2014 Cadillac ELR on Cars & Bids article highlights:
- The Cadillac ELR was a luxury plug-in hybrid coupe that used the powertrain of the Chevrolet Volt
- A 2014 example with an aftermarket wrap is currently on Cars & Bids for the price below the average of $18,500
- While not a best seller, an ELR is a good used luxury PHEV that should be reliable with good maintenance
Want to save on fuel costs, but can’t afford to go all-in on an electric car? In addition to switching to a bicycle or motorcycle, going hybrid is a solid option. Especially if it’s a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that allows you to use EV alone without worrying about finding the nearest charging station. And while new PHEVs aren’t exactly cheap, used ones can save you money at the pump and the bank. This is even true of some luxury models, such as the 2014 Cadillac ELR up for grabs this week Cars & Bids.
The 2014 Cadillac ELR wrapped the Chevrolet Volt’s hybrid powertrain in a luxury coupe suit
| 2014 Cadillac ELR | |
| Engine, engine setup | 1.4-litre 4-cylinder engine with starter/generator and AC permanent magnet synchronous motor |
| Horsepower (combined) | 217 hp |
| Couple (combined) | 295 lb-ft |
| Transfer | Continuously Variable Transmission |
| Battery capacity | 16.5 kWh |
| EV range only | 37 miles |
| Charging time | 4.5 hours (Level 2) |
| curb weight | 4070 pounds |
| 0-60mph time | 9.0 seconds (EV mode) 8.1 seconds (extended range) |
Cadillac may be going through a big EV today, but this isn’t the first attempt. That was in 2014 when GM decided to give the Chevrolet Volt a luxury counterpart. The result was Cadillac’s first plug-in hybrid, the 2014 ELR. Well, I say “plug-in hybrid,” but there’s a lot of confusion about the Volt’s and ELR’s classifications.
Some call them range-extended EVs because they usually only drive their electric motors. When their batteries run out, the petrol engines start to recharge them, just like the BMW i3 worked. However, depending on the driving mode, the Cadillac ELR can accelerate with all its power sources. Add in the ability to charge with Level 1 or 2 — remember, no DC fast chargers in 2014 — and the ELR technically qualifies as a PHEV.
Ratings aside, the Cadillac ELR, even with its clean lines and federal tax credit ratings, didn’t sell well. Part of the problem was the sticker price: about double the price of the Volt. But it didn’t help that its sharp two-door exterior meant a cramped rear seat and a small trunk. And not only is it, er, not fast, but the four-cylinder engine isn’t particularly refined either.
While the 2014 Cadillac ELR has some Volt hardware, it’s not just a Volt in a sharp suit. First, the ELR has a different suspension layout and standard adaptive shocks. Second, the interior of the ELR, aside from the jagged sheet metal, is much more luxurious than the interior of the Volt. It features comfortable and supportive leather seats, a configurable 8-inch digital gauge cluster, navigation, and plenty of real wood, metal, and Alcantara, InsideEVs say. In any case, the front passengers also have a lot of space. And the ELR can not only glide down the street like the Cadillacs of yesteryear, but it’s not bad on expansive roads either.
One of these Cadillac EVs is currently on Cars & Bids
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Another reason the Cadillac ELR didn’t sell well was that GM charged extra for some advanced driver assistance safety features. Thankfully, that’s not a problem with the 2014 Cadillac ELR currently listed on Cars & Bids. When the original owner bought it, they checked the ADAS boxes – and a few more.
In addition to the aforementioned features, this 2014 Cadillac ELR has a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, LED headlights and mood lighting, carbon fiber interior trim and a Bose audio system with 10 speakers. Also in 2014 the ELR came standard with forward collision warning, lane departure warning and front and rear parking sensors. But because this car has the luxury package, it has rear cross traffic warning, blind spot monitoring and automatic high beam.
Technically, this 2014 Cadillac ELR has Ashen Gray paint. However, it now carries a black vinyl film, also on the clear exterior trim. It also has tinted rear and side marker lights. But other than that it’s a stock.
Speaking of cosmetics, this ELR has some scattered chips, scratches and scrapes, as well as some scattered bottom rust. But the biggest concern is probably just the loose seal of the driver’s side window. On a positive note, however, this 2014 Cadillac ELR has less than 53,000 miles on the odometer. And the sale includes a spare set of wheels with fitted winter tires and the original charging cable.
This used Cadillac ELR is a bargain for a hybrid luxury car – and should be reliable too
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At the time of writing, this 2014 Cadillac ELR stands at $18,500 with three days left in the auction. Keep in mind that this PHEV coupe originally cost $77,690 in 2014, which is about $95,925 in 2022 money. And although the ELR, like the Volt, has depreciated considerably, the cheapest example with comparable mileage is on car dealer costs about $7,500 more. That makes this Cadillac a real used hybrid bargain.
As it is a used luxury hybrid, a pre-purchase inspection is recommended. But it’s worth noting that Jay Leno has been traveling regularly in his Volt for over a decade with no issues. Further, InsideEVsLong-term ELR testing revealed only one minor problem with the power seat and power window that turned out to be a loose bolt. And while Cadillac has twice recalled the ELR, the job should be done by now.
So if you’re looking to save luxury and gas, this 2014 Cadillac ELR could be your stylish fuel tank.
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