hp and torque). The Volt and ELR provide vastly different driving experiences. Other than the fact that both are silent, you would never confuse driving one for the other. I had previously said that the 2014 ELR was the perfect electric personal luxury coupe. It may not be as fast as a Model S, but it had plenty of torque. Also, whereas the Model S is beautiful, practical, spacious sedan, the beauty of the ELR is that it is the opposite: it is designed to be a personal car first and foremost, not a family car. It is not practical, nor is it intended to be. The 2014 ELR was -exactly- what I wanted: a personal car that can transport my family in a pinch. In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful expressions of automotive design in history, both inside and out. I thought I could not be happier with the 2014 ELR... ... until I drove the 2016 ELR. Cadillac increased its performance, refined its handling, upgraded its CUE infotainment system with faster processing, more features, and enhanced the interface, and lowered the price. I had to have it, so I managed to transfer my 2014 ELR lease, and leased a new one. After having an ELR for 2 years, I still enjoy simply looking at it. The new '16 ELR is the perfect expression of Cadillac's Art & Science design theme, and is an absolute joy to drive. I cannot praise it enough.

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5 out of 5 stars

Love my 2016 ELR

2016 ELR owner, Norristown, PA, 09/17/2019
Cadillac ELR 2dr Coupe (gas/electric hybrid DD)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful

After several years of looking at the usual cast of long-range plug-ins (Tesla S and 3, Volt, etc), I finally test drove an off lease 2016 ELR when I saw one in our area. (60 miles away). It took 15 seconds of driving the car to make a decision-a beautiful interior, fantastic sound system, great acceleration, spectacular design-instant joy. With 16k miles (off lease), it was about the cost of a new Volt (32K). After 6 months owning and using the car every day, it is still like a mini-vacation when I close the door and start driving. The interior is all Cadillac-it is beautiful. We have owned several Cadillacs (cars and SUVs) as well as several other cars (Infinity, BMW)-the interior of the ELR is gorgeous and the seats/feel driving are similar to the CTS4 we owned and loved-though with instant torque and about 4-5x the gas mileage! I have a 35 mile round trip commute and never use gas despite using the standard wall plug in charger which takes exactly 20 seconds a day to plug in to the car. Although not necessary for my driving, the game of using paddles instead of brakes to see how far you can go on the battery is actually pretty addictive. So far 45 miles is my best. I also use the car to drive long distances and the ability to not think about charging has been awesome. Even in straight up gas mode, the car gets pretty spectacular mileage without really trying (34-36 mpg in my experience)-remember this is a 3000+lb Cadillac! After 6 months and about 10K driving (filling the gas tank about once a month), I have averaged about 79 mpg in mixed use with a number of 200+ mile trips. Acceleration and power are great in "either" mode (as it is all mediated through the electric drive train) and the heralded engine noise is actually pretty sedate unless you are flooring the car when the battery is empty. If a throaty engine sound when hitting the gas is what you seek, this is not the car for you. The trunk has more than enough room to handle a full hockey equipment bag (about 2 golf bags in size)-though my sticks require using one of the fold down seats. With both seats down, there is actually a lot of unobstructed room -though you may feel some guilt sullying the car. I bought the car in Mid-New Jersey (Gold Coast Cadillac -who were great) but live in the Philadelphia area and have found getting the car serviced was not an issue-something I was worried about given the low numbers produced. Overall, my ELR has proven to be a spectacular car. Absolutely love driving it. Perhaps overpriced when first introduced and with a pretty amusing (courtesy Neil McDonough)/polarizing marketing campaign, they are a great option if you can find one.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best car I've ever owned!

Lance Jordan, Waukesha, WI, 07/01/2017
Cadillac ELR 2dr Coupe (gas/electric hybrid DD)
18 of 20 people found this review helpful

This car is hands down the best car I've ever had. I have gotten up to 50 miles on an electric charge. I average around 40mpg or more on the generator, no range anxiety of that of a Tesla. It has a super high end interior, the bose system rocks and the seats are comfortable. Its has ever tech feature you need. The acceleration is strong on the low end. The weight distribution is good, since the weight of the batteries are in the center of the car. Handles like a dream, stops on a dime. The styling is a thing of beauty. I love the car, no complaints whatsoever.

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5 out of 5 stars

Dr Tasso Pappas recommends 1 a day 4 work and play

Dr Tasso Pappas, Chillicothe, MO, 09/18/2016
updated 03/20/2017
Cadillac ELR 2dr Coupe (gas/electric hybrid DD)
23 of 26 people found this review helpful

In over 30000 miles I have fallen in love with this auto. These are the most comfortable front seats I have ever seen!,,, The headrests are the best in my 20 years of many new and used cars. I commute 1000 a week and with using my level 2 charger overnight I average 54 miles per gallon. The stereo sounds amazing. The CUE system beats that of my Buick and my Yukon. The ElR. Is an impressive vehicle. The seats are simply the best in comfort of any vehicle I have owned. Although the lack lateral support, the comfort is a 10. The ride is a good balance between sport and cruising. No issues besides a need to replace the intellibeam sensor. We also own a BMW i3 and GM's quality and implementation of hybrid technology is dramatically better. Great vehicle.

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5 out of 5 stars

You Should Road Test a 2016

SAM, Paterson, NJ, 06/06/2016
Cadillac ELR 2dr Coupe (gas/electric hybrid DD)
23 of 26 people found this review helpful

There are great deals available. The ELR is discontinued and will certainly become a collectors item. As battery technology improves, it is conceivable ELR battery replacement will become available. This is a car to keep... My 2016 Sport is fast, comfortable, provides great MPGe and is an overall thrill to drive all the time. Cadillac has no idea about marketing and have made a huge mistake by ending its life. I took it to a Cadillac event in NJ recently and everyone was incredibly impressed. Every new Caddy should have a plug-in option and offer technology upgrades as they become available, similar to Tesla. Also, the idiot auto bloggers and journalists haven't a clue when it comes to what people want. It is not always about 0-100. There is not 1 test on a 2016 ELR I can find.

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