I'm having a hard time understanding why someone would pay $55k-$70k for this, and it only gets 35 miles on it's electric 16kWh battery and still have to pay for gas, when you can get a Tesla Model S 40kWh at a cheaper price for 160 miles. And that is assuming that its priced at the cheaper end. BTW, that 35 miles is LESS than the Volt. GM said that since the Cadillac is heavier and it will get less electric miles than the volt. Hmmm what are you getting for all this extra money? Nothing but the Caddy name. The 'slam dunk' here is that it's no doubt going to bomb big time, even moreso than the Volt. Worth it? I can't find any good reason. Enlighten me.
It's actually quite simple. First, the 40kwh MS will NOT be EPA rated at 160 miles. My guess is that it will get somewhere around 110-120 miles according to the EPA. And that will be in range mode, not standard. Many on this forum have said with the 85kwh MS, they get 210-215 miles of practical range. So it is likely that the 40kwh MS will have a realistic driving range of more like 90-100 miles. $60K for 100 miles with a 4 hour charging time? Some would say that the Model S isn't worth it at that price.
Secondly, the ELR is a true luxury car. The ELR unlike the S is a true luxury vehicle - its got parking sensors, cupholders (motorized!), heads up display, Bose 10-piece audio system, lane departure warning, etc etc. etc. The S never struck me as a 'luxury' car on the interior - it was cool/minimalist/spartan, but not luxury. People at price points north of $50K expect certain amenities and in this regard, the ELR has the S beat. Quite simple.
Thirdly, range anxiety! The voltec powertrain will continue to get good mileage in range extend mode, probably 35 mpg or so in reality. Plus the 35 miles of EPA rated range (incidentally, the Volt and the Karma are the two EVers I'm most familiar with and both have gotten MORE practical/real world range than their EPA figures suggest - I've gotten about 40-43 miles in the Volt, and about 41-43 in the Karma - surprised so many MS owners get LESS than the EPA ratings). The voltec powertrain is very quiet even with the range extender on - again, kudos to the engineering team at GM for the Volt platform.
Fourth - styling! The Model S is not an ugly car, but its just got no personality - its forgettable (at least for me) and can get lost easily in a sea of Mazdas, Jaguars and Toyotas/Lexus. The ELR, like the Karma, has distinct lines and styling. Like it or not, they are memorable and unique. The angular body lines, the headlights, the rims - all are uniquely Caddy.
On the performance side, no doubt the MS is faster - just as the MSP is faster than the Karma. The Volt does 0-60 in 9s or so I think, and I suspect the ELR will be around 7s or so, respectable but by no means fast.
Again, at $55K, this car is a bargain for the tech and luxury features it offers. It caters to the luxury car buyers who like the idea of going electric but want the freedom of range and the reliability of a proven luxury automaker behind it. The MS, in my opinion, caters to the early adopters and techies who like the tech and are willing to compromise with the issues associated with new tech - all the small things like no cupholders, parking sensors, interior storage, average sound system, pedestrian styling, the need to pre-plan your longer-range trips to accomodate charging stations, etc. For the MS to cross into the ELR or Karma territory, it needs more range and/or faster, easily accessible charging.