Buick Enspire Concept Unveiled As An Electric Crossover With 550 HP

China is one of Buick’s most important markets so it comes as little surprise the company is using Auto China to introduce the new Enspire concept.

Looking far sleeker than the Envision and Enclave, the Enspire has a bold front fascia with a wide grille that is flanked by sporty air intakes. The concept also has slender headlights and a sculpted hood.

The sporty styling continues further back as the crossover has dynamic bodywork, a sloping roofline and muscular rear fenders. We can also see aerodynamic side skirts, side camera mirrors and a floating roofline.

The rear of the Enspire echoes the front as the model has slim taillights which are connected by a thin strip of chrome trim. Designers also installed a ventilated rear fascia, a tailgate-mounted spoiler and a contrasting lower bumper.

Buick only released one interior photo but the company says the concept has a spacious cabin which combines “exquisite craftsmanship” with “simple yet elegant colors.” The photo also shows a digital instrument cluster, a massive infotainment system and a lower display which controls settings such as the heated seats.

Given the company’s luxury aspirations, it’s not surprising to learn the Enspire has natural wood trim and microfiber suede accents. Drivers will also find an ambient lighting system and a theater-style seating arrangement.

Motivation is provided by an electric powertrain that has two electric motors which produce a combined output of 550 hp (410 kW / 557 PS). This enables the all-wheel drive crossover to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in four seconds flat.

Buick declined to mention battery details but said the concept can travel up to 600 km (372 miles) on a single charge. The Enspire also supports wireless and fast charging. Thanks to the latter technology, the crossover can be given an 80 percent charge in 40 minutes.

Besides showing the Enspire, Buick unveiled the new Velite 6. Previewed by the Velite concept, the model has a distinctive appearance as it features heavily stylized bodywork and black plastic body cladding.

The standard model has a plug-in hybrid powertrain which consists of a 1.5-liter engine, two electric motors, a lithium-ion battery pack and an electronically controlled variable transmission. Detailed specifications were not released but the company says the model will have a combined fuel consumption rating of 1.4 L/100 km (168 mpg US / 201 mpg UK) and an overall range of 700 km (435 miles).

Buick also has plans for an electric variant which will use a “new-generation pure electric drive system.” Little is known about the model but the company says it will have a “smooth, quiet and natural driving experience.”

Both versions of the Velite will have Buick eConnect technology which enables them to receive over-the-air updates. The company also said the models will have a digital key which enables users to unlock and start the car with their smartphone.