Buick Is large in China. Buyers there see the brand as aspirational, something like Lexus. While the brand only sells four vehicles here in the U.S. — each of them a crossover — Buick’s Chinese lineup includes 12 models. Everything is included, from compact sedans to luxurious vans. The brand also has an EV sub-brand called Electra. Although there are currently only two models, the brand could soon expand as Buick introduces two new Electra concepts: Electra-L and Electra-LT.
The two concepts – a sleek sedan and a lowered wagon – were shown at the Beijing Auto Show and both use GM’s Ultium platform. The Electra-L concept features a rear-engined engine with 342 horsepower and a range of 435 miles on the Chinese test cycle. The design of the front apron is clearly inspired by the Wildcat concept with thin headlights and black trim. Turbine-look wheels pushed into the corners emphasize its length, even though at 198.3 inches it is about the same size as an Audi A6 or a Mercedes E-Class.
Inside there’s a great panoramic glass roof, a floating center console, a huge display for the driver and another hidden 7-inch display for the passenger that pops out of the dashboard. There are also seats called “adaptive zero gravity seats” that automatically adapt to passengers’ pressure points and adjust accordingly. The rear passengers are treated to a tea table with an integrated hotplate. Seriously, the table has a built-in induction cooking surface.
The Electra-LT is the best of the two concepts. The sleek-looking, low-roof station wagon features all-wheel drive, but there’s no information on power or range. The front fascia is similar to that of the Electra-L, only with more black accents. It wears large black titanium wheels, bright yellow paint and a thin taillight bar that runs the entire width of the tailgate. And in case a driver wants to venture over rough terrain, the Electra-LT features an air suspension that can be raised 1.5 inches for increased ground clearance.
Buyers here in the US will likely never see one of these join Buick’s current lineup. Buick tends to let us down when it comes to concepts; Remember the Alpha platform Avista concept? And even though Buick said so its electric vehicles Are Come, it was pretty quiet about it. Until the brand does more for its U.S. lineup here, we’ll just have to watch from the other side of the fence as Buick brings all the good things to China.