Buick Unveils Sharp New Electra-L and Electra-LT Concepts

With the Buick sales figures plunging in China, the brand is trying to keep afloat marching towards complete electrification. However, the move may not be quite exciting for customers in an automotive context in which EV sales are slowing down.

Furthermore, according to the Chinese media, General Motors has failed to come up with anything with zero emissions, capable of gaining ground. But this is what Buick is trying to do with the Electra-L and Electra-LT: use them as anchors for a ship that is adrift.

The two concept cars have been designed by the SAIC-GM Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center belonging to the joint venture. GM’s global team gave a helping hand with the design in an attempt to keep the Buick character while displaying futuristic looks.

The Buick Electra-L comes in the shape of a fastback sedan and displays close-of-production looks. It measures 198.7 inches (5,036 millimeters) in length, sporting a wheelbase of 118.1 inches (3,000 millimeters). It features cameras instead of side mirrors, while the frameless doors highlight its fastback silhouette with muscular proportions.

A rear-mounted electric motor reportedly delivers 342 horsepower (347 metric horsepower) to the rear wheels. The battery pack stores enough energy for a trip of up to 435 miles (700 kilometers).

The cabin design goes for minimalism, while the car is equipped with the eConnect intelligent system with voice assistant, based on artificial intelligence. The driver benefits from the presence of a large floating screen that integrates the instrument cluster and infotainment display, while a 7.0-inch screen pops up in front of the front passenger.

If Buick can stick to the plan, the production version, underpinned by General Motors’ Ultium architecture, should launch next year at the Shanghai Auto Show.

As for the Electra-LT, we are looking at a shooting brake, which is equipped with what seems to be a roof box with not much space. It is clear that both follow the same design lines, seeming almost identical up to the C-pillar.

There are no photos showing the interior of the LT, but it reportedly features Zero Gravity seats, floating tea tables, and a light-sensing panoramic roof. The LT should also be available with an all-wheel drive.

With smooth curves and sleek lines, the two concept cars would make quite sexy production models. However, both of them will keep away from America and will most likely be China-only products.

American customers are still waiting for Buick's first EV, scheduled to arrive some time next year. In China, the automaker is already selling the E4 and E5 crossovers, plus the Elite 6 wagon.