Buick Electra E5 Is A New Electric SUV For China
This sharp looking gray machine is the new Buick Electra E5, a electric SUV for the Chinese car market. It is the second new China-only General Motors product we see today, after the Cadillac GT4 compact crossover.
Buick currently sells three new-energy vehicles (NEVs) in China: the Buick Velite 7 EV based on the Chevrolet Bolt EV, and the Buick Velite 6 EV and Buick Velite 6 PHEV. All are made at SAIC-GM. However, none of these cars sell very well. The 7 is small for China and the 6 is a bit of an oddball, with a body that mixes elements of a station wagon and an SUV. Buick calls it a “multi-activity vehicle” (MAV).
So to get into China’s booming EV market Buick had to come up with something more interesting, and that is this new Buick Electra E5. The ‘Electra’ name will be used for a series of upcoming electric cars, which will include an electric sedan and an electric MPV. They are made at SAIC-GM too, and the new Electra series will likely mean the end of the Velite series.
The Electra E5 is based on GM’s Ultium electric vehicle platform. It will be equipped with SAIC-GM’s VCS smart cockpit and with a new generation of GM’s Super Cruise driving assistance system. The E5 is a five seat car just under five meters long: 4892/1905/1681, with a 2954 wheelbase and a 2570 kilo curb weight. Standard wheels are 18 inch with optional 20 inch units.
The electric motor is build by SAIC-GM in Wuhan. It has an output of 241 hp for a 180 km/h top speed. The ternary lithium-ion battery pack is sourced from CATL but the size is yet unknown. The Buick Electra 5 is expected to hit the Chinese auto market in the first quarter of next year. More on specs and price as we get it.
