Buick US EV.
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Yes, Buick has been selling EVs for a few years. In China… The illustration above shows what a new US specific model could look like. With a slightly updated design language as well.
A few years ago when GM announced the Cadillac Lyriq, the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Blazer EV, we were waiting for something for Buick. Instead, they chose to revive Hummer with a huge super expensive SUV and a pickup. Even GMC got a new EV pickup, and still nothng for Buick.
At least in the US…
The Buick Electra E5 was introduced in China in 2023. It is of course based on GM’s Ultium platform, just like all its other GM cousins as well as the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX. At almost 193 inches long, it is shorter than the Acura and about the smae size as the Prologue.
While its exterior design is pretty conservative, it has a great interior. Similar to what Buick has been offering here in the past few years.
The smaller Buick Electra E4 was introduced in June 2023, and it still looks fantastic. I really think this would have been great over here.
It is about 3 inches shorter than the Electra E5 and looks 100 times better. It is still not small at about 3 inches longer than a Tesla Model Y. Again, this is also based on the Ultium plaform.
I really think the Electra E4 is a missed opportunity for GM in the US. The Honda Prologue has been the best seller of all Ultium based model in the US last year. Of course the Honda name and repuation have something to do with it. But also the excellent clean and modern design from Honda’s Californa studio. There is little doubt a good looking EV like the Electra E4 could find an audience in the US.
Especially if priced slightly over the Chevrolet Equinox EV and bellow the new Cadillac Optiq.
While I do like that big mouth Buick has recently been using on all etheir SUVs latelly, I think it is getting a little bit old. Something a bit simpler and cleaner could also work a bit better on EVs.
Last July, Mary Barra mentioned that Buick’s first EV for the US had been delayed. It was rumored to be the E5 and not the E4. (Which I think is a mistake). With huge tariffs on Chinese made cars the new Buick EV would have to be Built elsewhere for our market. Which is probably another reason for the delay… ( I’m nost sure how GM deals with the curent huge tariffs on the Buick Envision…)
Let’s just hope that Buick’s first EV for the US will be something that was worth waiting for.