by Wallace Wyss –
Buick, a hallowed name in American brands, actually sells more Buicks in China than they do in the U.S. That may be why they showed the all-new Buick Electra Concept at the 2020 Beijing Motor Show instead of the U.S. It’s an electric crossover that showcases the brand’s vision for a new generation of zero-emission vehicles. It is the first GM crossover to use the BEV3 platform and to be powered by GM’s Ultium battery system. There will be at least two production crossovers for Buick between now and 2025.
A lot of their future electric car plans ride on their advanced Ultium battery which being low to the ground means designers have more freedom for a car’s shape.
They used the phrase “minimalistic styling” and I have to agree with them, no clutter, no grille, no scoops, no vents, not even door handles. Though I wouldn’t go so far as to use “the design of a Gran Turismo” as they did. Let’s just say it’s pretty sexy for a people mover family vehicle.
There’s a lot done with lighting like the illuminated front grille, and the sophisticated LED Matrix headlight signature. The butterfly doors – I call them “Lambo doors” – have been promised by other GM concept cars but never made production yet.
The dash lacks a traditional instrument panel, instead using a huge, floating curved screen. In a look toward that day not so far off now when autonomous cars will be green lighted, it has a retractable steering column. The suspended seats give what they call a “zero-gravity visual effect”.
Now minimalist can be nice but there’s just one thing electric car buyers want to know, and that’s range. They are saying 412 miles (660 kilometers) on a single charge. The powertrain has two Ultium Drive motors – one in front, one in back.
It is rated with an output of 583 horsepower (435 kW), allowing for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 4.3 seconds. GM is planning on this being not just for China but for a global global-market. Sounds like a long way off but you can expect to see it marketed for the 2024 calendar year.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
AUTHOR: Wallace Wyss is the author of 18 car histories, currently a stalwart in automotive art creation.
My mother had a Buick Electra convertible in the sixties and looked nothing like this. Love the “butterfly” doors and led lighting. I guess this is progress but I sure loved my Mom’s old Electra.
I like the shape but the wheels are way too big.
Ya, those wheels could be on earth moving equipment.
“minimalistic styling” and I have to agree with them, no clutter, no grille, no scoops, no vents, no style, no flair, no good looks, no sexy lines, nothing, not even door handles.
Brian…. you did not go far enough with the disparagements…
I’m sure a small book can be written with the negatives on this…thing.
yep!
One Word UGLY!
Better word…… FUGLY