Buick To be big in China. Buyers there see the brand as an aspirational brand, much like Lexus. While the brand only sells four models – each a crossover – in the US, the Buick lineup in China has 12 models. There’s everything from compact sedans to luxury truck. The brand also has an electric vehicle sub-brand called Electra. Although there are currently only two models, the brand may soon expand as Buick launches two new Electra concepts, the Electra-L and Electra-LT.
The pair of concepts – a sleek sedan and a low-slung wagon – were shown at the Beijing Auto Show and both use GM’s Ultium platform. The Electra-L concept features a rear-mounted engine with 342 horsepower and a range of 435 miles during the Chinese test cycle. The front design is clearly inspired Wild cat concept with slim headlights and black trim details. Turbine-like wheels pushed toward the corners emphasize its length, although its 198.3-inch length makes it roughly the size of an Audi A6 or Mercedes E-Class.
Inside there’s a nice-looking panoramic glass roof, a floating center console, a large screen for the driver and another hidden 7-inch screen for the passenger that pops out of the dashboard. There are also seats described as “adaptive zero gravity” seats that automatically adjust to the passenger’s pressure point and adjust accordingly. Rear passengers are treated to a tea table with built-in hotplate; Seriously, the table has a built-in induction cooking surface on it.
The Electra-LT is the culmination of these two concepts. The sleek, low-roof car has four-wheel drive, but there’s no word on power or range. The front is similar to the Electra-L just with more black accents. The car has a set of large black titanium wheels, bright yellow paint and a thin taillight bar running along the width of the rear trunk. And just in case the driver wants to tackle some rough terrain, the Electra-LT has an air suspension that can be raised 1.5 inches for added ground clearance.
American buyers will likely never see either of these added to Buick’s current lineup. Buick tends to disappoint us when it comes to concepts; remember the Alpha platform Avista concept? And while Buick said that its electric car To be are coming, it’s pretty quiet about it. Until the brand does more here for its U.S. lineup, we’ll have to watch from the other side of the fence as Buick brings all the good things to China.
