A titan of the American auto industry, Buick boasts a heritage that stretches back even before its incorporation into General Motors in 1908. However, a look at Buick’s current offerings in North America might leave its visionary founder, David Dunbar Buick, bewildered.
Though it holds the esteemed title of the oldest surviving US automaker, having outlasted the likes of Oldsmobile, Buick’s North American portfolio is a far cry from what some enthusiasts might desire. Here, choices are rigidly confined to crossover SUVs Envista, Encore GX, Envision, and Enclave.
This limited selection stands in stark contrast to the smorgasbord of options available to Buick customers in other markets, particularly China. There, car buyers are treated to a veritable feast, with sedans like the Regal, Verano, and LaCrosse gracing dealership floors. But China isn’t just getting a wider variety of body styles; it’s also at the forefront of Buick’s electric vehicle revolution.
Models like the Velite, drawing inspiration from the Chevrolet Volt, and the all-new Electra E4 and E5 are a testament to this commitment. These mid-size electric SUVs leverage the capabilities of SAIC-GM, a joint venture between GM and a Chinese automaker, and utilize GM’s BEV3 electric vehicle architecture.
While these electrified options tantalize car enthusiasts in North America, they currently remain out of reach, leaving a sense of frustration and a yearning for a more diverse Buick portfolio. Adding fuel to the fire are rumors suggesting that the first Buick EV for North America will arrive even later than initially anticipated. Meanwhile, across the Pacific, Buick is gearing up to launch the stylish Electra-L and Electra-LT sedans and wagons all electric and destined for the Chinese market in 2025.
It’s no wonder that the digital car creators are taking matters into their own hands, attempting to accelerate the EV process for Buick in America. Prolific virtual artist Vince Burlapp (vburlapp on social media) is a prime example, using his digital canvas to bring the all-electric Electra series to American shores.
But Burlapp isn’t content with simply replicating existing models; his vision includes the hypothetical Electra-C, a classic two-door convertible designed to make a bold statement that passenger cars are far from dead. This dream car serves as a beacon of hope for enthusiasts who crave a more diverse and electric future for Buick in North America, a future that embraces not just SUVs but the entire spectrum of automotive possibilities.
