On September 28th, we reported on the world debut of the all-new Buick Electra Concept, a fully electric crossover with a Gran Turismo design that previews Buick’s future generation of zero-emissions vehicles. Now, GM Authority has exclusively obtained more details on the Electra Concept and an official image gallery to better appreciate the innovative design of General Motors’ latest creation.
The Buick Electra Concept was designed and developed by GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) in Shanghai, which has created all the latest Buick concept vehicles such as the 2018 Enspire Concept and the 2019 GL8 Avenir Concept. Its name pays homage to the brand’s iconic flagship that was introduced 60 years ago, as a reinterpretation of Buick’s future all-electric era based on GM’s BEV3 platform and Ultium battery system.
“Buick’s innovative thinking and imagination of future intelligent mobility have reached the next level with the Electra,” said Executive Vice President of SAIC-GM, Sam Basile, in an official press release. “I am confident that the styling and technology innovations reflected on the Electra will ultimately help reset consumers’ expectations, just as all previous Buick concepts have done,” he added.
The new images paint a clearer picture of the Buick Electra Concept’s advanced design, which introduces the brand’s new “potential energy” philosophy for its future EV lineup. Inspired by a space capsule, the Electra Concept’s bodywork is uniquely proportioned by reinterpreting the shape of the pillars, with a massive glass surface extending from the middle of the hood to the tailgate.
As such, the organic integration of art and technology gives the Electra Concept a sleek, dynamic and futuristic appearance both inside and out. Its sculptural design is adorned with 3D-effect Matrix LEDs and striking butterfly doors. Meanwhile, the lack of traditional A and B pillars and the efficient packaging of the electric architecture results in a spacious cabin highlighted by the huge floating curved screen.
The next-generation electric powertrain in the Buick Electra Concept consists of two Ultium Drive motors that deliver a combined output of 583 horsepower (435 kW) and a drive range estimated at more than 412 miles on a single charge. In addition, the concept features an industry-leading wireless battery management system that reduces the number of cables in the Ultium battery by 90 percent.
Although it was designed at PATAC, the Buick Electra Concept was actually jointly conceived by a global team from China and the United States. SAIC-GM executives made it clear that the concept will not only serve as inspiration for future Buick EVs for the Chinese market, but will influence the design of upcoming global EVs as well – starting with a midsize crossover scheduled to arrive in 2024.
Subscribe to GM Authority as we bring you the latest Buick Electra Concept news, Buick news and ongoing GM news coverage.
Comments
Why 412 miles? Seems particularly specific.
To make it sound real. If they had said “400 miles” then you would know someone just pulled that number of out thin air.
With these additional images and details, I’m warming up to the design. If they are serious about Buick and about their new design language and their new notion of “potential energy,” I think the future of Buick will be exciting!
This is a concept. If it were real it would have door handles, mirrors, and in the case of Buick, a 75 year old driver.
I’ve wanted a Buick even in my 20’s. But I don’t want what they’re selling now.
My wife and I, in our 30s, just bought a Buick.
Duh
I have always found these “Buicks are for old people” comments annoying. I have ALWAYS liked Buick and bought my first new one at 32. We have bought nothing but Buicks since then.
I think it looks quite intriguing. Anxious to see what elements translate into production models. Especially love the rear glass design and how it references some of the original Riviera boat tail designs.
I also suspect the powertrain and range information portray some details that we will find in the upcoming Lyriq. It would be awesome if the base Lyriq starts with that type of range with awd. HP wouldn’t need to he so extensive for the “base model but maybe that’s part of how Cadillac will set itself apart.
Overall excited to see what Buick comes up with from this.
I still like the design of the Buick Enspire all electric CUV concept car from a couple of years ago better.
I don’t. I just googled it, and it looks like a generic crossover like you already see all the time.
so are you a fan of the bmw x4/6? those aren’t generic but they are ugly.
i’ll take generically attractive over those two.
I have zero interest in crossovers.
Buick really needs an exciting electric car, and the name Electra is obviously perfect for this.
I just hope we don’t hear about how it’s only being launched in China a couple years from now.
Love the name don’t like the concept at all don’t even know why GM wasting money on something that’s not remotely close to anything customers can buy and drive on the road
It’s called a concept. It’s part of how you design new vehicles and unless you want to go out of business, you kind of need to do that.
As for what it cost them, probably a few designers paychecks who also work on other things, but I’m only guessing here.
It’s called going bankrupt building a million concept that’s never going to see the light of day. In a time every dollar should be spent on something more road worthy. GM file chapter 13 in 2009 you would think they learn a lesson. Concepts like the Prowler, Viper, Thunderbird, or FORD GT make more since in today climate all of which was build and sold to customers
You missed the bad business class explaining that the Prowler, Viper, and Thunderbird were all cancelled. The Ford GT survives because it is an elite class of vehicle which cost over $100,000 each.
This article in addition to the one the other day: Blah, blah, blah.
Still hideous.
Love the name and yes I know it’s from the past. Don’t love the pics though.
Good name, ugly car!
It looks like the new Cadillac Lyriq, since they share the same BEV3 platform.
Beyond 4 wheels and the BEV 3 platform, please detail what is similar?
I think the lambo/suicide doors will interfere with the traditional Buick owners walkers.
Suicide doors will never make it past an auto show anyway.
I love the look MUCH better than the Cadillac Lyriq. The range is fantastic at 412 miles. However, I loved the look of the Buick Enspire with its 370 mile range that GM announced in April 2018 for a 2020 release date which never happened. Oh well, it’s nice to dream.
With so many compliments about older people always owning Buicks and considering
them only common family cars, ever drove or owned 1973 GS, or a 1985 Grand National, which I believe was the fastest production car made that year?
This will do well in China, but will flop in the States.