- Buick revealed two new concept models at the Beijing Auto Show, hinting at future production models for China.
- The Electra L is a sedan targeting the luxury electric car segment, while the Electra LT is a lifted wagon with a more adventurous character.
- Both EVs are built on the GM Ultium platform, offering a luxurious interior with unique features and a driving range exceeding 435 miles / 700 km.
Buick may be an American brand, but its biggest market by far is China. Last year, it sold over 517,000 vehicles there, compared to just 167,030 cars in the United States. This explains why China gets access to striking concepts like the newly introduced Electra L and Electra LT, which had their world premiere at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show.
The Electra L represents a medium-sized sedan, while its counterpart, the Electra LT, adopts the shape of a raised, shooting-brake-style wagon. Both models are built on the GM Ultium architecture.
The Electra L measures 5,036 mm (198.3 inches) and has a 3,000 mm (118.1 inches) wheelbase, making it similar in size to the BMW i5, Mercedes EQE, and Tesla Model S. The exterior design is inspired by the 2022 Buick Wildcat concept, although it looks sleeker and closer to production.
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The Electra L stands out with its “spread wings” LED graphics adorning the sculpted front bumper and turbine-style alloy wheels. Its sleek fastback tail boasts an integrated spoiler above full-width lighting units, lending it a polished look. Additionally, the Electra L incorporates mirror-replacing cameras and concealed door handles, further enhancing its aerodynamic profile.
The sedan is joined by the Electra LT concept, a lifted sports wagon version with a more adventurous character. The Electra LT has discreet fender extensions, “titanium metal armor” wheels, and an aerodynamic roof box that can carry skis, surfboards, bikes, and other kinds of gear. It also features an adaptive air suspension that can increase ground clearance by up to 40 mm (1.6 inches) on demand.
Accompanying the sedan is the Electra LT concept, a raised sports wagon variant with a more adventurous spirit. The LT boasts subtle fender extensions, “titanium metal armor” wheels, and an aerodynamic roof box capable of accommodating skis, surfboards, bikes, and various gear types. Additionally, it incorporates an adaptive air suspension system that can raise ground clearance by up to 40 mm (1.6 inches) as needed.
Buick
The interior boasts four individual “zero-gravity” seats featuring “Surflex” cushions, adorned in environmentally friendly suede-like upholstery in purple and white hues. Adding to the futuristic ambiance, the dashboard hosts a floating, slightly curved digital cockpit complemented by a panoramic head-up display. Additionally, a passenger screen discreetly retracts into the glovebox when not in use.
Another cool feature is the tea table on the rear center console, allowing occupants to enjoy a cup of tea while on the go. The light-sensing panoramic sunroof, the fragrance dispenser, and the AI-backed infotainment also help in creating a pleasant atmosphere.
Both concept models are built on the GM Ultium architecture, featuring a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 342 hp (255 kW / 347 PS). Buick claims a range of over 700 km (435 miles) under CLTC protocols, although the battery capacity remains unspecified.
Unfortunately, there’s no confirmed timeline for when we’ll see the production versions of the Buick Electra L and LT concepts join the the automaker’s Chinese lineup. In any case, the EVs will be manufactured by the SAIC-GM joint venture in China.
