Buick, a brand under General Motors, continues to make strides in the competitive Chinese electric vehicle (EV) market with the introduction of its second model based on GM’s Ultium platform. The recently unveiled Buick Electra E4, an all-electric coupe SUV, is now available in China, a mere two months after the launch of the Electra E5, Buick’s first model utilizing the Ultium platform.
In China, the Buick Electra E4 is offered in four different versions, with prices starting at RMB 189,900 ($26,520) and going up to RMB 259,900. These competitive price points are notable when compared to popular electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y, which starts at RMB 263,900, and the NIO EC7, starting at RMB 458,000.
Buick plans to gradually make the Electra E4 available in showrooms, with deliveries scheduled to commence in July. The vehicle boasts an all-electric coupe SUV design, measuring 4,818 mm in length, 1,912 mm in width, and 1,581 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,954 mm. In comparison, the Electra E5 is slightly larger, with dimensions of 4,892 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, 1,655 mm in height, and the same wheelbase.
The Buick Electra E4 is offered in two power versions. The dual-motor version showcases a maximum output of 143 kW for the front electric motor and 68 kW for the rear electric motor, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds. The single-motor version features a front motor with a maximum output of 150 kW.
Powering the Buick Electra E4 is a ternary lithium-ion battery pack supplied by a joint venture between CATL and SAIC. The standard range version comes with a 65-kWh pack, providing a range of 530 km under the CLTC test cycle. Meanwhile, the long-range version boasts a larger pack capacity of 79.7 kWh, extending the range to 620 km.
Buick has established itself as one of the most proactive brands embracing the shift towards electrification in the Chinese automotive industry. The launch of the Electra E5 on April 13 showcased five different versions, priced from RMB 208,900 to RMB 278,900. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with over 8,000 orders received within the first 12 days of availability.
SAIC Motor, a joint venture between GM and SAIC, announced on May 29 that deliveries of the Electra E5 had commenced. However, no specific numbers regarding the deliveries were disclosed at the time. With the introduction of the Electra E4 and its competitive pricing, Buick aims to maintain its momentum in the Chinese EV market and cater to the growing demand for electric vehicles.
