While the Cadillac ELR is undeniably overpriced from many standpoints, it still offers looks and comfort levels that do match the high sticker price. It’s let down by so-so performance and just being average as a plug-in hybrid, but what it is not is a glorified Chevy Volt.
The KBB reviewer Zach Vlasuk explains that with its blend of more sophisticated suspension, a better sound-insulated cabin and plush seats, the ELR seems quite different to the Volt on which it’s based. If you wouldn’t know the two were related, you’d probably not be able to tell by just driving them.
The fact that it’s still more expensive than a Tesla Model S which qualifies for the same federal and state rebates kind of ruins its business case, but it does not make it a bad car.
Some may even buy it for the looks and green credibility alone, or those who now feel that a Tesla is “too mainstream” will also have a case to buy one.