Buick really enjoys the Beijing Motor Show, and it’s no wonder why. Teaming up with its local partner, SAIC, the company brings a lot of excitement every April in Asia with its stunning designs. This time, Buick presents two new concepts: the Electra-L sedan and the Electra-LT wagon, both born from the collaboration with the SAIC-GM Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center and based on GM’s Ulitum platform.
The Electra-L is like a real-life version of the Wildcat EV concept revealed in 2022 (not the one from 1985) that introduced Buick’s fresh design approach. It retains the main shapes and curves, including the turbine-style wheels, but with a longer fastback roof to ensure enough headroom for four passengers. The front design has been softened, creating space for illuminated decorations.
The sedan is about 198.3 inches long with a wheelbase of 118.1 inches, almost identical to the new BMW i5. It’s powered by a single rear motor producing 342 horsepower and is said to have a range of 435 miles under China’s CLTC test loop. Inside, there’s a glass roof that adjusts to light levels, a modern instrument panel with a floating display, four “zero-gravity” seats, and a rear area with a small cooktop for brewing tea.
As for the Electra-LT, there’s not much information available. It resembles an off-road version of the Electra-L sedan, featuring extended fenders, unique wheel design, and an adjustable air suspension that can raise the body by 1.6 inches. It also has a roof box for added adventure vibes.
Inside, it shares the same layout as the sedan, with the possibility of adding a third row of seats and an advanced cabin system supporting multiple screens. The powertrain details are a bit unclear, mentioning a 342-hp motor at the rear axle and “independent four-wheel drive.”
Two years ago, Buick announced plans to introduce five new EVs in China by 2025. The Electra-L sedan is expected to hit the Chinese market next year, possibly debuting as a production model at the 2025 Auto Shanghai. It will join three existing electric Buicks in China: the Electra E4 and E5 crossovers, and the Velite 6 wagon.
The future of the Electra-LT is uncertain, but it could either become a new version of the Velite or offer a larger option for buyers who prefer wagons over crossovers, especially considering its increased size compared to the current Velite 6.
