Buick has officially unveiled the all-new full-size Electra Encasa minivan in China. This vehicle is positioned as a flagship electric “MPV home” and offers a level of equipment that rivals premium sedans.
Elegant and Aerodynamic Exterior
Following its preview earlier this year, Buick has finally launched the new Electra Encasa. Its exterior is inspired by the lines of Gulfstream private jets and includes adaptive crystal LED headlights, streamlined body shapes, and hidden door handles. These solutions help achieve a very low drag coefficient of just 0.258.
Furthermore, the minivan features sliding doors with gesture control, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, and a contrasting black roof that slopes smoothly rearward. The rear looks quite restrained but features a power-operated tailgate with foot-sensor control and “floating feather” taillights consisting of 257 LEDs.
In terms of dimensions, the Electra Encasa measures 5260 mm in length with a wheelbase of 3160 mm. This makes it 71 mm longer than the Chrysler Pacifica with a similarly increased distance between the axles.
Flagship-Level Interior
If the exterior looks stylish for a minivan, the interior raises the bar to a whole other level. In front of the driver is a massive frameless display combining a 10.25-inch instrument panel, a 16.3-inch multimedia system, and an equally sized 16.3-inch display for the front passenger.
Additionally, the model offers a massive 50-inch augmented reality head-up display, as well as a 21-inch 4K entertainment system for rear passengers and dual 5.5-inch control panels for the second row that resemble smartphones.
This solution echoes the equipment of the BMW 7 Series, which also offers a huge display for rear passengers. The first-row seats with heating, ventilation, and massage are upholstered in Nappa leather. The cabin also features wireless smartphone chargers in the first and second rows and up to two panoramic sunroofs.
Second-Row Seat Luxury
The second row is the true center of luxury. It features Buick’s first multi-position zero-gravity seats. They automatically adjust depending on the position of the first and third-row seats and can work in tandem with the front passenger seat to create the feeling of a luxurious chaise lounge.
The seats are power-operated, feature an adjustable footrest, heating, ventilation, and a 10-point massage with eight modes. Passengers in the second row also get folding tray tables, and the front passenger seat can recline to provide even more legroom.
Other interior features include a dynamic ambient lighting system, a 16-speaker Bose audio system, an AI voice assistant that recognizes commands from four different zones, Australian wool carpeting, and a unique mounting system for vases, cup holders, and phone holders.
The car also has a “well-being climate” system that maintains optimal air humidity at 40-60%, active noise cancellation technology, high-quality cabin air filters, and multi-zone climate control.
Powerful Powertrain
The vehicle is powered by a hybrid powertrain consisting of a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine, two electric motors, and a 40.9 kWh battery pack. The manufacturer describes the model as a plug-in hybrid, although its operating principle is closer to that of a range-extender electric vehicle.
In any case, the minivan has all-wheel drive, a combined output of 620 hp and 775 Nm of torque. Thanks to these figures, the Electra Encasa accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. On electric power alone, according to the Chinese CLTC cycle, the car can travel up to 224 km. The total range is about 1320 km. The battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in 20 minutes at a fast-charging station.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Buick states that this minivan has received the most advanced intelligent driver assistance system to date. It includes city driving assist and highway driving assist, reminiscent of the Xiao Yao Zhi Xing autonomous driving system.
The system uses a whole arsenal of sensors: one lidar, three millimeter-wave radars, twelve ultrasonic sensors, seven cameras, and four surround-view cameras. Essentially, it provides an enhanced adaptive cruise control function for highways and city streets. The model also offers a one-touch automatic parking function that can be activated even while driving.
Price and Conclusions
Prices for the Buick Electra Encasa in China start from 439,900 yuan (approximately $62,220) and go up to 469,900 yuan (about $66,462) for the Luxury Edition.
The arrival of the Electra Encasa clearly demonstrates the direction in which the premium family car market is developing, especially in China. This is no longer just a means of transport, but a mobile space for relaxation and work with an eco-conscious mindset. The combination of electric mobility for daily commutes, long range thanks to the hybrid setup for travel, and an incredible level of comfort makes it a unique offering. Although the model is intended for the Chinese market, its technologies and approach to cabin organization will undoubtedly influence future global developments by Buick and General Motors as a whole, showing that minivans can be no less prestigious than the most luxurious sedans.