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Velite 5 Debuts As A Buick-Badged Volt For China

Buick not only showcased the all-new, 2018 Regal sedan at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show, but it also revealed its first-ever extended range vehicle in the Velite 5. And, if you can’t tell, it’s basically a reskinned Chevrolet Volt.

Borrowing extensively from the second-generation Volt, the Buick Velite 5 will offer 477 miles of range with its combination of pure electric propulsion and gasoline powertrain. 72 miles is possible on electric power alone, according to Buick. Power comes from a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a lithium-ion battery pack, while GM’s electronic controlled intelligent variable transmission handles shifting duties.

Buick’s first extended range vehicle will include a host of features including standard keyless entry and push-button start, eight-inch touchscreen, OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability and an advanced air filter for the air conditioning system. Active safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic parking assist and high-beam assist are optional.

The Velite 5 also expands on the “Buick Blue” strategy for new energy vehicles in China, which kicked off with the LaCrosse Hybrid last year. Expect more from Buick in the coming years as it also plans a dedicated battery electric vehicle for its portfolio, too.

Buick will offer the Velite 5 in two trims: a 1.5GS and 1.5GL. The GS, which represents a more premium package, will go on sale with a price of RMB 295,800 ($42,951 USD), while the lower-spec GL has been priced at RMB 265,800 ($38,595 USD). No matter which trim, the Velite 5 is eligible for over $5,000 in subsidies from SAIC-GM.

Former GM Authority staff writer.

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Comments

  1. 72 miles range? Different way they calculate it in China, orrrr is the Volt going to get a fairly crazy update.

    Reply
  2. Since China places high tariffs on imported vehicle, GM and SAIC did the next best step by just importing Volt parts and building the Buick Velite 5 locally. I doubt it can be exported to the USA but I believe some Buick fans will try to buy one and have it shipped.

    BTW, that GM-SAIC alliance has excellent products, as my 2009 Chevy Equinox’s 3.4 L V6 engine was built by that alliance, and in 8 years it had only oil changes (the air filter is K&N).

    Reply
  3. I wonder if they going to put power seats on the Buick version

    Reply
  4. The last time I was in China – about a month ago – the distances were in kilometres, not in miles. Your reporting would be a lot more realistic if it reflected the world thinking, instead of catering to the uninformed US readership.

    Reply
  5. Autoline TV’s John McElroy said that 72-mile figure in on China’s more optimistic testing cycle meaning it wasn’t on a road course as buyers in China should expect to see the same 53 mile battery range as the Chevrolet Volt sold here before the 1.5L gas engine kicks in to recharge the battery.

    Reply

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