This model will be a midsize electric SUV.
Prototypes have been caught testing in Michigan.
The Electra E5 will be based on the Ultium platform.
Buick is currently the only General Motors division that hasn’t unveiled a single production-ready electric vehicle, but this doesn’t mean the brand is not working on its future EV offering.
Indeed, the brand teased its upcoming line of Electra EVs a number of times before, but this is the first time we can have a look at the production version of one of these models.
Leaked by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, these images show the midsize Electra E5 in its Chinese-market version, without any camouflage.
Buick Electra E5 | Photo: Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
The five-seat SUV that slots between the current Enclave and Envision in terms of size adopts a brand-new design direction for the company, with its divided headlamps, its filled-in plastic grille and its lightbar that links together the taillamps.
The Electra E5 will is also fitted with flush-mounted door handles, another first for Buick. This detail, as well as the new wheel design, are most likely engineered to lower the SUV’s drag coefficient in order to improve its range.
Since the model has not been officially launched, only limited information about its powertrain is currently available but it will be built on the same Ultium platform as the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EVs, as well as the Cadillac Lyriq.
Buick Electra E5 | Photo: Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
According to the Chinese documents, the Electra E5 will put down 241 horsepower in single motor form. While not specified, it is likely that Buick will also offer a dual motor all-wheel drive setup whose output should be around 300 horsepower.
In terms of range, nothing has been said but considering the numbers achieved by other Ultium EVs, the Electra E5 should be able to drive between 400 and 500 kilometres on a charge.
Since prototypes have been spotted in Michigan earlier this year, it seems likely that this model could be the first electric Buick to be offered to North-American customers.
