Preview: 2014 Cadillac ELR

2014 Cadillac ELR. Click image to enlarge

The most interesting mode however, is the newly introduced Hold mode. It allows drivers to decide when the ELR uses its gas-powered electric generator so they can save the remaining battery charge for later use. The reasoning behind this mode is to help improve efficiency for ELR users as they can choose to run the gas engine when on the highway and then switch back to battery power for city driving where an EV vehicle operates most efficiently thanks to more use of the regenerative braking. Speaking of regenerative braking, the ELR incorporates a feature called Regen on Demand which allows the driver to activate the regenerative brakes at any time via steering wheel mounted paddles. This can simulate a ‘downshift’ to set the car up when entering a corner.

2014 Cadillac ELR. Click image to enlarge

All of this technology is impressive, but there are many technologically advanced EV and hybrid vehicles on the road. The ELR needs to stand out from the green car crowd, and with its great application of Cadillac’s Art and Science styling language, it will. Although it is still a very aerodynamic design, the ELR has a striking form that may even exceed that of Cadillac’s own ATS. To ensure maximum efficiency, details like recessed door handles, radiator shutters and a flush front grille all reduce drag. But this is a luxury car, so it needs luxury appointments. To ensure luxury buyers feel like they are buying something special, the ELR features LEDs in the headlamps, daytime running lamps, tail lamps and Cadillac’s signature front and rear lighting accents. All ELRs will roll on 20-inch wheels with 245/45R20 tires attached to them. Exterior colors will include Black Raven, Radiant Silver Metallic, Graphite Metallic and Crystal Red.

Inside, the ELR will feature a standard CUE infotainment system with Navigation on an eight-inch, full-color capacitive-touch screen. Surfaces inside will be covered in a mix of leather, suede microfibre, chrome, wood and available carbon fibre. A Bose 10-channel audio system with active noise cancellation will also be standard in the ELR. Finally, the rear seats fold down to accommodate longer items and expand the estimated 255 L of cargo space in the trunk.

This is the first Cadillac to receive a new interior design layout that they say will make its way into future Cadillac models. As can be expected, the ELR will feature the full array of Cadillac’s advanced active safety features including the safety alert seat, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control. Limited production of the ELR will begin in the United States in late 2013 with sales starting in early 2014 in North America and then expanding to global markets including China and Europe. At this time there is no official word on pricing in Canada.

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