Buick Electra Concept Introduces The Brand’s New Design Language For EVs (New Photos)

GM has dropped new photos of its latest concept car that was unwrapped this week in Shanghai, China. Check it out in the gallery below. [Updated 9/30/2020]

The Buick Electra is back but not as a successor to the flagship luxury car GM built from 1959 to 1990.

The iconic name is now used on an all-electric crossover concept that has just made its global premiere in Shanghai, China and previews Buick’s next-generation design language for electric vehicles. Adopting the “potential energy” styling, the Electra reminds somewhat of the Buick Enspire concept from two years ago, though it seems to come from a more distant future.

Developed by GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) in Shanghai, the Buick Electra combines the athletic look of a four-seat crossover with Gran Turismo aesthetics.

The clean and minimalist styling is inspired by a space capsule, in the sense that the glass interior pod is integrated into an aerodynamic wing-form body shell. A distinctive design feature is the glass canopy extends from near the front of the hood to the rear. The Electra is also characterized by a dynamic stance, sculptural surfaces, and a gradient light silver exterior tone at the front that progressively transitions to dark silver in back.

Highlights also include the illuminated Buick badge with a flow-through design, massive 23-inch aero-style wheels, butterfly wing doors that support facial recognition, as well as “breathing” front and rear Matrix LED lamps. The Electra features a full LED-illuminated grille and rear screen nameplate, too. There is even a hidden floating skateboard integrated with the stoplight under the rear bumper.

The Buick Electra concept looks equally futuristic inside, with the lack of A- and B-pillars creating an airy and well-lit cabin. The interior features a large curved display, a retractable steering wheel and four suspended seats that create a visual effect of zero gravity.

Additionally, the copper gold trim surrounding the cabin and dark trim on the exterior frame are said to replicate the atmosphere of outer space. A concealed air-conditioning system, ambient lighting and an electronic rearview mirror are also part of the package.

The next-generation eConnect connectivity system is said to offer an immersive visual experience, providing on-demand driving information, advanced driver assistant system details and infotainment control. The concept also features a large augmented reality-enhanced head-up display with advanced live-view navigation and Buick’s next-generation AI Voice Assistant.

The Buick Electra is based on GM’s all-new electric vehicle architecture. The Ultium drive unit has high-performance motors on both the front and rear axles, offering a maximum power of 435 kW (583 HP / 589 PS) and a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in 4.3 seconds. The advanced Ultium battery gives it a range of more than 660 kilometers (410 miles) on a single charge.