Buick unveils flagship plug-in hybrid MPV Electra Encasa, starting at 61,800 USD
Buick has officially launched its flagship MPV, the Electra Encasa. It is the first MPV model under SAIC-GM Buick’s high-end new energy sub-brand, Electra, and is also the sixth-generation GL8. The luxury vehicle is available in two trim levels, Premium Edition priced at 439,900 yuan (61,800 USD) and Luxury Edition at 469,900 yuan (66,000 USD).
The Electra Encasa positions itself as a new energy mid-to-large MPV built on Buick’s “Xiaoyao” super fusion architecture. It features Buick’s latest “Xiaoyao Intelligent Drive” advanced driving assistance system powered by Momenta’s R6 flywheel large model algorithm, enabling urban NOA (Navigation on Autopilot) assistance. At its heart is Qualcomm’s latest SA8775P chip, delivering 72 TOPS of computing power.
The Electra Encasa showcases a new design language with a closed front grille flanked by crystal wing headlight clusters that support seven adaptive lighting modes with wide-area illumination and long-range beam distance.
Its side profile features straight lines with a waistline extending from the front headlights to the rear. The vehicle measures 5,260mm in length, 2,000mm (2,023mm) in width, and 1,835mm (1,820mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 3,160mm.
The rear features a light, feather-flow-through taillight assembly embedded with 257 ultra-red LED lights.
The cabin boasts a 10.25-inch instrument screen, 16.3-inch central control screen, 16.3-inch front passenger screen, and a 21-inch 4K rear cabin multimedia smart screen.
The second row features two 5.5-inch smart control screens that manage seat adjustments, climate control, refrigerator, and rest modes.
For entertainment, the system supports Bluetooth microphones and wired/Bluetooth connections for gaming consoles, complemented by a Bose premium sound system.
The vehicle’s “Xiaoyao Intelligent Drive” system utilises a sensor suite including one LiDAR, three millimetre-wave radars, twelve ultrasonic radars, and eleven high-definition cameras.
The Electra Encasa comes with two powertrain options. The plug-in hybrid version combines a 132kW 1.5T engine with electric motors in the “True Dragon” hybrid system, utilising lithium iron phosphate batteries for energy storage.
A pure electric version is also in plan, featuring a 200 kW (268 hp) front drive motor paired with a 130 kW (174 hp) rear drive motor. Equipped with CATL lithium iron phosphate batteries, the EV offers range options of 601km and 632km.
