“Too bad you did not buy one before Cadillac stopped making them in February 2016.”
2016 Cadillac ELR: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Cadillac ELR is its stronger plug-in hybrid drivetrain, retuned to produce 233 horsepower and 373 lb-ft of torque. This was a substantial mid-cycle update after the ELR skipped 2015, not a full redesign.
About the 2016 Cadillac ELR
1st generation, final model year; the ELR skipped the 2015 model year and returned for a substantially updated 2016 finale before discontinuation.
Cadillac positioned the ELR as a dramatic luxury coupe with plug-in hybrid efficiency and electric-first daily driving. Its appeal was combining a premium cabin, bold coupe styling, and quiet electric operation with the flexibility to handle longer trips without being limited to charge-only driving. The ELR stood apart from mainstream plug-in cars by putting more emphasis on design, cabin materials, and a more upscale driving experience.
Cadillac positioned the sole ELR trim as an upscale two-door coupe for electric-focused daily driving with the flexibility to take longer trips. It pairs an estimated 39 miles of electric range with adaptive suspension, an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and Apple CarPlay, heated leather front seats, Bose audio, and a broad driver-assistance suite.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Revised drivetrain software raised total plug-in hybrid output to 233 horsepower and 373 lb-ft of torque. Estimated electric range increased to 39 miles.
Styling
A new grille and updated Cadillac crest lightly refreshed the front end. The overall body shape stayed the same.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert became standard.
Tech
Apple CarPlay and wireless smartphone charging joined the standard equipment.
Structural
Cadillac revised the suspension, steering, and braking hardware and tuning for quicker, sharper responses.
2016 Cadillac ELR specs and features by trim
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Engine | Electric Drive Motor |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 31 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg |
| Torque | 373 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 10.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.6 in |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Electric Range | 40 |
| MPGe Combined | 85 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |
| Alarm System | |
| Automatic High Beams | |
| Blindspot Sensors | |
| Lane Departure Warning | |
| Rear View Camera | |
| Alloy Wheels | |
| LED Headlights | |
| Rear Spoiler | |
| Navigation System | |
| Smartphone Interface | |
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |
| Heated Front Seats | |
| Heated Steering Wheel | |
| Leather Seats | |
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |
| Push-Button Engine Start | |
| Remote Start | |
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Cadillac ELR?
The biggest change is a stronger plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Its revised software raises total output to 233 horsepower and 373 lb-ft of torque, while estimated electric range increases to 39 miles.
Was the 2016 Cadillac ELR fully redesigned?
No. The 2016 ELR received a substantial mid-cycle update rather than a full redesign. It kept the same basic coupe shape but gained a stronger drivetrain, revised driving responses, more standard safety equipment, and a lightly updated front end.
Did Cadillac make a 2015 ELR?
No. The ELR skipped the 2015 model year and returned for 2016 with substantial updates. The 2016 version was also the model’s final year.
What safety features became standard on the 2016 Cadillac ELR?
Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert became standard for 2016. They joined features including forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, parking sensors, and a rearview camera.
Does the 2016 Cadillac ELR have Apple CarPlay?
Yes. Apple CarPlay became standard on the 2016 ELR, along with an 8-inch touchscreen, built-in navigation, and wireless smartphone charging.
2016 Cadillac ELR Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Cadillac ELR.
4.5
2016 Cadillac ELR
(20 reviews)