by Announcement of the New Crossover
Chinese regulatory authorities have published information about the new Buick Electra E7 crossover. This model with a hybrid powertrain is larger than the Buick Envision. The car is expected to debut later this year and will be equipped with autonomous driving technology.
Exterior and Design
The new Electra E7, previously shown as a concept last year, has a rather universal exterior appearance that does not strongly resemble the traditional Buick style. The front of the car resembles the face of a hammerhead shark with C-shaped lighting elements, similar to those used in the latest Toyota models. They are complemented by centrally positioned headlights and, likely, an active lower grille.
This is the new Buick Electra sedan, and you can’t have it
The side profile is characterized by streamlined body shapes and plastic cladding on the wheel arches. A Lidar sensor on the roof is also noticeable, which is likely part of the Xiao Yao Zhi Xing autonomous driving system. This system is essentially an enhanced version of Super Cruise, operating both on highways and city streets.
The model also received aerodynamically optimized wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches in size. Chrome or dark decorative elements are available, as well as an optional sunroof.
Rear and Dimensions
The rear of the car looks relatively simple, but attracts attention with a full-width LED strip with interesting graphics and an integrated “Buick” inscription. Designers also added a spoiler on the trunk lid and a sculpted bumper to the model.
Regarding dimensions, the crossover has a length of 190.9 inches (4850 mm), a width of 75.2 inches (1910 mm), and a height of 65.8 inches (1671 mm) with a wheelbase of 112.2 inches (2850 mm).
These figures place the Electra E7 between the Envision and Enclave models: it is 8.2 inches (208 mm) longer than the compact crossover, but 16.7 inches (424 mm) shorter than the three-row model.
Powertrain
Details about the powertrain are limited, but it is known that the hybrid crossover is equipped with a 1.5-liter engine producing 97 hp (72 kW / 98 PS). It works in tandem with an LFP battery pack and an electric motor producing 221 hp (165 kW / 224 PS). The top speed is expected to be 112 mph (180 km/h).
The appearance of the Electra E7 clearly demonstrates Buick’s strategy in the Chinese market, where demand for electrified SUVs continues to grow. The emphasis on autonomous technologies and a familiar, yet neutral design may be an attempt to attract a wide range of buyers looking for advanced, but not overly experimental cars. The success of this model could significantly influence the further development of the Electra brand as a separate electrified division of the company.
