The Buick Electra E5, Buick’s inaugural model based on GM’s Ultium platform, has commenced deliveries in China, generating a positive initial response due to its competitive pricing for an electric SUV. SAIC-GM, the joint venture between General Motors and SAIC, recently announced the commencement of the first batch of Electra E5 deliveries, without disclosing the exact number of vehicles involved.
Buick has outlined plans to enhance its energy replenishment system by incorporating nearly 1,000 Ultium supercharging terminals by the end of this year. Moreover, the company is on track to offer access to over 400,000 charging posts provided by prominent operators, thus addressing the increasing demand for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Since its launch, orders for the Electra E5 have been consistently growing across various regions. SAIC-GM’s Ultium plant in Wuhan intends to optimize production scheduling to meet the surging consumer demand for the model.
The Electra E5, which was officially introduced in China on April 13, is a mid-to-large-sized five-seat SUV, boasting dimensions of 4,892 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, and 1,655 mm in height, with a wheelbase measuring 2,954 mm. This versatile model is available in five versions, each with its own distinctive features and varying price points. The starting prices for the Electra E5 range from RMB 208,900 ($29,530) to RMB 278,900.
The pricing strategy employed by Buick for the Electra E5 demonstrates a highly competitive stance within the electric SUV market, especially considering the model’s size and capabilities. By comparison, the starting price for the BYD Tang EV, which measures 4,900 mm in length, 1,950 mm in width, 1,725 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm, is RMB 282,800. The Tesla Model Y, currently the best-selling electric SUV in China, offers dimensions of 4,750 mm in length, 1,921 mm in width, 1,624 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,890 mm, with a starting price of RMB 261,900.
Buick has experienced substantial demand for the Electra E5 since its market debut. On April 25, the company revealed that it had received over 8,000 orders within the first 12 days. Notably, 78 percent of the customers opted for versions priced at RMB 225,900 and 239,900, demonstrating the strong appeal of these configurations. The competitive pricing, coupled with the increasing availability of charging infrastructure, has positioned the Buick Electra E5 as a compelling option for electric SUV enthusiasts in China.
