Despite what some people may think, the Cadillac ELR isn’t General Motors’ answer to the Tesla Model S. As global product chief Mark Reuss put it, “it’s a different car, it’s a different price point. It’s way-different technology.” But if GM did want to come up with a viable alternative to the Model S, would electrifying the CTS be the best way to do it?
The third-generation CTS and its Alpha chassis have already received the stamp of approval from the automotive media, so it may be worth Cadillac’s time and money to develop an all-electric version. The CTS has a luxurious interior and similar technologies to the well-equipped Model S. It also has four-doors, making it a realistic answer to the Tesla as opposed to the style-centric, two-door ELR.
There’s a few things standing in our theoretical CTS’ way. For one, Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen has an infamous distaste for electric and hybrid cars (he allegedly said the Chevrolet Volt was a “car for idiots”) and due to the current sales results of the CTS, we can’t seem him getting behind this idea at all. He did say cars like the ELR are “part of our (Cadillac’s) future” but we think an all-electric Cadillac is still a long way out.
Do you think an all-electric CTS is a viable alternative to the Model S? There’s no evidence saying Cadillac has even considered such a vehicle, but we’d happily embrace it if it were to come along.
Comments
simple yes. i am waiting
Simple no as they can and should do better.
To do it right they will need to take the Alpha or a purpose made platform and make it an EV from the start vs. just converting a CTS.
If they do a full EV it needs to be the best in the segment and not just a half hearted attempt. Do it right or not at all.
If you want to be the Standard of the World then set the standard and not take the easy way out.
I say no for an all electric CTS. Cadillac can offer a plug-in hybrid as an option if the opportunity comes in the future.
I believe there should be a diesel version of this car also.
Could an Alpha-based CTS outshine Tesla?
If the answer is yes, then such an effort may be worth the cost as a sort of halo product.
Such an option could garner good press. Personally, I’m not a fan of the idea at least until GM is capable of out doing Tesla. Even then, It’d rather see the money spent over at Buick/Opel/Vauxhall given that it would provided Buick a unique niche.
All electric is not ready yet. Tesla is doing well, but there is no real competition for the S at this point. The volt / elr is much easier to live with due to the whole “running on gas” bit, which allows it to be the “only car” for many more people. A Tesla only really works if you have a second car for longer trips.
If I were in the market for electric, I would want the price and features (electric + gas) of the volt with the looks of the S. The volt / elr are hideous. Seems like no one but Tesla understands that wanting Electric is not equivalent to wanting ugly.
I say no . The cost of doing so just doesn’t make sense . They are having problems selling the car to begin with . Why does Cadillac need to continually want to chase after other automakers . They need to focus on building back their reputation AKA , set a goal for itself .
I would say yes in a heartbeat if GM had the right powerplant already or at least if the CTS were selling great to help offset the cost of developing a Cadillac all-electric powerplant. Unfortunately, neither of these things is the case. For that reason, it cannot realistically be done right now. But, they should already be working on an electric powerplant for a variety of Cadillac vehicles in the not too distant future.
An electric car is probably worthwhile. Modifying the alpha platform may not be a terrible idea, but branding wise and marketing wise, it should not in any way be connected to the cts…
I would have bought the ELR, if only it was RWD. So I bought the CTS with the 3.6 V6. But whenever I see a Tesla, I am still wishing I could have gotten an electric car from Cadillac, with RWD.
No, waste of money. This won’t be the best, will be dated by time it reaches market.
Given the rapid development of electric technology, it would be better to source the technology for GMs next modular platforms.
I own an ELR, and it is a fantastic vehicle. Not only does it have superior styling, but it comes standard with apt of equipment, which is an option on Tesla, at an average of 4 numbers in cost.
They both start at approx the same price, of about $78,000, but by the time you buy all of the options that are standard on the cadillac, the Tesla is about $90,000.
At the same time, CadillAc is offering rebates and discounts that bring the selling price to less than $50,000. That is a huge difference. I get unlimited meage from my cadillac on most of all my trips under 50 miles, and if I wish to drive to California , all I have to do is fill the 9 gal gas tank and drive away.
My opinion is: Cadillac wins hands
down.